FAQs

RiverFire Glass is a studio located inside the SoMA building at 500 Main Street in Deep River.  500 Main is an industrial complex just north of exit 5 off Route 9 but don't drive in the entrance that says 500 South Main. SoMA has a black front with large yellow paint brushes across the facade.

Our entrance is located in front with parking along the front of the building. We are directly adjacent Juke Box Studios. You can see us from the street, if you drive in a driveway, you've gone too far. 

For your GPS, use 457 Main Street, Deep River, CT. This is actually Fred & George's service station. It is directly across the street from us, so if you make it to them, you can see us. This way you don't get lost in the industrial complex.

In the basic class, you'll create something simple yet awesome, like a 4" round flower or 2.5x6" garden stake, 2–5 small ornaments or two 3" suncatchers, a 4" square coaster, or 2 pendant necklaces. Think "beginner projects"—flat, fabulous, and perfect for getting the hang of things.

If you’re itching to make something different, let’s chat beforehand. While we typically start with flat items (because gravity is a thing), I’m happy to see if your wild idea is doable. Most class descriptions include common swaps or upgrades and their reasonable prices. Let’s keep it sensible, though—I can’t help you build a glass replica of the Mona Lisa on day one. 😉

Nope! You do you, rebel. Students don’t need to make the same item, and everyone’s welcome to flex their creative muscles with their own design. That said, if you’re a beginner, sticking to the class project is probably wise. Think of it as training wheels—you can ditch them and go full renegade next time.

If you’re planning to go rogue, a heads-up is appreciated so I can seat you far enough away to avoid confusing the newbies (and myself). Just a heads-up though: non-class projects often mean extra materials and more of my time, which may incur extra charges. Creativity is priceless, but my supplies and sanity aren’t.

Not to worry, I am on hand to help you brainstorm ideas and RiverFire Glass has samples of items previously made to get your creative juices flowing. And, there’s always the internet.  It’s a great place to look at things you like and get inspired by them.

None, nada, zilch. You need no experience in glass or any other art form before arriving.  That’s what I’m here for.  I will show you how to use a variety of art glass tools. You will get the chance to practice and get somewhat comfortable with them. I will be checking your designs and “architecture" of your pieces to ensure a successful outcome.

I began working in fused glass in 2002 as a hobbyist and became a professional artist in 2017. My mother was an art teacher and after receiving my journalism degree I took college art classes covering all the studio arts; drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, graphic design, history of art, etc. 

You must wear closed-toe shoes.  It’s best to have long pants and your sleeves should not be flowy, dangly or anything that would catch or drag as you work. You can bring beverages as long as they have a cover.  If somehow you bring an open cup, we can transfer it to one of our jam jar glasses with a lid, so not to worry. Food, if you want to bring food and make it a bit of a party, we need to know ahead of time so we can make arrangements to have a cart in the gathering hall area as it’s best not to have food near where glass might be flying.

We have safety goggles for your use while you are with us.  We keep regular and over-glasses sizes. If you happen to have your own safety goggles that you like, by all means bring them.  We ask people to have a mask with them but you generally don’t need to wear it unless we are working with finely crushed glass or you feel more comfortable wearing one.

​​Click on Classes and Events to see up-to-date beginner pricing.  

For advanced classes, contact us to discuss the scope of your project.