Do I need prior glass experience?

No—this class is designed for beginners and covers all steps from choosing stringers to prepping pieces for firing.

How old do participants need to be?

Minimum age is 14; participants younger than 14 must attend with a parent or guardian who is also in the class.

When can I pick up my finished plate?

Finished pieces are typically ready for pick-up in 1–2 weeks after firing and slumping is complete.

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the location is ADA accessible; the studio can provide accommodations if you contact them ahead of time.

What should I wear to class?

Closed-toe shoes are required; wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little dusty from glass powders.

Are materials included in the price?

Yes—Bullseye stringers, glass, and kiln firing are included, so you only need to bring yourself and any travel packing supplies.

Fused Optical Plate Class — Make Bullseye Optical Plates in Denver | Workshop

At 1440 W 52nd Ave in Denver, Fused Optical Plate Class offers a compact creative expedition into molten color. In a bright studio on the city’s northwest side, artists of all levels learn how to bend light and glass into plates that play tricks on the eye. Over 2.5 hours, instructors guide students through choosing Bullseye stringers, arranging color, and preparing pieces for the kiln; the studio fires and slumps each plate so participants collect finished work 1–2 weeks later. The session centers on three tactile technologies: glass stringers—thin rods of colored glass—laid into patterns; the controlled firing schedule that fuses layers without trapping stress fractures; and slumping, where flat discs yield to molds and become usable plates. That mix of chemistry and craft creates optical effects uncommon in other Denver art classes: concentric bands, moiré-like surfaces, and depth produced by layered transparent color. The studio is ADA accessible and welcomes teens 14 and up (those under 14 must attend with a guardian), making it a practical stop for families and visitors looking for a hands-on diversion from hiking or brewery tours. What makes this a local standout is the blend of immediacy and permanence. Unlike a gallery visit, you leave with a designed object that speaks to Colorado’s bold color palette—cobalt blues, high-altitude sun yellows, and slate grays mimicking nearby foothills. The designers teach efficient layouts that reduce waste and teach basic kiln safety, so even first-timers produce pieces worthy of daily use. Classes continue through winter weather with rare cancellations, so it’s a reliable option when mountains are snowed in. Practical details are straightforward: arrive a few minutes early to choose materials and settle in; wear closed-toe shoes; bring a water bottle if you get thirsty. The studio keeps group sizes small (about 10) for close instruction. Because all materials and kiln firing are included, the workshop removes logistical friction—just show up ready to play with color. For travelers who pair outdoor programming with urban craft, this class is a memorable half-day activity. It’s tactile, social, and unexpectedly educational: you’ll learn about temper, annealing schedules, and how layering color alters perceived depth. Bring curiosity and a steady hand; the payoff is a luminous plate that captures Denver light in a way a photograph can’t. Instructors also explain proper care for fused glass—how to hand-wash, avoid thermal shock, and display pieces safely—and offer tips for packing fragile art for travel home. The class accommodates beginners while offering challenges for repeat students who want to refine layering and optical effects. Small group sizes mean personalized feedback, and the studio staff will make accommodations for mobility needs if you contact them ahead of time. It’s an ideal afternoon creative stop today.

About D&L Art Glass Supply

D&L Art Glass Supply is a full-service glass art studio and teaching center dedicated to hands-on education, materials, and studio access for makers at every level. Located within a creative community, D&L offers an extensive schedule of workshops and open-studio sessions led by nationally recognized artists and experienced instructors. Classes cover fused glass, stained glass, mosaics, vitrigraph, kilnforming, cold working, sandblasting, and specialized techniques like reactive glass and advanced pattern making.

Participants can join single-day introductions, intensive multi-day courses, themed artist residencies, and two-hour open studio sessions. Each class supplies studio tools, equipment, and clear firing schedules, while materials are available for purchase on-site or participants may bring their own. D&L emphasizes safety, accessibility, and artistic growth with small class sizes, step-by-step demonstrations, and one-on-one guidance during hands-on projects. Popular offerings include beginner fusing, mosaic workshops, stained-glass painting and lightbox projects, vitrigraph collaboration, and advanced fused-glass pattern forming. Several guest-led workshops are noted as sold out, reflecting consistent demand and instructor reputations. The studio also supports experimentation with test pieces and sample libraries so artists can learn material behaviors before committing to larger works. D&L maintains professional-grade kilns and cold-working stations and enforces best practices for material compatibility and ventilation. With a track record of offering beginner-friendly entry points alongside advanced technical courses, D&L Art Glass Supply serves hobbyists, emerging artists, and professional makers seeking technical skill, creative support, and reliable studio resources. The studio regularly updates its equipment and publishes clear schedules and materials lists online for students annually.