Art Glass Invitational / AGI 2006

[Mr Wonka]

Hi everybody. The Art Glass Invitational / AGI, which is sponsored by Glass Alchemy, LTD. will take place from August 21st through August 26th, 2006, and we want to update you on what is in store for you so far.

Demonstrations, lectures, and slide presentations will be conducted in The Lewis C. Wilson Building, and will include the following people:

-Emilio Santini- Several demonstrations over the course of 2 days. (Subject matter to be announced at a later date)

-Shane Fero- Flame working demonstrations, and several scholarly presentations over the course of 2 days.

-Henry Grimmett and (?)- A NEW presentation on working with color, including hands-on demonstrations and a question and answer period.

-Lewis C. Wilson; Flame working demonstrations- Lewis will demonstrate some of his trademark pieces, in addition to entertaining us with stories as only he can tell them!

-Bill Rasmussen; Flame working demonstrations- During Bill’s demonstration, we will hear stories of how he started and “how things used to be”. It will be a very special occasion to watch and listen to a true pioneer in the industry who has been working with glass for over 60 years.

-Barry Lafler; Scientific and novelty / specialty glass working demonstrations. Barry (a.k.a. “Bear”) will surprise us with some of his unique creations and tricks he has learned over the past 35 years.

-Steve Selchow; Flame working demonstrations- Steve is a true master of sculpture, and will be taking requests from the crowd as to what they would like to see.

-Deborah Carlson; Deborah will conduct a lecture about how to find the artist within yourself, and will be followed by a group activity in which volunteers will participate in several collaboration pieces.

-Tink; Our good friend Tink (a.k.a. Tinkenator, Tinkster, Tinkmeister, Tinkenstein) will be demonstrating some of her unique creations with us. (Subject matter to be announced at a later date)

-Dr. Ed; Our resident physician and fellow glass worker will discuss the hazards involved in our line of work and first aid during his slide presentation, followed by a question and answer period.

-Luke Gardner; Shot glasses. Luke will demonstrate his method of pulling lengths of finely detailed cane and using them for implosions. He will then demonstrate how to use the implosions to create functional shot glasses.

-Tom Doner (Mr. Wonka); Finding new markets- Tom will cover some of the material from his 2005 presentation, in addition to new products and marketing ideas he has discovered that nobody else is currently pursuing.

-In addition to the presentations, a major focus of AGI is learning from each other and networking with your peers. “We are all teachers, and we are all students” has always been our philosophy.

*NOTE- More presentations and more detailed descriptions will be added as we get closer to the event*



A special event will take place this year, in which Lewis Wilson will dedicate the completed “Lampworker’s Lounge” to his hero, and it will be called “The Bill Rasmussen Lounge”. Lewis and his wife Kathy will be here along with Bill and his wife Laura for the dedication. Bill holds a special place in the world of lampworking… He was the first glass worker at Disneyland, and also the first glass worker to create solid borosilicate sculptures. Before that, all boro sculptures were made of spun glass.

Bill has been called a “National Treasure” by his peers, and it will be an honor to dedicate a permanent place to him and his family who also work with glass. He has influenced the careers of people such as Lewis Wilson, Robert Mickelsen, and Milon Townsend, in addition to countless others.

The Bill Rasmussen Lounge will also feature “The Wall”, which is a project Lewis Wilson and Tom Doner are working on. This wall will feature photographs, biographies, and articles from glass workers that have been working with glass for 30 or more years.



To apply for AGI, please send an e-mail to info@glass123.com, with some information about yourself and why you would like to attend. Feel free to send a LINK to some photographs of your work if you want.

*NOTE- YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A GLASS MASTER TO ATTEND AGI.
This event is for glass workers of all skill levels and areas of expertise, and every year we have a percentage of people who have little to no experience working with glass.

The cost for this event is $500.00 for the entire week, and it includes propane, oxygen, and 40+ work stations for guests to use to practice what they have learned and to work with others. The guest list is limited to 100 people, and the work shops will be open from 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM every day.

