Saturday November 9, 2024 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts

Join us for a glassblowing demonstration at Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts! Sam Spees and Blaine Steiner will be collaboratively working in our nonprofit studio’s hotshop to create blown glass sculptures. This is a great opportunity to watch professional glass artists work together to create their artwork, and gain some insight into the process. Free to attend and open to the public! Guests may come and go as they please throughout the afternoon. Seating and refreshments will be provided. RSVP is not required but encouraged.

Demonstrating Artists:

• Sam Spees www.samfspees.com
• Blaine Steiner www.blainestudios.com

Samuel Spees is an independent artist, designer, and craftsperson based in Nashville, TN, who creates both functional and sculptural works in glass, wood, and metal. He collaborates with his partner, Blaine Steiner, an MFA graduate from Tulane University, whose large-scale cast glass sculptures embrace the contradictions of glass as a material. Together, they explore the intersection of craft, design, and fine art, blending Samuel’s playful, technical approach with Blaine’s focus on challenging the expectations of glass, creating pieces inspired by memories, sensory experiences, and the unexpected strength of their chosen mediums.

Travel & Parking: 2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Our entrance is facing E 22nd St, beside a garage door and a small parking lot that is free to use. Additional free parking is available on the surrounding streets. One block to Hwy 55/Hiawatha Ave. Two blocks to entrance to I-94. Two blocks to Franklin LRT Station.

Metro Transit: Nearest bus stops are #56504 (22nd St E & Cedar Ave S) and #16444 (Minnehaha Ave S & 22nd St E), both on Route 9. Nearest light rail station is on Franklin Avenue (Blue Line). Both stops are within a five minute walk from the studio. Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible restroom A limited amount of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces are available in the lot in front of our entrance.

Please note that the glassblowing space (or 'hotshop') has very strong ventilation system which is used to manage the heat, so the environment may be somewhat noisy.