CURRICULAR OVERVIEW
ENROLL IN COURSES AT THE UW-MADISON GLASS LAB:
Our undergraduate program offers the following degree options: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Art, and Bachelor of Science in Art Education. Individuals may also pursue a Certificate in Studio Art. Undergraduate glass courses (Beginner Glass, Intermediate Glass, Advanced Glass, and Neon) establish a foundation of technical skills in the context of a […]
Our graduate program offers a 3-year Master of Fine Art or a 2-year Master of Art degree. An important strength of the graduate program lies in the breadth and diversity of its faculty, who teach in their areas of expertise, but work closely with a broad range of students, fostering a flexible interdisciplinary experience. A […]
The Continuing Studies Program Special Student status allows individuals to take courses at UW-Madison for credit without being enrolled in a degree program. University Special students fully participate in all aspects of courses and receive credits and grades on an official UW-Madison transcript. Special Student status is granted to individuals interested in glass courses on […]
Hot Shop
Our hot shop is equipped with: a brand new 700# Wet Dog Electric Continuous Melt Furnace, 400# Stadelman Free-Standing Casting Tank, 20” HUB glory hole, 18” HUB glory hole, 3 top-loading annealers, 2 front-loading annealers, 2 color/pick-up boxes, 2 benches, 2 marvers, HUB garage + pipe warmer unit pipe cooler
Founded in 1962 by Harvey Littleton, the UW-Madison Glass Lab was the first collegiate glass program in the nation, and is considered by many to be the birthplace of American Studio Glass. With the recent change of guard in 2013 from Professor Emeritus Steve Feren to current faculty Helen Lee, it is simultaneously one of the youngest glass programs in the nation, with an eye on the future of glass in the larger context of contemporary studio practice.
FACULTY & LECTURERS

HELEN LEE
Assistant Professor
Head of Glass
Helen Lee is an artist, designer, educator, and glassblower. Her studio practice utilizes the amorphous properties of glass to speak to the changing nature of language—through form, over time, and across cultures. Lee holds an MFA in Glass from RISD and a BSAD in Architecture from MIT.
- www.pink-noise.org
TOM ZICKUHR
Neon Lecturer
Spring 2017-Fall 2018
Thomas Zickuhr is artist, craftsman, and a fabricator. Utilizing neon as a medium of expression, Tom pulls inspiration from contemporary culture and tries to twist it thoughtfully. His work is currently on display nationwide, and his portfolio is constantly expanding. He owns and operates a neon studio in Madison, WI.
- http://neonlab.com/
GREG MOWERY
Neon Lecturer
Summer 2014, Summer 2018
Greg Mowery runs the SAIC Art + Technology Light Lab. His course at UW-Madison introduced students to basic neon techniques, as well as how to animate neon with Arduino microcontrollers.
- www.saic.edu/profiles/faculty/gregorymowery/