There is free camping available, and a motel which is approximately 10 minutes away from our facility. We provide a cooking area (grills, oven / stove, microwave ovens, etc.) to prepare your own food. There are also several places that will deliver, and a limited menu will include food prepared by our staff.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to call or e-mail us at:

The Glass Blowing Center
114 Leonard Road
Hilliards, Pennsylvania 16040
info@glass123.com
(724) 791-2100

We are located approximately 1-1/2 hours north of Pittsburgh International Airport, and a map can be found on our web page: http://www.glass123.com .

Thanks for listening, and we hope to see you at AGI 2006 :)

Sincerely,
Tom and Elaine Doner (a.k.a. “Mr & Mrs. Wonka”), and Luke Gardner

Here is an article that appeared in THE FLOW MAGAZINE:
http://www.csonline.net/glass/looie.pdf

Here is an article that appeared in GLASSLINE MAGAZINE:
http://www.csonline.net/glass/agi_glassline.doc


*SPECIAL NOTE- In the past, we have accepted deposits to reserve your space. Due to numerous problems we have encountered year after year, full payment is required to obtain a ticket, and we will be accepting payments as of January 1st, 2006. Between prior reservations and new applicants, we estimate that AGI is currently 50% full, and tickets are available on a first come / first served basis.

[KristiB]

Sounds like an amazing time. I would absolutely LOVE to come someday, but first I must get better (yes, I read the statement about skill ;) ) and DH must get a job so we have the extra CASH!!!

I bet I watched Bill at Disneyland......
Kristi

[Mr. Smiley]

I am so stoked! If you come, you'll meet some of the finest people ever! I wouldn't miss it for the world! Camping and glass for a whole week! Remember, what happens at AGI stays at AGI! :lol:

[Mr Wonka]

I am so stoked! If you come, you'll meet some of the finest people ever!

yes... because Red won't be here next year!


Remember, what happens at AGI stays at AGI! :lol:

Brent- does that mean I can't talk about........ Nevermind :P

[Mr. Smiley]

I wonder who the crazy will be this year. Isn't it a tradition? :D

I'm mainly talking about next year. I didn't do anything too embarrasing last year. I may get nakid and dip into the bath tub in the woods this time. Clean that thing up though... it had spiders and leaves in it! :lol:


Is the talking deer head still working ok? That thing was hilarious! :lol:

[Mr Wonka]

The talking deer head is working fine, and he's even funnier when Pete tells his stories through it with the Gilbert Godfreid voice- OH MY GOD! SO BIGLES GETS DRUNK AT THIS PARTY, AND....


As far as crazies are concerned, I learned a lesson: This year the invitation package will come with a statement such as: If you're disruptive or disorderly, you will be asked to leave, blah blah blah (I'll figure out the rest later).

On second thought, we can just feed them to Dwaine 8-[

[Toozygoot]

I have been thinking about this! Brent told me what an awesome time he had. And I loved seeing pics of what you all did. Well, not everything you did!

I love the attitude!

pat

[andrew brown]

i went for the first time this year, and i had a blast.. so much that i just talked to tom and will be lecturing/ demoing about electroforming, reading facet diagrams, faceting, and hopefully using photoshop for print and web...i think henry and i will also be doing some kind of color lecture/demo..
seriously it was a blast and there were a lot of good people there. im going to have to add it to the yearly calendar..hopefully it wont rain next year and thank you tom and elaine!!! already excited for next year..
andrew

[Mr. Smiley]

Dwaine will eat anything... he likes his crazies deep fried, so we'll have to bust out the turkey fryer again. Is Kevin coming??? He can inject the crazy with flavor sauce and make it awesome. :lol:

Andrew Le Brownstain is coming again!!! That's the best news I've heard all week. (Just don't sneak into my tent and try to cuddle again dude. It was a little weird between us after that. ;) ) Are you bringing a facetron??? Cold working minds want to know. :D I'm so excited I almost can't stand it. This is like an adult glass blowers Christmas. Remember when you'd get excited about Christmas way early as a kid... well, it's like that for me again now.

