Visit us at the Michigan Renaissance Festival! Saturdays & Sundays thru Oct. 1st

Glass Academy Blog

What is your Favorite Pumpkin Style?

What is your Favorite Pumpkin Style?

Watch this week's video and then go enter the giveaway right here! GIVEAWAY QUESTION: What are your favorite pumpkin styles and colors? Share your...
A Mythical Masterpiece in Glass

A Mythical Masterpiece in Glass

  The Experimental Show #89Available Sunday, Sept. 17th @ 9AM Watch The Experimental Show right here, and then answer our giveaway question in the ...
2nd Design: Recycled Glass

2nd Design: Recycled Glass

Since recycling glass benefits the environment, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces landfill waste, we've been called to recycle since day one here at the Glass Academy. 
How the CoronaVirus in Glass started in our Studio

How the CoronaVirus in Glass started in our Studio

On March 17th we locked the doors of our studio and headed out the door, telling all our staff that we'd be calling them back when the virus blew o...
Materials of Expression: Part Two

Materials of Expression: Part Two

Going back to the process of creating a solo exhibition, I have to force myself to create a new body of work, or to even perfect a body of work. I feel like this was something I needed to do in this stage of my career. I’ve been creating custom sculpture for clients for 30 plus years now so having a show that’s just about me and what my mind feels is the best form of expression is the next step.
Passion Projects ~ What's Yours?

Passion Projects ~ What's Yours?

 It’s the passion protects that are essential to the work we do.  Allowing ourselves this opportunity to have side jobs, volunteer work, etc., that yields results in everything we do and I know I am a much more talented artist because of it.
2020 Vision - This Year and Beyond!

2020 Vision - This Year and Beyond!

Our work with non-profits and the local community continues to be one of our strongest assets and since not everyone across the Mid-west can come to us, we’ve decided we could go to them!  This summer - one lucky organization will win the ultimate prize:  The Glass Academy team coming to them for some on-site glassblowing action!!!
Wholesale Accounts - An Early Lesson

Wholesale Accounts - An Early Lesson

To my family, peers, and society, this contract would solidify the idea, that yes, we could make a living being glass artists and this contract would be that proof that we are on the path to being a professional business!

But then there was a problem with our ornaments.  Over half of the shipment was rejected and we were devastated.  What just happened?!

I Thought I Knew!

I Thought I Knew!

The super bad, ugly and weird ones?  I take joy in crushing them in the dumpster.  Sad but true, I break them all with a hammer, and relieve stress in the process.  Super fun!

May I Take Your Order?

May I Take Your Order?

“Why do you enjoy making custom orders for people and is there a difference between the customer watching you make it before their eyes or just or...
Organic farm inspires Detroit Artist to new levels!

Organic farm inspires Detroit Artist to new levels!

Green Things Farm.  An organic farm in Ann Arbor.  5.5 miles from my home, so close that I could ride my bike~ and I often did.  (Until the summer heat reminded me to lighten up a bit!)  I work 2 days a week, 4 hours each day and I’ve learned a TON.  Most of which is the importance of buying food from your local farmer. 
The Michigan Renaissance Festival features the Glass Academy as the Royal Glassmakers

The Michigan Renaissance Festival features the Glass Academy as the Royal Glassmakers

If you have never been out to The Michigan Renaissance Festival come to visit the Royal Glass Makers near the Mother Oak stage!  I suggest this year is the year you need to come out.   You’ll get to see me blowing glass on stage in a mid evil costume, having a blast and you can be a part of the excitement!  ~Chris Nordin