Water Street Glassworks is a proud participant in the Berrien Springs & Niles Partnership Programs. We offer classes in Glassblowing and Glass Beadmaking. Our qualified instructors will guide students through the exciting learning process of working in the fire arts. Students can learn how to blow molten glass, and form glass beads over a torch.
Beginning Glassblowing
This exciting four-week class is designed to introduce the novice student to the glass as a material for creating art. Students will learn how to use the methods and processes of glassblowing to safely shape molten glass into vessels and sculptural artworks. The class will begin learning glass blowing techniques and move into making paperweights, cups, and other vessels. This class will serve as a prerequisite for further classes in glassblowing. (No experience required. Ages 15+)
Thursdays (4 week class) 11:00am- 3:00pm. 4 weeks
First class date: January 26th, 2023
Instructor: Eli Zilke
Eli Zilke began glassblowing at the age of 12 as a student in Water Street Glasswork’s FIRED UP! After-school program. He eventually became a studio tech and teaching assistant under Jerry Catania, founder of Water Street Glassworks. Eli assumed role of Studio Manager and primary Glassblowing
Instructor in 2018.
Glass Beadmaking
This dynamic four-week class is designed to introduce the novice student to the art of making glass beads on torches. Students will learn various methods of creating beads for jewelry-making and other decorative purposes. Each class session is tailored to the skill level of the students. (No experience necessary, Ages 12+)
Thursdays (4 week sesson) 11:00am- 3:00pm
First class date: January 26, 2023
Instructor: Gina Edwards
Gina Edwards has been working as a glass artist for over 20 years, and has been a Fused Glass and Beadmaking instructor at Water Street Glassworks for 13 years.
If you have questions about the courses, program, or registration, contact the office at 269.925.5555 or contact officemanager@waterstreetglassworks.org
Berrien Springs Partnership Program
This a free program paid for by your tax dollars and generously provided and supported by Berrien Springs Public Schools. Because BSPS is a district of choices, we offer all students an array of options. The Partnership is available to district students, homeschool students from Berrien, Cass and VanBuren counties, and in-district (Berrien Springs residents) private school students.
Students, grades K-12, sign up as part-time Berrien Springs students. According to HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association), homeschoolers retain their status as homeschool students as long as parents provide 51% of the students' total education including all core subjects: language arts (reading, spelling, English grammar, writing, literature), arithmetic, science, history, and federal and state government. The school district receives tax dollars and in turn provides extremely valuable and fun non-core (elective) educational opportunities families might not otherwise be able to enjoy.
Visit the Berrien Springs Partnership Program website for more information and registration dates.
Niles Extended School Community
We respect your choice to be the primary educator for your children. Our offer is part of Niles Community Schools' vision to support the learning of every student residing in our district and beyond. Extending our educational support beyond the school walls and into Michigan is a small part of a larger plan to develop and grow Michigan into a vibrant state.
All courses offered in the Partnership are available to the following students; all students in the Niles Community Schools district, Home School student whose residence is in Michigan, or private school students whose residence is in Michigan.
Visit the Niles Partnership Program website for more information and registration dates.