You guys are the best for putting this event together!!!

[Cosmo]

...and hopefully using photoshop for print and web

Well, I can't be of much help on the glass side, but if you need help with that stuff, let me know. That's what I have been doing for a living for the past 15 years. I taught a couple classes on it at the local community college a few years back.

[Mr Wonka]

Hi Everyone.



Here's a new thing we're adding to the show:

Barry Lafler will be making a manifold for us so we can do plasma sculptures!!!! The system will be on a rolling cart so we can wheel it around between work stations, and Barry will be on hand to show people how to use it. HOW FRIGGIN COOL IS THAT?!!!


For more information on Plasma sculptures, check out the latest edition of The Flow Magazine (http://www.theflowmagazine.com)

[sarakay]

I just signed up!! Happy Birthday to me! ;-)

[PaulaD]

Well Buyer Beware!!
I just cancelled as I can only get one week off from work this summer and not the 2 that I thought I could get and guess what?? There's a $100 fee if you cancel that they don't particularly kill themselves to tell you about. It's not in this post anywhere (as of right now) nor was it on the website!
Paula

[Mr Wonka]

Paula, As I told you in my e-mail, we make no secrets about refunds. Your receipt has your name and address, how much you paid, and by what method (check, credit card, paypal, etc.).

The only other thing on the receipt (after the closing) is the refund policy. It also states that you have 14 days to receive a full refund. After that, $100.00is non refundable.

We pay our AGI expenses and sign contracts up to 6 months prior to the event to ensure everything is taken care of way in advance, which is why we structured the refund policy the way we did. Please do not accuse me of being unethical.

I'm sorry if you chose to overlook that part of the invoice... it has been our policy for the past 3 years.

[PaulaD]

Refund policies should be stated up front and clearly. Not after the person has paid! Paula

[Mr. Smiley]

Tom is one of the nicest people I've ever met. AGI is an event of passion, not profit. They put work into it ALL year long to make it happen. I would consider any part not refunded a donation to a very worthy cause. If there were no safe guards against cancelations on an event this large, it would be in jeopardy. I am so sorry you can't come Paula... but please, be careful what events and people you cast doubt on. Tom's heart is in this event for the right reasons. He has every right to protect himself financially. Sometimes we don't pay attention to refund policy until we want a refund. They have never kept the policy secret. It's an event worthy of all our support. I wouldn't miss it for the world. :love:

[PaulaD]

Hi Smiley!!
I'm not questioning how nice he is!
But show me where the refund policy is stated on the website or the ads here?
To tell me that this policy has been in effect for 3 years doesn't mean anything! I've never gone so how would I know??
If it got past me so easily it wil easily get past others.
People have a right to know before they send in their money.
Had I seen it I would have waited.
And does everyone scrutinize their receipt? I don't think so. And this is the first time you will encounter it after signing up.
Paula

[Mr. Smiley]

I understand you being upset Paula. I'm just questioning your spiteful smear campaign. You could have pointed it out nicer if you were just trying to be "helpful"... remember the 24 hour rule. This makes you look bad, not AGI. :love:

[PaulaD]

Everthing I've posted is truthful. And it's more to help other people from making the same mistake that I did.
I know you are all buddies Smiley so of course you don't like my post..
At least I'm not afraid to post the truth.
Paula

[Mr. Smiley]

Tom and I met at AGI last year and I'm proud to call him a friend... and I'm also willing to attend AGI every year they will have me... it's that good. I won't miss it. All of those feelings aside, your post was mean spirited and I think the 24 hour rule would have served you well... but hey, I post some questionable stuff. No biggie. I don't think AGI looks bad here. You had time to cancel without a fee. That was printed right on your receipt. Sorry you didn't look at it. If you missed it there, I wonder where else you may have skipped over it. :love: Like I said, we normally ignore refund policy, until we want a refund. ;)

[PaulaD]

Smiley Good for you...
You are repeating yourself. But I am glad you have a friend!
Paula

[encantado]

I usually wouldn't post, but...... I just went to your website, and I had to look around a little bit to find you cancellation policy too! If someone was really excited about a class and just clicked "buy now"-it goes straight to paypal. No information on refunds, etc. I had to click on terms and conditions to find that information.....

