Fused Glass Project/N. Mew Art/ Grades 6-8/#SA38-20
Overview and Purpose:
Art is a visual discipline and as such, students should be given multiple and variousopportunities in which to express their creativity. The purpose of this project is to expose students to using glass as a medium in which to create a lasting project for their school. In exhibiting their work students will display their artistic vision, and gain creative competence and confidence.
Standards addressed:
AR.08.CP.02 Describe the creative process used and the effects of the choices made when combining ideas, techniques, and problem solving to produce one’s work.
AR.08.CP.03 Create, present, and/or perform a work of art by controlling essential elements and organizational principles to express an intended idea, mood or feeling.
Materials and Tools:
Assortedfusible glass
glasscutters
safety glasses
safety gloves (for taking pieces out of the kiln)
glass tack solution (for tacking glass designs)
kiln
paper
pencil
glass grinder (to grind off rough edges)
Paper towels (for clean up)
Note: prior to this lesson, students will learn about the history of glass, the properties of glass, and safe practices for handling this material. Students will also observe and practice proper glass cutting techniques.
Art lessons leading up to this culminating activity involve learning about color theory and the elements of art (especially in regards to shape and color).
The activity:
- Brainstorm design ideas. Consider a theme to guide this process, especiallyif you are creating a series of panels.
- Illustrate the design concept on paper.
- Select the colored glass sheets for the glass mural. Mark the shapes on the glass sheets and cut out the glass pieces with glasscutters and pliers using the proper cutting technique. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
- Place the drawn design under a clear sheet of glass. Then position the cutout shapes of glass on the sheet of clear glass. Tack the glass pieces in place using the special solution. Position small square glass mosaic pieces between the glass shapes to fill in the design.
- Place the piece in the kiln and fuse. (I prefer 1450 degrees so that there is still some dimension to the fused glass. You may want to experiment on a sample piece.) Let cool.
- Consider how you would want to hang your piece. One way is to sandwich this top layer with another clear layer of glass underneath. Between these layers you will have to insert two strips of thick glass paper in order to create channels. Once the pieces are fused, the paper “burns off” and a channel is created. Wires can be strung through these channels.
- Assemble the pieces. Be sure to hang them where the light will bring out its colors. Enjoy!
Assessment:
Students will be engaged in this process and should be able to describe the process and verbally critique their work using art vocabulary. I also ask students to write a reaction paper in any form (a letter, poem, etc.) with carefully worded prompts.