Glen Echo Glassworks

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When it opened, Glen Echo Glassworks was the Washington, DC area’s first glass school, and today it continues to provide one of the area's only studios for blown glass instruction, exhibitions, and special programs -- under the direction of artist-in-residence Paul Swartwood. Classes are offered year round for beginner through advanced students, and open studio time is available for experienced artists. Located in the former Caretaker’s Cottage, the studio is open to the public Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment for glassblowing demonstrations and viewing work by Glassworks artists.

Paul was first introduced to blown glass in 2000 and was so taken by the process that he began studying glassblowing and sculpture at Salisbury University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. For four years, he produced crystalware at the renowned Simon Pearce glass company.

Over the years, Paul has been mostly influenced by Swedish and Italian techniques, admiring the luscious heaviness mastered by Swedish artists and the infinite combinations of color explored by Italian artists. He has shown his work in several galleries along the east coast and has been invited to demonstrate his glassblowing techniques in numerous studios and universities. In January 2009, Paul became a resident artist in Glen Echo Park, where he teaches all levels of glassblowing classes, as well as offers private lessons to those who wish to refine their style and improve their technique.

For more information, visit www.glenechoglassworks.com.

Visit our Glass classes page for more information on glassblowing classes and workshops at Glen Echo Park and links to browse and register for upcoming classes.