Since we are all being helpful here, it might be a good idea to have refund policy where the customer has to agree to it before purchasing.

Or is that the buyer's responsibility to be informed on refund policy?

[PaulaD]

Well that's where it IS on most studio websites--under Terms and Conditions!
And that page gets a lot of hits so people are reading it!
Should I have put it under directions?
It's also in huge bold letters on the beginner class website! And in the Paypal Message if you buy via Paypal which most people do!
It's no where on the AGI website at all...And since I paid with Paypal I never got the receipt that everyone is talking about...
Paula

[Mr Wonka]

The refund policy is not listed on the web site.... I guess the reason is because this is the first time anybody has ever complained about it, so it was never an issue (until last night).

If anybody would like to continue to beat me up over this, feel free to take your shots.


Brent- Thank you so much for your support... I truly appreciate it.

[encantado]

Well that's where it IS on most studio websites--under Terms and Conditions!
And that page gets a lot of hits so people are reading it!
Should I have put it under directions?
It's also in huge bold letters on the beginner class website! And in the Paypal Message if you buy via Paypal which most people do!
It's no where on the AGI website at all...And since I paid with Paypal I never got the receipt that everyone is talking about...
Paula


I did go to through the steps to pay and got taken to the paypal page. There is no refund information on my paypal slip "before" you commit?? Does the refund information only appear on the paypal slip "after" I have paid???

[PaulaD]

It's supposed to come up before you pay. It did when I tested it! Maybe there is a paypal glitch. I'll check tonight.
But at least the refund policy is on the website right at the Workshops page which is where it should be...
And tonight I will be adding it to even more places..btw, running classes with just 5 or 6 people is much different than running a very big get together. If one person cancels in a 5 person class it really does make a difference!
And I have given full refunds under certain circumstances. (Or let the person jump into another class if possible).
Here is an example of the ISGB's fees for refunds.(Page 18 of the Gathering Booklet). And this is for a bigger but similar event where they have rented a hotel, hired people, etc, and it takes place a month before the AIG does:
Feb 15 to June 15 $25.00, June 15-June 30 $50.00, After June 30 No refunds.
Now that is reasonable...

Paula

[CorriDawn]

ok, I think that is enough about the refund policy on everyone's part. Back to info on the actual event.

[Mr Wonka]

Corri, thank you very much for your post... I really appreciate it :)


Here is the latest update for AGI-

- Marcel Braun and Devron Musgrave have recently signed on to demonstrate their talents for this year's event. I'm not sure what Marcel will be doing, but knowing him, I'm sure it will be BIG.

- Devron will be demonstrating her dichroic bracelets and rings, and whatever else she would like to share with the crowd.

- I will do a presentation on using your talents to find new markets, and it will also include a segment about selling your work on eBay, primarily focused on glass art.

If anybody has any questions you can contact myself or my wife Elaine at info@glass123.com, or (724) 791-2100.

Thanks to everyone for your support and your positive e-mails :)

Sincerely,
Tom Doner

[sarakay]

I'm very much looking forward to this event. It will be a real thinking out of my glass box time. That is so good is so many ways!

[Mr. Smiley]

I'm very much looking forward to this event. It will be a real thinking out of my glass box time. That is so good is so many ways!

