Rental opportunities at Foci Glass

Thank you for joining us for the Beginning Glassblowing class! We hope that you’ll consider continuing your study of hot glass.  Here’s some info to get you started:

    After taking Beginning Glassblowing at Foci, you are eligible for “Supervised Rentals.”  A Supervised Rental must be set up with a Foci studio manager by telephone.  You can schedule with:

Andrew Thompson at 612.203.3181

Todd Cameron at 612.940.8633

David Royce at 651.283.9494

    Supervised Rentals cost $35 per hour and there is a 3 hour minimum.  During Supervised Rental, a studio manager will be on hand to help get you started and answer any questions you may have.
After completing two Supervised Rentals you are eligible to rent studio time at Foci.  A studio manager will assign you a password and show you how to access the online studio calendar.  Once you have your password, it’s very easy to simply go online and reserve studio time.
    Studio time is $30 per hour with a 3 hour minimum.  You may rent individually or with a partner ($30 total per hr.)  You can also purchase time in bulk from the studio at $25/hr when buying 15 hours or more of time (5 traditional 3 hour blow slots). The studio is available from 9 am to 9 pm.  For rental time beyond 9 pm you must have permission from a studio manager.

    Feel like you need more time with direct instruction?  We have several options for you.

Mentoring Program

This is an excellent means for you to gain glassblowing technique.  In this program you will assist a more experienced glassblower in making their work, they will then assist you in making yours.  The cost is $20 per hour with a 3 hour minimum.

Individualized Instruction

Several instructors at Foci provide individual lessons.  Cost varies by instructor, but the same rates and 3 hour minimum time remain for Foci Glass.  Instructors are listed below.

Michael Boyd: 612.623.3624

David Royce: 651.283.9494

Jalai Laiel: 763.300.7116

Coming Soon:  Glassblowing 2 Class
An option for students who want to consider their study.  Register online at www.minnesotaglassart.org.

Other possibilities in hot glass…

Thinking you’d like to try a different approach to working with glass?  Our Northeast neighbor Malcom Potek offers classes in glass fusing and torching.  His studio is called Big Dipper Glassworks and you can learn more at potekglass.com.

Thanks for joining us at Foci Glass!


What you can expect when you rent time at Foci Glass


When you rent time at Foci Glass there are a few things you can expect of us as well as a few things we expect of you.

When you schedule time with us at Foci Glass you can expect:

1.    Hot glass, a hot glory hole and a ready annealer and a studio manager to tell you which annealer and furnace are to be used during your slot.
2.    A safe environment to blow glass in
3.    Friendly and courteous staff to answer general questions when they are in the studio and available*

When you schedule time with us at Foci Glass we expect that you will:

1.    Schedule your slots at least 24 hours in advance.  This way a studio manager will be able to fire up for you.
2.    Arrive on time (this means by the time your slot is scheduled, however, it does take time to set up for blowing glass so arriving early is a good policy.
3.    Do not attempt to use any piece of equipment in either the hot or cold shop that you have not been trained to use safely.
4.    Work safely in the studio.  The level of safety in the studio depends in large part on how safely you and others are working in the hot shop.  Remember all surfaces can be hot including pipes, tools etc.
5.    Please consider this studio your studio because you are part of the community. Please help the staff keep it clean.  When you are finished clean up the area around your bench and put your tools away.
6.    Have fun.  We want to make your experience here as enjoyable and meaningful as possible. 

Lastly you are members of the Foci Glass MCGA community.  Feel free to come into the studio any time.  One of the best ways to learn about glass blowing is to expose yourself to it and to watch others.

Thanks again so much, we hope you’ve had and will continue to have a rewarding and meaningful experience here at Foci Glass MCGA.