Salem Community College (SCC) has a record 135 students enrolled in its Scientific Glass Technology and Glass Art courses this semester. On the weekend of March 24-26, the students welcomed eight well-known glass artists to the 17th annual International Flameworking Conference (IFC) at SCC’s Samuel H. Jones Glass Education Center in Alloway.

The IFC attracted more than 300 attendees from 21 states and Germany. The weekend featured live demonstrations, a scholarly presentation on the history of flameworking and a panel discussion on how Philadelphia is becoming a hub for flameworking. Presented by the SCC Foundation, the IFC is supported by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Salem Community College’s recent International Flameworking Conference included featured artist Amber Cowan (pictured).  Her sculptural glasswork is based around the use of recycled, up-cycled and second-life glass.  Cowan’s work is highlighted in the latest edition of American Craft Magazine.  Photo by Jill James/Salem Community College.

SCC Glass Education Administrator Kristin Deady explained the conference’s immense value to students: “Every year the International Flameworking Conference provides our students with the unique opportunity to interact with a variety of professional artists, craftspeople and fabricators who work with glass. We are so fortunate to be able to bring these talented individuals to Salem Community College.

“The conference is an invaluable experience that energizes and inspires our students,” Deady continued. “The lessons learned, the connections made, the friendships forged and the memories made at this annual event are a positive influence on our students in both the Glass Art and Scientific Glass Technology programs.”

The conference’s featured artist was Amber Cowan, whose work is highlighted in the latest edition of American Craft Magazine. Her sculptural glasswork is based around the use of recycled, up-cycled and second-life glass. Cowan holds an MFA in Glass/Ceramics from Tyler School of Art of Temple University, where she is a faculty member.

Flameworking is a type of glasswork where a torch is primarily used to melt the glass. Once in a molten state, the glass is formed by blowing and shaping with tools and hand movements.

Salem Community College’s programs in Scientific Glass Technology (associate in applied science) and Glass Art (associate in fine arts) – which both use the flameworking process — attract students from across the United States. The AAS in Scientific Glass Technology is the only program of its kind in the nation.