I can't wait to meet you. :D :love:

Tom, it sounds like an amazing line up as usual. I talked to RAM and he said he may be coming... get on the phone with him. The guy had so much fun last year (losing at poker), he wants to come back (and try to win back some pride). He says he's been practicing. :lol: :D

[sarakay]

I don't play poker. But euchre is a whole different story... ;-)

[Mr. Smiley]

Your boots don't match euchre... those are Texas Hold 'em flame boots you got there little lady. :lol:

[sarakay]

Oh, lordy, you don't still remember the horsey picture? I have much better bead camp boots, with *buckles*.

[Mr Wonka]

Hey Brent- I spoke to RAM a few weeks ago, and he'll be here on Wed, Thurs, and Fri.- we already reserved a room for him at the Motel.

I'll see you soon bro!

[JCHerrellGlass]

Oh! Hey. Hi, there!! I'm going and super duper stoked about it!! See ya there, Brent and Sara and Andrew and Tom and everyone!

[Mr. Smiley]

Woohoo Tom! We've got to plan the glass buy in on a night he'll be there. I want a RAM piece damnit. :lol:

Any chance of getting a sand blasting set up there? I know it's kind of short notice, but I think it would add a little something extra. ;)

JC, you are gonna have a blast! I guarantee it! I am so excited to be camping with ya for a whole week! :D

[Anakin's Glass Eye]

Sand blasting! Yes! I must sand blast some orbs (I was gonna say balls but that would be too obvious, hehe).

I have a question. Is there a bit of selling/trading that will be goin on at AGI? I'd like to bring a few marbles and maybe trade for some to add to my growing collection. Is selling discouraged?

Brad

[Mr Wonka]

Hey Brad.
Please bring as much work as you want- trading and selling work is encouraged :)

I'll see what I can do about a sand blaster- I have a cabinet and a compressor, but with all of the kilns running, it taps our electrical capacity. My electrician will be here in a week or two... I'll see if we can upgrade a few things :wink:

Brent- You better get better at your poker skills if you want a RAM piece- you'll have to fight Joe Tecnolux (with a knife to your throat) if you plan on going home with one :lol:

Things are going well over here- The Bill Rasmussen Lounge is almost completed, and Luke and Melissa are finishing up the landscaping... it will look even nicer than it did last year!


I'll see you all real soon!!!

[Mr. Smiley]

Better tell Joe not to bring a knife to a fudge fight. That's right... I'm bringing fudge. Special dark gooey fudge and I've got help flinging it if need be. :lol:

[JCHerrellGlass]

Fudge?? Brent. Shut up. Torching and camping and fudge?? I'll be in the tent right next to Brent, who may not have any fudge left to share. I'll bring my fat pants, too.

[Anakin's Glass Eye]

Another question for Wonka:

Do you have lapidary equipment there? Maybe a flat lap machine? Besides sandblasting I'm aching to make a geode kinda thing with one of my matrix marbles on the inside. Here's the idea, a thing with a rough organic, natural looking outside, a clear window cut through layers of contrasting color peering into an extremely symetrical, organized matrix of squares and triangles and air trap bubbles. I plan to do a very small run of such things and I will call the series "Intelligent Design." Maybe if you don't have the equipment there already I will buy some, bring it, and someone can show me how to use it.

And, do you have a nice kitchen there? If I can drag my ass out of the tent early one day I can make some killer cinnamon buns or sticky pecan buns for everybody. Oh wait, I can make them the night before. Yum.

Brad

[Mr Wonka]

Hey Brad. I only have a small saw and lap wheel, and i haven't replaced the blade and pads since last AGI... I'm not sure if I'll keep them out this year. Milissa might be bringing her machine so I'll let you know about that (your idea sounds awesome!)

The kitchen- no problem at all. we have 4 grills, a stove / oven ("Adam's cupcake oven"), a microwave, toaster oven, 100 cup coffee maker, and a deep fryer... take your pick :)

Brent- at least you'll be slinging fudge and not.... oh, nevermind :-P

J.C.- remind me to show you how to make the palm trees. Pura Vida!

