Glass; A Unique Material
The secret of glass can be found in its unique form of existence. It is a magical material, dancing gracefully within its states of matter. And with the touch of masters who could unveil its mystery, it becomes a work of art.
Glass is a refined medium for artistic expression. However, utmost dedication, enthusiasm and a certain aesthetic sensibility are essential to gain experience in producing glass artwork. A creative environment to develop the skills required for the production of glass objects is also necessary.
The Glass Furnace, Turkey's first glass school, has studios for learning, applying, and experimenting with various hot and cold glass techniques. There are also painting, sculpture, ceramic and stained glass studios and future programs are planned in other branches of glass art and fine arts, to serve even more art lovers. Here, activities are organized to further strenghten the education provided in classes, creating an environment where the students can share their ideas and experiences with the guest artists and with other students. The school library has many resources that the students can take advantage of in their pursuit of the arts. At the end of each course, students get to exhibit their work on campus.
Students who utilize the accomodations on campus can expect all their needs to be met. The accomodations at the Glass Furnace are of the highest international standards, and consist of a dormitory, a dining room, a garden, a place to relax by the stream, a courtyard called "Agora", sports facilities, and a swimming pool; everything one needs...
The Glass Furnace is 25 kilometers northeast of Istanbul near the Black Sea. It is close to the historical village of Öğümce, in the Beykoz region. After the property was acquired by the Glass Furnace, the facilities were renovated by a group of architects deeply committed to the project and the surroundings.
Why Glass and Glass Art in Turkey?
For the past fifty years, glass has ceased being associated just with drinking glasses and window glass. In the hands of artists and designers throughout the world, glass has become a medium for innovative artists and designers, bringing aesthetic satisfaction and beauty to people throughout the world.
In Germany, Italy, Sweden, England, Japan, the Czech Republic, and the United States, glass was historically and industrially important and today, has become and creative material for artists. With studio oriented facilities and advances in education of artists and consumer alike, works of art in glass have become significant in international artistic movements.
Specialized facilities and instruction are required if young people and professional artists are to use glass artistically. Until now, there have been few facilities or programs for young people in Turkey, a country with a rich heritage of fine glassworking. We hope the Glass Furnace can address this issue and allow artists from Turkey to have the same opportunities as other artists throughout the world.
Where else can I find out information on glass in Turkey?
