DORI SETTLES

PROJECT: Rock ‘n Roll with Pâte de Verre

Take an ordinary piece of clay and turn it into a decorative glass geode, complete with tiny gemstones that sparkle in the light! This workshop will introduce participants to working with a clay model, creating a plaster mold, and give the fundamentals of pâte de verre.

Dori Settles is an American glass artist based in Spruce Pine, NC. Originally from Wisconsin, she discovered her passion for art at a young age, which was later influenced by her career as a sign language interpreter. Her work is deeply connected to nature and draws inspiration from the intricate details of the world around her. Specializing in glass fusion, kiln-casting, and pâte de verre, Dori often incorporates salvaged glass into her pieces, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. She has participated in numerous exhibitions, and her work, which includes a series on endangered species, reflects her multifaceted artistic journey.

Artist Webpage: Dori Settles

LARRY PILE

PROJECT: Rainbow Matrix Bowls

Description coming soon!

Larry Pile is an American glass artist based in Dallas, Texas. He specializes in creating unique kiln-formed pieces characterized by bold colors, intense forms, and captivating textures. Larry began his artistic journey with stained glass before discovering his passion for the unpredictability of kiln-formed glass. For over two decades, his work has evolved to reflect a free-form, painterly style inspired by nature. An accomplished instructor, Larry teaches at the McKinney Art House and Oil & Cotton. His work is exhibited at various festivals and galleries, including the Artisan’s Collective and Dallas’ Omni Hotel.

Artist Webpage: Larry Pile

LICHA OCHOA NICHOLSON

PROJECT & DESCRIPTION: The Beauty of Glass Reactions

When sulfur-infused glass meet copper or lead-infused glass, something magical happens- they melt together and drift into a soft, smoky reaction. As the heat works its way through, delicate halos begin to bloom: warm caramels, rich sepias, and earthy browns tracing the places where the colors touch. 

Artists often use this pairing intentionally to highlight patterns, borders, and texture, making the chemical interaction a beautiful design feature rather than a byproduct. In this workshop, you will get to explore that magic yourself, working with additional reactive components to expand glass palette and create beautifully expressive reactions. 

Licha Ochoa Nicholson’s glass art is inspired by her Mexican-American heritage and a fascination with Native American cultures. Each of her work tells a story, often quite poignant. Her techniques to form her creations in the kiln include fusing, molding, heating, and slumping. Her work is deeply personal, as each piece created is unique in design and tells a story of her family past. This work takes on a profound meaning for viewers when combined with her story about her passion for combining her love of glass and family. 

Artist Webpage: Licha Ochoa Nicholson

FRIDAY
5:30 – 7:00 Closing Reception for Ascension & FuseFest Kick-Off, including artist panel and refreshments

SATURDAY
8:30 Check-In / Coffee & Pastries
9:00 – 9:15 Orientation
9:15 – 12:15 Class 1, 2, 3
12:15 – 1:30 Lunch (Preordered)

Group Photographs
1:30 – 4:30 Class 1, 2, 3

SUNDAY
8:30 Check-In / Coffee & Pastries
9:00 – 9:15 Orientation
9:15 – 12:15 Class 1, 2, 3
12:15 – 1:30 Lunch (Preordered)