Artistic Fusion: Experimental Sandcasting and Hot Glass Retreat
with Kirstie Rea, Keith Dougall and Brenda Page
OVERVIEW OF TRIP
Embark on an all-inclusive 8-day hot glass retreat set against the stunning backdrop of Tasmania. This comprehensive workshop, led by Kirstie Rea, Keith Dougall, Brenda Page and two teaching assistants, promises an unforgettable experience. From immersive artist studio visits to hands-on sand casting and blowing in the hotshop, participants will embark on a journey to unleash their creativity. The retreat begins in Hobart, where attendees will explore private studios, engage with Mona’s artistic wonders, and partake in a drawing workshop led by Jane Giblin. As the adventure continues, a minibus journey will lead to the tranquil foothills of the central highlands, and then onward to the charming town of Poatina. Here, the magic of molten glass will be explored through sand casting and blowing, culminating in the creation of experimental glass pieces that will be further refined in the studio. Throughout the retreat, a series of dynamic creative exercises will challenge participants to think beyond conventions and harness the sculptural and expressive potential of glass. Found objects will intertwine with the casting process, fostering the development of unique assemblages and sculptural forms. By bridging tradition with innovation, this workshop aims to deepen participants’ connection with glass artistry while expanding their creative horizons. A full-day drawing session with artist Jane Giblin will further enrich this transformative journey of exploration and self-expression. This workshop is a must-not-miss for those seeking a truly creative and inspiring experience.
DAY1
We meet in Hobart where we will visit local private studios. At the studio, of Jane Giblin participants will attend an introductory workshop to set the tone of the trip. We then travel onto Mona where we spend the afternoon exploring the galley. Then it is onto the minibus were we head North to the foothills of Central Highlands were we spend our first night.
DAY 2
Back on the bus we head to the Great Lakes district to do some exploring and drawing exercises. Along the way gathering objects for our glass adventure. We then head to Poatina located in the Great Western Tiers district were Keith Dougall runs a hot glass studio. We will spend the next 6 nights here.
DAyS 3-7
For four full days in Poatina we will explore glass in the hotshop along with working in the the classroom. Students will be led by Keith and team and taught how to sandcast and blow basic forms in glass. Students will be working in shifts on the hot glass floor, while not in the hot glass studio, participants will be working with Kirstie and Brenda cold working and manipulating glass. There will be a full day of drawing with Jane Giblin and evening sessions with less structure. A number of creative exercises will be set to encourage a lateral approach to glass.
DAY 8
We board the mini bus and head into Launceston were we have more studio and gallery visits. A visit to the Cataract Gorge for a short (optional )hike. The day will wind up at 4 pm in Launceston.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation. The first night is a private room at a hotel. Accomodation at Poatina is in a shared self-contained cottage with another student, each having their own room.
All tuition
Materials (students will be encouraged to bring their favourite drawing tools)
All meals and food excluding lunch on day 1 and day 8 Entrance fees to all galleries
Transportation throughout the trip
WHAT NOT INCLUDED
Extra snacks and soft drinks. You can purchase snacks and beverages in Poatina and store in the fridge in your cabin.
Accommodation in Tasmania prior to and after the trip
Alcohol
Travel to and from Tasmania
Travel from Launceston to Hobart on day 8, we say our farewells in Launceston
Travel Insurance
Cancellation Policy and Travel Insurance
The following cancellation policy applies:
• Bookings cancelled more than 60 days prior to departure will be charged a fee of $500.
• Bookings cancelled between 40 to 60 days prior to departure will be charged 50% of the retreat cost.
• Bookings cancelled inside 40 days prior to departure will be charged the full value of the booking. No refund will apply.
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat due to
insufficient numbers or other circumstances outside of its control.
We will not be responsible for reimbursement of cost of flights, accommodation, hire car, meals or any other incidental costs which are or may be incurred in relation to the cancelled trip.
Important:
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers losses due to unforeseen events that result in cancellations.
Poatina was hydro-electricity camp which has been turned into a village. Located on a plateau in the heart of the Great Western Tiers it is a popular holiday destination for anglers and bushwalkers eager to explore both Great Lake and Arthurs Lake. Poatina enjoys spectacular views of the Great Western Tiers and is surrounded by some of Tasmania’s best inland fishing rivers and lakes. In 1995 most of the town was bought by Fusion Australia, a National Christian youth and community organisation devoted to helping homeless and unemployed youth. They have placed rules on behaviour in the village which they hope will lead to it being a secure and safe environment and, in its own way, idyllic
Poatina Glass Studio
The Poatina Glass Studio was officially established in 2009 with support from Arts Tasmania. Located in a purpose-built facility of the Alethea Mountain Retreat Arts Centre which was established with support from The Tasmanian Community Fund, The Ian Potter Foundation and the Northern Midlands Council.
A dream many years in the making and now a celebrated reality as Tasmania’s premier hot glass teaching facility, the Poatina Glass Studio addresses a significant need in offering hot and kiln-formed glass studio access and tuition to the state of Tasmania.
Located in a beautiful bush setting with views of the Great Western Tiers on the edge of Poatina village, the studio is an inspiring place for beginners and professionals to undertake workshops in glass making, for artists to access specialised equipment and studio space, for school and other community groups to watch demonstrations or participate in educational workshops, and for tourists and spectators to simply enjoy the fascinating spectacle of hot glass being shaped and formed into all manner of art objects.
The hot glass area, or ‘Hotshop’, boasts a 135kg pot furnace for melting glass.
The kiln formed glass area or ‘Kiln Room’ boasts a large architectural glass fusing and slumping kiln with an internal bed size of 2.4 x 1.2 metres, another large top- opening kiln suitable for large slumping and fusion projects, plus a range of smaller kilns for slumped, fused, or cast glass techniques.
The cold-working area has a wide range of equipment including flat bed grinders, wet-belt linisher, diamond saw and a glass lathe for diamond wheels.
Dates: 14th – 21st March
Cost$4425
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