Old Glory flies over STARworks

You know what's cool? Watching the American flag fly in front of your place of work. Thanks to the guys at Comfort South, we have the colors flying again in front of our building. For the longest time we had bare flagpoles behind our sign on the front lawn with neglected ropes broken and flapping in the breeze. I asked Kenneth Cagle how we could thread new lines through the pulleys and he said all he needed to do was tell two of his guys that they couldn't do it and it would be done in about five minutes. Sure enough they delivered, I was impressed but not surprised. That business is populated by can-do people that accomplish a lot with very little. Thanks to all of them especially Brandon and Brian Moore for polecattin' up those flagpoles so that we can fly our colors. You have to check out the video.

STARwalks trail completed

The STARwalks trail has been installed.  We recently finished pouring our recycled rubber walking trail last week.  Star Heritage Day participants got to walk on the newly poured surface on June 6th.  The STARwalks trail is a 1/8 mile loop that is made of recycled truck tires.  920 tires were saved from the landfill in constructing this low impact walking surface. The forgiving surface lessens stress and impact that occur while walking on concrete, asphalt or other hard surface.  It also lets water pass through eliminating water runoff associated with paved surfaces.  Those who walk on it say a variety of things, but one word heard often is "wow".   Future improvements include benches, picnic tables and a bulletin board that will include information on walking programs offered along with other happenings at STARworks and in the community.  Come by STARworks and check it out!

The STARwalks trail was made possible with a generous grant from The North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund and partnership with The Troy/Montgomery Senior Center, Montgomery County Council on Aging, Montgomery County Health Department, the Town of Star and Montgomery County Parks and Recreation.

Anthony Schafermeyer Visits STARworks Glass!

Anthony Schafermeyer with Nick Fruin

From April 2-9, glass artist Anthony Schafermeyer was the STARworks resident artist. While at STARworks, he worked on a furnace with Wet Dog Glass and on April 7, he worked on a glass piece in the STARworks Glass Lab. Anthony creates vessels using his Graaled Cane technique, which contains Swedish and Italian elements. He makes the cane with several layers of color then he engraves away some of the layers to achieve an asymmetrical pattern.

Anthony Schafermeyer has been a professional glass artist for fifteen years. He has taught, extensively throughout the country including but not limited to Pilchuck Glass School, Haystack mountain school of crafts, and the Corning museum of glass. Anthony has also lectured, and demonstrated abroad, including The University of Segovia, Spain. Niijima Glass school, Japan, The Riitveld Acadamy of Art in Holland, and Kittengela Glass in Kenya. Anthony has a studio in Millvale PA, and is currently working on an installation project for the new Fairmont Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh. He is currently represented by Habatat Gallery, in Boca Raton FL. and Dane Gallery in Nantuckett MA.

We thank Anthony greatly for his visit and welcome him in the future.

For more pictures of Anthony at work, please visit the STARworks Glass website.

GLASS OPEN HOUSE A SUCCESS

The open house hosted by STARworks Glass on April 18, 2009 was a success. Over 70 people came to see glassblowing demonstrations by Mike Linzy, Nick Fruin, Stephen Protheroe, and Eddie Bernard.

Guests were able to ask questions about the glassblowing process and about the artist's themselves. A great time was had by all.

STARworks Glass Open House - April 18

STARworks Glass Lab welcomes the public to come and experience the wonderful art of glassblowing. Our artists will be doing live glassblowing and artwork can be purchased.

Refreshments will be served.

April 18, 2009
5-7pm
STARworks Glass Lab
100 Russell Drive
Star, NC 27356
(Building under the Star water tower)

STARworks Glass MArch 28 Open House Cancelled

The March 28, 2009 Open House for STARworks Glass Lab has been cancelled.

Please join us for the April 18 Open House featuring live glass blowing demonstrations, videos, and artwork. You will get the opportunity to purchase beautiful pieces by our experienced artists. Food and beverage will be served.

Play Work!

