Sacramento Art Glass

It's always a pleasure to come here on Art Second Saturday to watch the glass-blowing demos in the shop and observe in person the beautiful art glass pieces being lovingly crafted! The guys here are great about showing people how they do what they do with hot furnaces and glass. Watch them start from scratch how to makes glasses, vases, or art pumpkins in a variety of colors and sizes.There are chairs set up at a safe distance back from the studio work area. There are displays of past work on display. The beauty of hand-blown glass is something truly gorgeous. You can purchase these art pieces. You can even take classes in the art if you want to learn how to make your own projects.There are other artists with studio space here. Among others, expect to see a ceramics artist, a custom plasma torch artist who works in metal drum filagree art drawing, and a masking tape medium artist.

Went to my first class with a few other buddies the other night. I don't know if you can really call it a class, as it implies some required work that you had to learn. I think hanging-out-with-your-buddies-creating-some-cool-ass-glass-art would be more appropriate. I have never worked with glass before, but René and his apprentice made it seem easy and outrageously fun. This is not about sitting and studying, this is about getting your hands dirty, and if you fuck up, expect your buddies to make fun of you kind-of-fun. This first class is basically an introduction. Don't expect to build some amazing glass sculptures on your first class. Don't worry, you get to make stuff and you'll be extremely happy with it too. You'll learn the fundamentals, which really makes you appreciate the "craftsmanship" and artistry of glass making. We also had a few demos to help introduce us to the process and equipment we were using. These demos themselves were quite entertaining. The end demo showed how skilled you need to be when working with glass. The dance that is required when two craftsmen are creating a piece together. It was simply amazing to watch. If you want to learn something new and unique, I would give them a call. You won't be disappointed. Take the longer class too. I would advise bringing some good friends who like to work with their hands and is not afraid to get dirty (you really don't get dirty at all). Expect a relaxed atmosphere, but don't be an obnoxious prick, because there is stuff in there that can hurt you if you don't listen when it's important. Listen, get comfortable, listen, learn the tools, listen, and start having some fun. René will feed off your vibe, so if you're there to learn something and have fun, he's going to turn it up to a level where you're gonna pee in your pants... and you're going like it. It's that awesome. Well, that's not totally true, but you will have fun if that's what you're there for. Highly recommended.

My significant other bought me a LivingSocial to come try my hand at making something out of glass. This particular experience did not involve actual blowing, but required constant turning of a ball of molten glass to create a paperweight. Renè and his assistant Tate were conducting the class (6 students including myself). They walked through the steps numerous times, then provided 1:1 support and instruction for each student as he or she sculpted an object. They were both incredibly helpful and patient, and clearly love what they do.It takes 14 hours for my paperweight to cool, so I'll be going in a bit to pick up the finished product. It is Second Saturday, so they will be doing demos of all kinds of items. This is right next door to Track7, so grab a growler, and bring it with you to go check Sacramento Art Glass. It is insanely fascinating to watch Renè and Tate work. They are true artists, and honestly cool people.

One of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Both Rene and Tate are excellent teachers and delightful human beings. I would recommend them to anyone and have started already.Margie Hackett

All around excellent experience! My friend and I enjoyed a full day of learning about glass blowing, watching and working with glass. It was a very fun and exciting day and we'll both go home with 2 pieces we made (with a lot of expert help and guidance). I wholeheartedly recommend this studio for lessons, great folks and a great time! Also great for any of your gift giving needs.

Such a great learning experience and super fun time!! Rene was so patient with us beginners. He went through each step with us enthusiastically even though he must have done this hundreds of times. In the end we made beautiful paperweights and a drinking glass each. And Rene helped create a special kitchen bowl for me. Over and beyond my expectations! Thank you!!

We had a group class as part of a corporate retreat and it was a great experience. We all learned a lot and the atmosphere was fun and relaxed. René was an excellent and friendly instructor! And the end result was a beautiful paperweight. Highly recommended.

I just went to my first glass blowing class yesterday and had a blast with Rene. He was so very entertaining, informative and helpful. Our class did a great job and created some beautiful pieces to remember our experience for years to come. He gave you freedom and had your back all at the same time while having you laughing and sometimes dancing. If you are looking for something unique and creative to do you should definitely find the time to take one of his classes. Little tip, bring sunglasses as I felt my mascara would melt off while in front of the "glory hole". Tip #2, bring a friend so you have someone to talk to while the other students make their pieces and they can take pictures y'all can laugh at later of you blowing in the pole.Thank you so very much for the great day and can't wait to see my final pieces.

I've always been a fan of art glass, but after a recent trip to the Chihuly exhibit in Seattle I wanted to learn more about working with glass. When I got back to Sacramento, I did a little research and learned that Sacramento Art Glass was right down the street. I signed up for the long class and went today. It was pretty great. Rene and Tate were amazing: patient, thorough, and fun. I admit that at first I was a little nervous about handling 2,000 degree molten glass, but there was no need. Rene and Tate were highly experienced, all about the safety of their students, and provided intensive guidance throughout the process. Although I haven't seen the paperweight and drinking glass that I made yet (everything has to anneal overnight), I think they may actually be beautiful! Long story short, I learned something new, had fun doing it, and have added a couple of beautiful objects to my life...couldn't ask for anything more. Thanks Rene and Tate!PS-If you don't want to take a class, there's also a gallery full of beautiful pieces up front for all of your holiday shopping needs.

I took the long class with Rene and Tate today and it was awesome! This is a great way to get up close and personal with glass and to make a few little pieces (with some serious help from the experts) and get a cool appreciation for the challenge of glassmaking. I would recommend everyone who's thinking about it, to definitely go for the longer class II. Even after 4 or 5 hours I was still having a crazy good time and the longer time period lets you get your hands dirty a bit more, see some amazing demos, and hang out with their awesome dog.