10 Glass Blowing (& Glass Art) Workshops to try in Singapore

Glassblowing, an ancient craft involving the inflation of molten glass through a blowpipe to create artistic and functional objects, is gaining recognition in Singapore. This art form allows individuals to transform liquid hot glass into various creations, including vases, ornaments, sculptures, and elegant glassware. While pottery classes are widely popular, glass art workshops remain a unique and underserved niche in the local creative scene. This article highlights several glassblowing and glass art workshops available in Singapore, encouraging participation and support for this craft. One prominent workshop is Tombalek, which offers a range of hands-on activities in an open-air setting, including woodworking, metalworking, and glassblowing. Tombalek is equipped with modern tools, well-organized workstations, and Singapore’s sole glass-melting furnace. Their class offerings accommodate all skill levels, from 'Beginning Glassblowing' for novices to more advanced sessions like 'Glassblowing with Colours.' The 'Beginning Glassblowing' class, priced at $260 (originally $380), is a 3-hour guided session covering fundamental techniques such as gathering, marvering, blowing, and transfers, allowing up to four students per class. Participants can collect their finished glasses at the session's end if successful. Other offerings include a 90-minute 'Clear Glassblowing Experience' for $128, focusing on making a cup or vase, and a 'Glass Ornaments Making Class' for $180. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the 'Colourful Glassblowing' class for two students, priced at $360, focuses on creating two coloured glassware pieces. Tombalek also offers glass furnace rental for those who have completed their introductory class, at $120. Art Glass Solutions, also known as Refind Studios, is another significant contributor to Singapore's glass art scene, having created impressive glass sculptures for various tourist attractions. Founded by Sydney-born, Singapore-based artist Barbara Jane Cowie, this studio specializes in hot glass blowing and offers workshops at her Katong studio. The studio provides two main hot glassblowing workshops: 'Introduction to Glassblowing' ($380 to $450 per pax) and 'Advanced Glassblowing' ($700 to $800 per pax), both kept small for personalized attention and safety. Additionally, Art Glass Solutions offers experiential classes such as 'Glassmaking Taster,' 'Kiln Forming,' and 'Bead Making,' which can accommodate larger groups, making them suitable for corporate or social gatherings. Goodman Glass Studio focuses on fused glass art and serves as Singapore’s exclusive dealer for Bullseye Glass supplies. The studio is well-equipped with specialized glass-cutting tools, including a Beetle Bits Cutter, German-made glass-cutting equipment, and three glass kilns. They also offer a variety of German-made slumping molds and customization services. Goodman Glass Studio categorizes its classes into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Basic classes include 'Explore Mosaic Glass Art' for $68 per plate and 'Basic Glass Cutting' for $80. Intermediate skill development classes, such as 'Kiln Carving on Plate' and 'Painting with Frits,' are priced at $160 each. For advanced practitioners, 'Refining Glass Jewellery using Machinery' costs $380, and a comprehensive 'Glass Instructor & Artist Course' is available for $3,500, offering a customized program to hone glasswork skills. Goodman Glass Studio ensures that participants receive instruction from experienced professionals, catering to both newcomers and aspiring artists. Art Glass Centre, led by glass and sand artist Tan Sock Fong, provides a holistic studio, workshop, and gallery space. The center, although its Emily Hill location is permanently closed, continues to offer various classes. Workshops include 'Glass Texturing' ($400 for three 3-hour sessions), 'Beads Making' ($300 for two 3-hour sessions), 'Pendant Making' ($250 for two 3-hour sessions), and 'Art Glass Plate' ($300 for two 3-hour sessions). Participants are advised to contact Tan Sock Fong directly for current details. The Glass Academy by Synergraphic Design, an educational arm of a family-run glass art and design company, aims to promote glass art in Singapore. Led by Tan Sock Fong, the academy offers classes in glass fusing, kilnforming, and art glass creation. Their 'Glass Jewellery Class' is a multi-session program priced at $2,500, covering basic, intermediate, and advanced techniques. Taster workshops for fused glass jewelry and coasters are available for $55 and $85, respectively, while a 'Glass Kilnforming Basic Workshop' costs $165, and a 'Stained Glass Basic Workshop' is $455. Genesis Stained Glass, supported by the National Arts Council, offers a range of classes, including 'Art of Stained Glass' (beginner, intermediate, advanced), 'Art of Glass Mosaic,' 'Art of Molten/Fused Glass' (fusing & slumping, fritography, fused jewelry), with prices available upon contact. For those interested in alternative glass art forms, glass painting workshops are also widely available. Sage Artelier offers engaging glass painting workshops for $60, where participants can create personalized glass art masterpieces within two hours. @21 Singapore hosts glass decorating workshops from $10, allowing customization of wine glasses with charms. The Cozy Cabin provides a 1.5-hour 'Glass Decal Workshop' from $40, where individuals can personalize glass cups, which then undergo a firing process. Finally, the Visual Arts Centre offers glass painting workshops at $35 nett per person, guided by skilled instructors, covering fundamentals of acrylic painting and layering techniques. These workshops collectively aim to make glass art accessible and foster creativity among Singapore residents. #Glassblowing #GlassArt #Workshops #Singapore #Craftsmanship #CreativeActivities #ArtClasses #GlassPainting #FusedGlass #Glassblowing #GlassArt #Workshops #Singapore #Craftsmanship #CreativeActivities #ArtClasses #GlassPainting #FusedGlass