Espace Verre offers opportunities to learn about glass arts in Quebec

What was once an old fire station is now playing with the element in a different way.

Espace Verre, founded by François Houdé and Ronald Labelle, is an organization that uses the building to both teach and develop glass arts in Quebec.

“We used to fight fire here and now we tame it,” said Valérie Paquin, Espace Verre communications manager.

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The organization has partnered with CEGEP du Vieux Montréal since 1989 to offer a three-year technical program to teach students about the art-form.

“Students here are fully embracing the glass arts,” Paquin said.

“They learn every single technique, except for stained glass.”

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There is also a gallery and boutique to showcase projects made at Espace Verre.

Weekend intensive classes allow people to experience what glass blowing entails.

“We like to show all kinds of different ways you can use glass arts for the general public, but also for students,” Paquin said.

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Or, as a holiday tradition, people can make their own blown glass ornament.

“You will be the assistant of a professional glass blower,” Paquin said.

“Choose your model, choose your colours and actually be the one blowing in the pipe.”

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