A hub of international glass artistry, production, and instruction, Cam Ocağı Vakfı, or the Glass Furnace, is one of the world’s most distinguished glass schools and studios located in Istanbul near the Black Sea. Hosting world-renowned artists, the foundation hopes to foster excellence among its students as well as contribute to Turkey’s developing glass art community.

The summer season promises to be jampacked at the Glass Furnace, with several international instructors coming for workshops of 3 days as well as 2 weeks, both for beginners as well as advanced students. The world-class institution offers accommodation for students who are attending the long courses, and applications for workshops can be made by emailing or calling the Glass Furnace at [email protected] or (0216) 433 36 93. 

The summer workshop program is as follows:

3-14 July

Fusing and Kiln-casting – Anna Boothe: Boothe originally trained as a sculptor at the Rhode Island School of Design, and has worked with glass since 1980.

Bead-making- Ursula Distler: Make a personalized item of jewelry with Master German glass artist

Glassblowing – Anthony Gelpi: Open to students with one or more years of glassblowing experience

17-28 July

Sand Casting – Pino Cherchi: Create large and small-scale sculptures with master artist Cherchi who restored the historical Collegiata Di Santa Maria Assunta Di Arco church in Trento, Italy.

Lampworking and Fusing – Michaela M. Möller: Split into three separate workshops, this course trains students on how to integrate torch-blown elements into interior design.

Fusing – Mark Eckstrand: former sketch artist and painter, Eckstrand will train students in Cane, Murrini and Lattichino techniques.

31 July – 11 August

Kiln-casting and Patte de Verre – Kazimiers Pawlak: Polish glass and ceramics expert Kazimiers Pawlak has exhibited his work globally, and won several grants and scholarships.

Sculpture with Coldworking – Vladimir Klein: Learn to make large-scale glass sculptures the expedited way.

Glassblowing – Karen Willenbrink: Instructors Karen and Jasen work full-time at the Pilchuck Glass School.

Lampworking – Tom Galbraith: This two-part course on lampworking will expose students to the complete process of neon lamp creation, embellishment, illumination, and installment.

Metal-smithing – Ana Lopez: Fashion a unique piece of jewelry. Beginners and advanced glass artists are welcome. 

28 August – 8 September

Glassblowing – Jane Cowie: Develop your basic skills with Australian glass artists Cowie.

Plasma Sculpture – Ed Kirschner: Neon, plasma, and glass are this workshop’s mediums, intersecting in cosmic and fantastic forms.

Kiln-casting & Mix Media – Lubomir Ferko: Delve into a world of symbolism and light with this mixed-media sculpture workshop.

Chasing and Repoussé - Fabrizio Acquafresca: Learn from the Italian master who is a direct descendant of Matteo Acquafresca (1651-1738), one of the most talented Italian gun makers who invented the breech-loading system.