In June, the Gazette profiled the newest business in town, Dakota Stained Glass. At that time, new owners Nico and Matt Rogers had just opened their doors to the public after moving from their former location in Sioux Falls. Classes were planned for the future, but hadn’t been scheduled yet.
That schedule was released in late June, and my daughter and I signed up as soon as they were available. We were scheduled for a fused glass class, and showed up in masks ready to be creative.
It was a small class since it was being held on a Thursday afternoon, and teacher and former owner Janet Smith took the three participants through the different tools, materials, and steps we’d need to create our own fused glass art.
We ended up making a pop socket, garden stake, pendant, and had a choice of making a votive, soap dish, or small bowl for the final project.
To say it was fun would be an understatement. We had plenty of help from Kona, Janet’s lovely large grey cat, and Janet was a joy to converse with. Both she and Nico are very knowledgeable about the process, and explained steps along the way, including setting the kilns for the best results (that part of the process, I’m sorry to say, will take several more lessons before that information sticks in my brain, but it was incredibly neat to learn how the artistic process continues in the kiln depending on what temperatures and lengths of time are used).
My daughter, Morgan, is already itching to go back and create more art. She’s most definitely an artist, having experienced success in painting, ceramics, drawing, dance, acting, and singing, so I’m not surprised.
Once a class is taken, you’re able to go back any time during business hours, though Nico recommends calling in advance to ensure space is available, as they’re also holding parties, small group gatherings, and classes regularly.
The cost of a class varies from $40 for a fused glass class to $175 for a beginner stained glass with lead class, and you’ll get to take home all projects after they’ve had their time in the kiln. The costs after class depend on materials used and the length of time in the studio, but the website states that it won’t be more than $5 an hour.
I highly recommend heading to DakotaStainedGlass.com and signing up for a class as soon as you’re able! And if you don’t feel comfortable making your own art, they have plenty available in their gallery for purchase. The new location is at 332 N Main, in the former Little Dreamers building.