I'll see you all soon (just a little over 3 months)

P.S.- We still have spaces left if anybody is interested. My contact info is:
info@glass123.com, or (724) 791-2100

[Mr Wonka]

Hi everybody. Well, we're 2 months away from AGI, and I wanted to let you know that we still have some spaces left. Here's the latest update:

-The Bill Rasmussen Lounge is painted, carpeted, and furnished. I’ve got to say that it’s even nicer than my house! I picked up the lights today, and when they’re in place I’ll take some photos.

The TV and VCR are set up in the lounge with a collection of glass blowing videos.

BTW-We’re going to spoil you this year. The lounge and the vending area will have air conditioning for your comfort :)


-Bill and Looie collaboration: Bill Rasmussen and Lewis Wilson will be doing a project together on the torch. Between the two of them, they have over 100 years of combined experience!


-Kilns: Marcel will be sending some of his Living Glassworks kilns over for us to use, and they will be available for purchase at the end of the show at a discounted rate, and you can take one home without paying for shipping.


-Wonka’s presentation: I will be covering some material that will help you use your talent and creativity to find new markets. I will also include a segment about selling on EBay, which will be geared specifically to lampworkers.

*Note: I had planned on including a lecture about how to sell glass pipes legally, and decided to post it online instead. Without having a deadline to adhere to, I have not put it all together yet. If I complete it by AGI, I will give everyone in attendance a printed copy of it (So far there are about 6 pages of information).


-Food: A local restaurant (Fat Chaps) will be here preparing a variety of foods available for purchase (including vegetarian). As always, the grills, stove, microwave, and other facilities will be available if you wish to prepare your own meals. Don’t forget… the Saturday night party will include a feast… with all kinds of food… prepared by our friend (and fellow glassworker) Kevin.

*Note: We’ll have 2 kegs for the party, and just for RAM we won’t get “Crudweiser” again. Yuengling will be flowing from the taps :)


-Music: Gypsea’s husband Eddie will be providing the music for Saturday night. If any of you glass blowers have any musical abilities, feel free to bring your instruments if you want to jam. *Hopefully Rex will forget to bring his horns LOL!


-Landscaping: Unfortunately the morning glories didn’t come back as expected, so we won’t have the “hobbit house” look this year. BUT… against all odds, the banana trees made it. Last year there were only two, and this year (so far) there are at least 8 of them popping up.


*Please give Elaine a call if you want to attend. We’re filling up quickly, and we’re working it on a first come / first served basis this year… We hope to close the guest list by the end of July. Our number is (724) 791-2100, and feel free to call if you have any questions.

[Emily NZ]

Sounds like a real blast! I just may try to arrange to come in 2007. Can I get on a mailing list so I don't forget?
Want to come over for the 2007 Gathering and planned on being in the US for 4 - 6 weeks, I think this would round off my time very nicely!
Emily

[Julz]

Any updates on availability?

Note to AGI attendees from MI or thereabouts: Sounds like Brad and JC may be pulling through pre and post AGI- great potential for a party at the farm, or at someone's studio. Any thoughts? Meu estúdio es seu estúdio.

[Mr Wonka]

Emily- please send me an e-mail, and I'll put you on my contact list for next year!

Julz- there are enough people from Michigan attending this year that one of our buildings will be called, "The Michigan Building" :)

Please drop us a line if you want to attend. Our contact information is: info@glass123.com, or (724) 791-2100

P.S.- I will apologize in advance for Mr. Smiley's actions :lol:

[Julz]

Oh, I'll take care of Mr. Smiley myself, thanks! :)

Mr. Wonka- thanks for the invite! I am unable to pay up at the moment, so if it looks like I can get it together later, I'll certainly be in touch. If nothing else, I will try to be there in spirit... hehehe.

[Mr Wonka]

Sounds good Julz- you have our number, and I hope you'll be able to make it!

Tom