First City Art Center (FCA) is now accepting applications for its 2013 Glassblowing Mentorship Program headed up by the First City Art Center Glass Guild. The six-weeks/12 class program beginning March 7, 2013 provides three area high school students the opportunity to learn the art of glassblowing free of charge. All classes will be held at First City Art Center located at 1060 N. Guillemard St. Students will learn the history of glassblowing, while getting a full hands-on experience of making various forms of artistic and functional glassware. All Escambia and Santa Rosa County high school 9-11 grade students are eligible. Applications are being accepted through Feb. 8, 2013.
APPLICATION ACCEPTED THROUGH FEB. 8, 2013
About First City Art Center’s Glassblowing Mentorship Program
In 2011 the FCA Glass Guild had recognized the need to attract young artists to the glass program. With the absence of a college-based program in the community it is very difficult and expensive for young artists to learn glassblowing. The mentorship program is FCA’s first attempt to develop young artists in an intensive hands-on experience.
The FCA Glass Guild reached out to the Escambia County High School arts teachers who recommended a select group of students; each student was asked to provide a one-page narrative about his or her pursuit of, and interest in art as well as a few photos of their work. Three students were painstakingly chosen to participate in this mentorship and began their orientation under the tutelage of FCA Glass Guild members, volunteering their time and talents, and FCA donated all materials for this pilot program. Success of this pilot program will hopefully garner funding for future long-term sustainability and growth of this program. To date, the first students successfully completed their six-weeks/12 class course and are junior members of the FCA glass guild – assisting with production of glass cups, pumpkins as well as continuing to improve their skill level.