For the Past week Adam, Eddie and I have been installing a glass chandelier show in Pittsburgh, PA at the Carnegie Museum of Glass.  It took several days to hang & tweak the glass installation of Venetian artist Maria Grazia Rosin.  We had a fantastic time and met some great people.

Adam & Eddie,

Thank you so much for making this happen!

Steveo

CSA Produce Share

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way to connect consumer and grower, each making a commitment to the other.

As a member of STARworks Garden CSA, you purchase a share for 30 weeks. We encourage you to pay for the whole season in advance -this helps the farmer to start the season and help with operating cost. Monthly payments are also available.

For more information about the CSA, click here or contact Anne at anne@starworksnc.org

Spring Open Houses, Workshops, and Classes

Spring brings lots of excitement and activity here at Central Park NC and STARworks NC. Many open houses, classes, and workshops are beginning and we would love for you to be a part of it.

STARworks Ceramics

Open House - March 16, 2009 (5-7pm)
We will demonstrate some of the clay mixing operation beginning at 5:30pm, and we will be giving out small clay samples. Samples are limited, so first come, first served. Beer, wine and snacks will be served also. Don't miss this chance!

Upcoming Workshops--

Large Bowl/Platter Making - March 30, 2009 (1:30-4:30pm)
4 people/max

Japanese Tea Pot Making - April 27, 2009 (1:30-4:30pm)
4 people/max


Basic Plaster Mold Making - May 18, 2009 (1:30-4:30pm)
6 people/max

For information about classes, fees, and how to sign up, visit http://www.starworksnc.org/Ceramics/ceramics.htm

STARworks Glass

Open House - March 28 and April 18, 2009
We welcome the public to come and experience the wonderful art of glassblowing. Our artists will be doing live glassblowing and artwork can be purchased.

Upcoming Classes and Workshops--

Introduction to Glassblowing - April 13-May 4, 2009 (Mon and Weds.)
This four-week intensive class hosted by STARworks Glass will give students the opportunity to learn the techniques of glassblowing from our expert artists.


Glass I - March 13-15, March 20-22, April 3-5, April 24-26 Weekend Intensive Workshop

Glass II - April 24-26 Weekend Intensive Class

For information about classes, fees, and how to sign up, visit http://www.starworksnc.org/glass/Home/Home.html

Our Blog has Moved

STARworks Ceramics Weblog has moved to:
http://starworksceramics.blogspot.com/

It would be great if you change the book mark.

Thank you,

STARworks Ceramics

SHIITAKE GROWING WORKSHOP

STARgarden NC is hosting a Shiitake growing workshop on February 28'th (Saturday) from 10 am to 12 pm. Workshop instructor is Greg Bender who has grown Shiitake's for 7 years. We are partnering with NC A&T to make this workshop possible. Participation is free. Bring your own 2 oak logs. We can provide some logs for a small fee. For more information and to register, please contact Anne Pärtna : anne@starworksnc.org or #(336) 653 9551

Shiitake 

Greenhouse is up in STARgarden!

STARgarden is proud to present our Green-re-house or Re-green-house

 (the recycled greenhouse)!

We had a nice crew out here on Sunday, the weather was gorgeous, and up it went!

Thank you, Eddie, Angela, Phil, Evan, Adam, Lyza, Andreas, Weezy, Nancy and everyone else who has been involved with this project in any way! More info about this project and other stuff that goes on in or around the garden at STARgarden

This project was made possible by a grant from the Conservation Fund's Resourceful Communities Program. MANY THANKS!

February Glassblowing Classes Still Available

The STARworks glass lab has spaces available for the February Glassblowing Classes. January classes were a great success with potters, jewelry makers, and others using their creative energy to make beautiful glass pieces.

February classes are being offered Feb. 6-8 and Feb. 13-15.

February 6-8 - Glass II

This class is the follow up to Glass I, building on fundamentals from the intro course. The majority of time in the class will be time at the bench with demos in between to familiarize students with proper technique for the process. Students will also get to learn basic cold-working techniques to complete the glass blowing process from start to finish.

For more information on Glass II: GlassII.doc.

