Open Studio at Glass Mermaid

Open Studio at Glass Mermaid

There is something quietly magical about returning to the studio after your first class. The tools feel more familiar. The colors seem to call to you differently. Open Studio is our invitation to step back into that creative current.

Open Studio is available exclusively to those who have previously taken a class with Glass Mermaid. This ensures that everyone in the space understands the fundamentals of safety, studio flow, and proper tool handling. It allows the studio to remain both relaxed and productive, with each artist working independently and confidently.

At the beginning of each Open Studio session, Lisa checks in with participants to see what they are working on, what ideas are forming, and whether they need assistance. She is happy to help you think through options, clarify your vision, and outline the steps needed to bring it to life. From there, the work is yours. Open Studio is about empowering artists to carry their ideas forward independently, building confidence through doing.

During Open Studio, you will have access to much of our glass selection and core tools. Participants must be comfortable cutting glass on their own and working through their design without step-by-step instruction. This is not a beginner session, but rather dedicated time to practice, experiment, and expand on what you have already learned.

Materials are available for purchase during Open Studio, so you can select from our studio glass if inspiration strikes. You are also welcome to bring your own compatible glass if you prefer to work from your personal collection. If you are unsure whether your materials are suitable for our kilns, we are happy to take a quick look before you begin.

Kiln firing is available as well. Open Studio participants pay $20 per kiln firing. If there is space in a kiln already firing with Glass Mermaid work, there is no charge. If you share a kiln firing with other Open Studio participants, the $20 firing fee is split among those sharing the load.

Many artists find Open Studio to be the most freeing part of their glass journey. Without the structure of a formal class, there is room to explore color combinations you would not normally choose, test new patterns, or revisit a technique that intrigued you the first time.

Perhaps the most unexpected part of Open Studio is the community that is quietly forming. Artists inspire one another. Ideas are shared. Confidence grows not just from individual progress, but from watching others experiment, solve problems, and succeed. The room carries a steady, motivating energy that makes people want to keep creating.

If you have taken a class with us and are ready to deepen your practice, Open Studio is a beautiful next step. Come with a clear vision or simply a spark of curiosity. Either way, you will leave with something uniquely your own, and likely a little more inspired than when you arrived.