The courses are open to  members of the public and are designed to cater for all levels of experience. Participants will learn how to cut clear and coloured glass and to assemble designs, ready for firing in one of  The Project Group’s two glass kilns. Introductory workshops will involve making a series of  small sample pieces using a range of techniques, whilst others will involve making Fused Glass  jewellery, bowls, plates or decorative panels. So, both complete novices and fused glass  enthusiasts will find a workshop to suit their needs.

The first workshop, Basic Techniques of Glass fusing and Kiln-forming will take place on  Saturday 10th May, with others to follow on 17th May, 16th June, and 14th & 25th July. Each  workshop will run from 10am – 4pm, and will cost £45 plus cost of materials.

An experienced glass artist and teacher will lead the workshops, and technical and practical support will be provided by a small team of members of The Project Group, an emerging  social business enterprise. “ Many people who don’t think of themselves as ‘creative’ or  ‘artistic’ are often amazed and excited by the possibilities of working with this colourful and  exciting material ….most ‘get hooked’ very quickly” said one of the organisers.

It is envisaged that this series of courses will be the forerunner of other professional arts and  craft skills workshops to be delivered by The Project Group, not only in their state of the art  studio, but also in accessible community locations, offering learning opportunities to a much  wider audience. The workshop programme has been supported by Nexus, an initiative  supporting the Rural Regeneration Zone in the West Midlands.

For more detailed information about the workshops or for booking instructions please ring  01691 655140 or email kathryn@theprojectgroup.co.uk .