February 13-15 - Glass I

STARworks Glass Lab will be offering an accelerated, introductory course in glassblowing (Glass I) that touches on the fundamentals of glass, including basic hot shop techniques, tools and equipment.

Classes would be intensive 3-day classes meeting Friday evening, all day Saturday and all day Sunday for about 20 hours of instruction.

For more information on Glass I: GlassI.doc.

For more information about the classes, please contact Mike Linzy, glass coordinator at Mike@starworksnc.org or at 910-428-9001.

Glass Class A Success!

On January 9-11, 2009, STARworks glass lab held its first accelerated, introductory class of the year. Eight students, ranging from potters to jewelry makers, were able to learn the basic hot shop techniques, tools, and equipment. The students had a great time and were able to make between 5 and 10 pieces in the 20 hours of the class.

If you are interested in taking a glassblowing class, contact Mike Linzy at 910-428-9001.

Intro to Glass classes Jan. 16th,17th and 18th

Glass classes

The new STARworks Glass Lab is offering an introductory glass class (glass I) that touches on the fundamentals of glass, including basic hotshop techniques, tools and equipment.

Classes would be intensive 3-day classes meeting Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday for about 20 hours of instruction.

FRIDAY: Shop orientation, safety, history, demo, equipment operation.

SATURDAY: Gathering, bench operation, use of tools. Starter bubbles, 2nd gathers, and punties.

SUNDAY: making vessels, rolling in color, bits.

PRICE: $295 including lunch on Saturday and Sunday

Class size is limited to 8 students.

For more info, contact Mike Linzy@  mike@starworksnc.org or call 910.428.9001

Delivery Truck Bounces Off Objects In STARworks Parking Lot

On Monday Afternoon, a delivery truck hit a couple of items in the parking lot of STARworks Ceramics.  After bumping into the propane tank and knocking it off of its footing the driver proceeded to pull away from the loading dock.  Much to his and everyone else's surprise he drove away with the support cable for the power line.  Two power line polls came crashing to the ground and started a chain of events which resulted in the guard station on the corner of the back lot burning to the ground.

Star Fire Department could not do anything until the power company shut off the power to the line.  Imagine 12,000 volts getting sprayed with water.

WOW!

We're Done!

Temple University - Tyler School of Art

Philadelphia, PA

www.temple.edu/tyler/newtyler/index.html

On December 7th, the Assembly Dogs (Mac, Nick Phil & Steveo and Eddie stopped in last Saturday) hit the road for Philadelphia, PA to install the equipment we have been fabricating for the past six months.  As of this morning Mac and I packed the truck and said good bye to the beautiful new 4,000 square ft Wet Dog Glass studio at the Tyler School of art.  Temple relocated the Tyler School of Art from Elkins Park (North Philly) to its main campus just off of Old Town and has constructed an amazing 160,000 sq. ft building to house all Tyler art departments.  We worked everyday for twelve days straight to meet our deadline so the studio can open to the students & faculty on January 20th of 2009.  It was a long tough couple of days but it does not compare to the effort of everyone involved in the past six months.  We did it, but not without Mac, Evan, Daniel, Megan, Phil, Nick, Jaz, Steveo and we cannot forget the two people that make it happen all the time, Eddie and Angela.  Thanks guys!

A special thanks to the STARworks crew for all of your help.

Many Thanks,

Steveo

Wet Dog Glass

The First Bucket of Clay

The First bucket of clay was going to process!
We had a test run for our Shredder, Mixer and Filter Press last week, and the photo is first bucket of clay into the shredder.

Glassblown Ornaments for Sale

STARworks is selling beautiful glass ornaments for this holiday season.

These ornaments would make excellent additions to your Christmas tree or great gifts for ones you love.

The cost of one is $13. To purchase a handmade glass or clay ornament, please call STARworks at 910-428-9007 or Central Park NC at 910-428-9001.

VIDEO- Glassblowing Demonstration

The STARworks glass studio hosted Randleman High School for a glassblowing demonstration on December 5, 2008.

Part 1-




Part 2-