Why A Studio to Share?

Established in August 2016 and open to the public in October 2016, Vavroch Glass & Art Studio is inspired by the salons or gatherings held by artists and thinkers to discuss ideas, processes, and finished works of art and exists with the intention of being a space for artists of all abilities and backgrounds to create and connect.

The Studio exists to remove barriers to the creative process and artistic expression through the use of exceptional instruction and creativity-fueled, hands-on learning. Instruction is always tailored to meet the diverse needs of the those ready to learn, regardless of age, ability, or background.

Simply put, if you are interested and are willing to put forth the effort to learn a new skill, we will provide the tools and instruction for you to make it your own.

Why Art Classes?

As a former elementary school special educator, Olivia Vavroch, of Vavroch Glass, noticed that while the children she taught might struggle to express their learning in traditional ways of writing reports, reading and reciting speeches off of notecards, or completing math work out of a text book, the children were always able to express their learning with distinction when given the opportunity to do so with art.

Could a stained glass studio offer classes with tools inclusive of those with varying levels of backgrounds, abilities, and needs? Absolutely.

Vavroch Glass & Art Studio is built upon the idea of rethinking and reinventing of the ways we create and appreciate art and the creative process.

We demonstrate this by being the first stained glass studio in Portland, Oregon, to offer technique workshops for every stage of the stained glass process. Our intention is to engage anyone interested in learning about stained glass to do so at every stage of the process.

Why Art Nouveau?

During the late 1800's and early 1900's, an artistic revolution was taking place. Quality work no longer had to look realistic or depict mythological and religious scenes. Artwork was created with the intention of being observed and appreciated by the greater masses instead of living in private galleries. The subjects of the artwork expanded to include people in everyday life, nature, and abstracts. Salons, or gatherings, were held to bring people together to discuss and reinvent artistic ideas and methods of the day. Artists began to gain recognition for using old mediums in new ways, new methods, including photography and the copper-foil method for stained glass, were invented. Artists associated with the Art Nouveau era include Tiffany, Monet, Mucha, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. 

In March 2015, Olivia first shared her idea of an Art Nouveau inspired studio space built on reinventing the ways we create and appreciate art and the creative process.

Why One Big Table?

When working with others on creative pieces and projects, Olivia noticed that conversations emerged, thrived, and challenged those sitting around the table to think flexibly and openly. She observed friendships grow and deepen, and saw that when people left the table, they shared a greater level of compassion and acceptance for one other. 

What could happen if that opportunity were open to others?
A revolution.