Glass Hot Shop Open Studio Information
Prerequisites: All First-time renters at FCAC must complete a safety and equipment orientation with Glass Studio Manager prior to renting the studio.
All Hot Shop Open Studio Renters must adhere to the following safety policies:
- Eye protection, closed-toed shoes, and natural-fiber clothing (cotton, linen) must be worn. No synthetic clothing (spandex, polyester, rayon, etc.) because it can melt to skin and may cause serious burns.
- Long hair must be tied back.
- No consumption of drugs or alcohol before or during your work time in the Glass Hot Shop. Anyone reported to be under the influence will not be allowed to use the shop.
- To keep hazardous silica dust to a minimum – please no glass powder directly on marvers.
- No unauthorized personnel or pets inside the gate – visitors are welcome to sit on the viewing benches to watch outside the gate.
- Renters must sign in and sign out.
Glass Hot Shop Open Studio renters must clean the entire work area completely upon completion of a blow slot, including sweeping the floor and putting away tools. Please follow the checklist posted in the shop.
If Glass Hot Shop policies are not followed or the space is left messy after your blow slot, you will be issued a warning. After your 3rd warning, you will be temporarily suspended from using the shop. To obtain access to the shop again after your suspension, you will be required to attend a training session that covers proper cleaning and equipment handling procedures. FCAC Staff must sign off on your successful completion of the training session before you are able to begin renting the shop again.
FCAC Membership perks:
- Significant discounts on blow slot rentals ($30 off per 3 hr. blow slot – this adds up to tremendous savings throughout the year!)
- 15 % off most classes and workshops
- Discounts on event tickets
- For more information on benefits, please check out our Membership page!
FCAC Member Rates:
Medium Hole: $35/hour
Regular Rental Rates:
Medium Hole: $45/hour
All Rates Include Use of the Following Equipment and Supplies:
- One Gas glory hole
- Gas furnace
- One bench
- Hand tools
- Blocks
- Knock-off table, gloves, glasses, and safety gear
- Blow pipes and punty rods
- Half of an annealer per 3 hour rental
- ONLY clear glass is provided, ten pounds per hour is included. If renter’s consumption is over 10 lbs. per/hour, a rate of $2.00 per/lb will be charged for overage, upon unloading from the annealer.
- All renters must provide their own approved colored glass (frit).
Secondary Shop Tool Use:
Optional Fees can be added to basic Glass Hot Shop Open Studio rental at the time of booking, including:
- Propane Torch: Additional $5/hour
- Oxy-Propane Hot Torch: Additional $5/hour
- Additional Work Space in the Hangar: Additional $10/hour
Extra Annealer Space:
- Additional $25 if one half is used in conjunction with a 3+ hour rental
- Additional $50 if used in conjunction with a rental under 3 hours
Kiln Rentals for Kiln-forming Glass:
- Bathtub Kiln, full fusing cycle $30.
- Large Denver Kiln, full fusing cycle $50.
Call 850-429-1222 or email Connor, glass@firstcityart.org to reserve and pay for your glass blowing time, based on shop availability. If you are a member or a regular renter, you are given access to a convenient online scheduling system, called Acuity, to reserve and pay for your blow slots as far ahead as you like, in order to guarantee your slot. Appointments less than 36 hours in advance must be scheduled through the Main Office.
