Staff Reports
One hardly needs be the next Dale Chihuly to enjoy creative glassblowing.
In fact, popular glass artist Lisa Pelo from Clayton — west of Plainfield — has spent the past few years of visits to Columbus showing people that learning basic skills can allow them to produce blow-your-mind creativity.
And she’ll do it yet again Oct. 20-21. But know that most hour-long slots have filled quickly in the past.
In fact, even her teaching has drawn onlookers.
The Columbus Area Arts Council has opened registration for its last Artist-led Workshop of the 2018 season: Glassblowing with Pelo, owner of Hot Blown Glass. Workshop sessions will take place in the 300 block of Washington Street outside The Commons.
Registration for an hour-long time slot costs $40 per person — people must be 18 or older — and includes all materials. A limited number of slots are available.
For more than 25 years, Pelo has perfected her technique in making blown glass, slumped and fused glass, case glass and metal sculptures. She’ll be bringing her traveling studio back to downtown Columbus for the workshop.
“I love bringing glassblowing to the people,” Pelo said. “As an artist it’s a demanding medium that requires a lot of experience, knowledge and special equipment, but my workshops give people a chance to learn basic techniques quickly so they can produce something beautiful that’s uniquely theirs.”
Participants’ guidance and learning will be with Pelo and her assistants. They will create a glass pumpkin on Oct. 20 or an Indiana-shaped glass paperweight on Oct. 21 after a brief tutorial. Each piece is unique and can be customized with an array of colored glass. Pelo’s original handmade glass artwork will also be available for purchase.
The arts council’s 2018 Artist-led Workshops are funded by a grant from the Efroymson Family Fund. The grant covers program costs, allowing the arts council to charge participants for only the materials they will use. These workshops showcase the unique skills of regional artists in a hands-on environment.
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What: Artist-led workshop on glassblowing with seasoned glass artist Lisa Pelo of Hot Blown Glass in Clayton.
When: Oct. 20-21.
Where: In front of The Commons at 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
Cost: $40 per one-hour session. Participants must be 18 and older.
Information and registration: 812-376-2539 or artsincolumbus.org.
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