About 10 years ago, Clare Shepherd was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering after serving as an Army Logistics Captain in Kuwait. A therapist suggested she participate in their art program and she reluctantly tried her hand at glass fusing. When Shepherd moved to Maryland a short time later, a family member suggested she try a class at Maryland Hall.  MD Hall's Glass Program had been in existence for a short time under the leadership of Gayla Lee. Shepherd tried a class and fell in love with the art form and the process. "The classes really pulled my out my funk," she says. "The art really was the therapy I needed and has helped me grow in so many ways."

Artist Statement

Glass makes me happy.

What’s nice about art is that it brings people from all parts of the community together – we have doctors and lawyers and stay at home moms and retired people – all in one class and they learn from each other and get to know each other. When they come to the glass class they can find a common bond, everyone shares what they know and they share ideas.

I see these classes for many people as art therapy – like they were for me. 

You can be abstract or literal and still do glass – we have all different types of people in the class. 

I try to teach technique but each person makes what they want. I have 4 or 5-year-olds and I can know about their personality based on what they decide to make and how they approach it. It really lets you see someone’s personality.  

Clare Shepherd's Classes This Season

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    117B
    Member Price
    $175
    Non-Member Price
    $200

    In this open studio styled workshop, you can continue working on projects under the supervision of an experienced instructor. You choose your projects. This class is a great way to get a refresher, have your questions answered, or get help with more advanced projects. We can provide the instruction and extra motivation you need to get that project done! Materials fee based on individual projects. EIGHT weeks of fun, laughter and GLASS! For more information, please contact the instructor at clare.p.shepherd@gmail.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $175
    Non-Member Price
    $200

    In this open studio styled workshop, you can continue working on projects under the supervision of an experienced instructor. You choose your projects. This class is a great way to get a refresher, have your questions answered, or get help with more advanced projects. We can provide the instruction and extra motivation you need to get that project done! Materials fee based on individual projects. EIGHT weeks of fun, laughter and GLASS! For more information, please contact the instructor at clare.p.shepherd@gmail.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $60
    Non-Member Price
    $85

    Looking to explore a new medium and try something new? Well this class is for you! Students will be introduced to kiln fused glass by creating an abstract coral bowl. The fused glass art composition is beautiful enough to display in your home or use as a gift for someone special. Using recycled glass, frit, powders, confetti, stringers and noodles design your own glass dish or wall hanging. This class is appropriate for beginners or glass artists with some experience. A materials fee of $15 will be due at the beginning of class. Projects will be fired after the workshop and available for pick up the following week. For more information, please contact the instructor at clare.p.shepherd@gmail.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    8 and up
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $35
    Non-Member Price
    $60

    Children of all ages will enjoy working with a parent to arrange brightly colored pieces of glass which will be heated in a kiln to fuse them together to make their favorite Pokemon characters and mythical creatures. They can be made into glass jewelry, nightlights, coasters or suncatchers. This is the perfect chance to capture your favorite characters in a new medium. Projects will require overnight cooling and will be available for pick up the following week. A materials fee of $5 per project will be due at the end of class. Bring pictures of your favorite characters for reference. Go to www.flickr.com/photos/marylandhallglassfusing/ to see examples and class projects. (Parents should register just the child for this class, not themselves.)

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $60
    Non-Member Price
    $85

    Looking to explore a new medium and try something new? Well this class is for you! Students will be introduced to kiln fused glass by creating an abstract coral bowl. The fused glass art composition is beautiful enough to display in your home or use as a gift for someone special. Using recycled glass, frit, powders, confetti, stringers and noodles design your own glass dish or wall hanging. This class is appropriate for beginners or glass artists with some experience. A materials fee of $15 will be due at the beginning of class. Projects will be fired after the workshop and available for pick up the following week. For more information, please contact the instructor at clare.p.shepherd@gmail.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    6+
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $35
    Non-Member Price
    $60

    Children of all ages will enjoy working with a parent to arrange brightly colored pieces of glass to create nightlights, suncatchers or jewelry. Projects will require overnight cooling and will be available for pick up the following week. A materials fee of $5 per project will be due at the end of class. Bring pictures of your favorite bugs, butterflies or pets for inspiration. (Parents should register just the child for this class, not themselves.)

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $60
    Non-Member Price
    $85

    Beginner class for all ages including how to decorate and layer the art glass using stencils, stringers, confetti, repurposed glass, and frit to form a beautiful Sushi /Appetizer plate with companion Wasabi or sauce dish. Simple instructions helps all students create these plates by designing from their own imagination, with help as needed from instructor. No experience necessary. Material fee of $15 due at the beginning of class. No cutting required. Pre-cut art glass, design elements and 2 firings included. (Chopsticks not included.) For more information, please contact the instructor at clare.p.shepherd@gmail.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    6+
    Room Number
    117B
    Member Price
    $35
    Non-Member Price
    $60

    Children will draw a picture of their favorite animal or pet on paper and then construct the same portrait on a square tile of glass using fusible glass. Projects will require overnight firing and will be available for pick up the following week. A materials fee of $5 per project will be due to the instructor. Go to www.flickr.com/photos/marylandhallglassfusing/ to see examples and class projects. Please bring a picture of your favorite animal or pet. (Parents should register just the child for this class, not themselves.)

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $35
    Non-Member Price
    $60

    Adult create your own night lights or coaster set. Projects will require overnight cooling and will be available for pick up the following week. A materials fee of $15 for either 4 coasters or 3 nightlights due at the end of class. Bring pictures for inspiration.

  • Instructor Name
    Clare Shepherd
    Ages
    6+
    Room Number
    117A
    Member Price
    $35
    Non-Member Price
    $60

    Children of all ages will enjoy working with a parent to arrange brightly colored pieces of glass which will be heated in a kiln to fuse them together to make glass summer suncatchers. Projects will require overnight cooling and will be available for pick up the following week. A materials fee of $5 per project will be due at the end of class. Go to www.flickr.com/photos/marylandhallglassfusing/ to see examples and class projects. (Parents should register just the child for this class, not themselves.)

Clare Shepherd

Teaching Artist