The glass studio at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement in St. Petersburg, Florida, is humming with activity as a new season of craftsmanship unfolds. Following the initial sessions on April 21, 28, and 30, the next major opportunity to dive into this luminous art form arrives on May 7, 2026. This upcoming session focuses on the Art Nouveau movement, which flourished concurrently with the Arts and Crafts movement and is celebrated for its organic forms and sinuous curves. Students will create a stunning leaded glass panel using the copper foil method, a technique that serves as the perfect introduction for any beginner.
These workshops are led by Master Craftsman Carlos Velasco, an artist whose expertise is backed by a prestigious three-generation lineage. His grandfather, Jose Velasco, immigrated from Spain to Colombia in 1911 to establish Casa Velasco, a thriving family business where Carlos began his apprenticeship at the age of fourteen. Having worked on major restorations for private collections and public works of art globally, Carlos now shares his deep ancestral knowledge with students in the MAACM Glass Studio.
The curriculum for the Level 1 Leaded Glass series is extensive, offering diverse projects that cater to every aesthetic. After the Art Nouveau panel concludes on May 7, the studio shifts to a geometric wildlife tribute with the Charley Harper Owl on May 5 and 12, followed by the leaping Florida Dolphin on May 8 and 15. As May progresses, students can explore the bold, opulent shapes of the Art Deco style on May 19 and 26, or craft a symbol of prosperity with the Dragonfly workshop on May 22 and 29.
Into June, the transformation continues with the striking Luna Moth on June 2 and 9, and another wildlife-inspired 6×7-inch Charley Harper Fish panel on June 5 and 12. Mid-month sessions focus on the harmony of nature through the Fibonacci Spiral on June 16 and 23, while a stylized Swallow sun catcher teaches the “Glass in the Round” technique on June 19 and 26. The season culminates with the iconic Charles Rennie Mackintosh Rose, running from June 30 into July 7. These two-session workshops cost $150 for members and $160 for non-members, covering all necessary equipment and supplies.
For those seeking a shorter introduction, the studio also hosts Fused Glass Classes that utilize colorful kiln-fired techniques. These one-hour sessions are limited to twenty participants and require closed-toed shoes for safety. Upcoming projects include the charming Seahorse on May 14 and the vibrant Summer Tree—part of the seasonal Four Seasons series—on June 11. These classes are priced at $65 for members and $75 for non-members, with finished projects available for pickup the following week. For students who have mastered the basics, Intermediate Projects are also available to further explore the craft at a cost of $190 for members and $200 for non-members. Whether you are a local Floridian or a visiting art lover, these classes provide a rare chance to learn a historic trade within a world-class museum setting.
For additional information, please see our glass class page HERE.
