About

This open studio has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

This guided open studio has prerequisites. Please see below.

This is the opportunity to hone your torch skills while having an expert available to answer your questions, or suggest better practices. This can be considered an extension of Michele Benson's classes offered at BARN, although newcomers are welcome as long as they've met the prerequisites. All skill levels are welcomed.

Details:

• Prerequisites: Intro to Torchwork or Torch Orientation or have otherwise been checked off on their skills card to use torches in the studio.
  
• All students must register. No drop-ins please. 
• Students must bring their own supplies, although some items are available for purchase (with cash or check) in the Glass Studio.
  

• Wear close-toed shoes & long pants, whenever in the Glass Studio. Thank you.

• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols.
  

Michele has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Potsdam State College in New York and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University.

After many years in the field of child protection, Michele retired and opened Sandhill Glass Studio (formerly Cuttlefish Glass Studio) where she taught Lampworking (torchwork) for over ten years until she moved to Washington State.

She has taught Lampworking (torchwork) for OIT (Oregon Institute of Technology), for Klamath Community College, and has written articles for Softflex Jewelry Company.

Michele is a long-time member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) and is currently a member of the Glass Dragons.

When not in her studio, Michele volunteers for the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County and for the Kitsap Humane Society. She enjoys travelling, scuba diving and underwater photography!