Behind the Glass: From Sand to Art
Behind the Glass: From Sand to Art
Friday | August 7 | 6:00 -8:00 pm
Artist Talk with Jeff Blandford
Discover the incredible journey of glass—from Michigan sand to breathtaking works of art.
Water Street Glassworks (WSG)— Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation behind the art of glassmaking. The evening begins with a special artist talk by renowned glass artist Jeff Blandford, who will take you behind the scenes of his extraordinary process of creating glass from Michigan sand. Learn how an everyday natural resource is transformed through heat, science, and artistry into stunning works of glass.
Following the lecture, explore a special exhibition showcasing an extensive collection of artwork created by Water Street Glassworks artists using Jeff Blandford's Michigan-made glass. Experience the remarkable ways our glass artists have interpreted the unique colors and character of this locally produced material through a wide variety of techniques and styles.
Then experience the magic firsthand as live glassblowing demonstrations bring molten glass to life in the Hot Shop. Meet the artists, ask questions, enjoy light refreshments, and discover the inspiration behind the work.
Whether you're an art lover, curious about glassmaking, or simply looking for a unique night out, Behind the Glass: From Sand to Art offers a rare opportunity to experience the complete story, from the sand beneath our feet to extraordinary works of art that you won’t want to miss!
"Working with this primitive glass gave me a deeper understanding of the medium. The glass Jeff created from Saugatuck sand has incredible character, and its unique qualities challenged me to draw inspiration from historical glassmaking traditions. I'm proud of the work that came from this collaboration and excited to continue exploring its possibilities." -Eli Zilke; Instructor and Production Designer at WSG
ABOUT JEFF BLANDFORD:
My name is Jeff Blandford, and I’m a West Michigan artist who has been actively making work in the area for 20 years. Working primarily as a potter, I also blow glass and work with various materials of interest. Having grown up in Holland, Michigan, I completed my BFA in Studio Art from Michigan State University in 2007.
Much of my work is centered around my interests in color, design, an appreciation for mid-century modernism, and science. The pottery wheel is my main tool, a spinning flat surface that I use to shape clay with my hands. I create all of my work on my family’s 5-acre farm just south of Saugatuck, using primitive barn settings as my laboratory for creating art.
“Water Street Glassworks' artists have been standing by to have their own magical experience with this special glass. The blowing has begun! This collaboration is many things. It is cool... and interesting. But also a profound moment of innovation. I remind you all that this hasn't been done before- glassblowers from the Midwest, blowing our local earth into glass. We usually blow glass made by factories and sold by the ton. This team will be able to do things that I can not do as a solo blower. This is a true glass community grassroots moment.” - Jeff Blanford
ABOUT VISITING ARTISTS AND COMMUNITY DEMO NIGHTS:
Through the Visiting Artist Program, WSG will bring accomplished artists like Jeff Blandford into the studio to share their expertise, introduce new techniques, and engage directly with students and the broader community. Visiting artists—recognized leaders in the field, including past contestants from the glass competition series Blown Away—will also work alongside WSG’s Fired Up! students, offering mentorship and insight into professional artistic practice.
Community Nights will feature visiting artists in action, offering live demonstrations and informal conversations across a range of techniques, including glassblowing, flameworking, glass casting, fusing, and more. It’s a chance to see the process up close, ask questions, and connect with the people behind the work.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
WSG is currently seeking sponsors and community partners to support the Visiting Artist Program and Community Nights. These initiatives offer a unique opportunity to align with dynamic, community-driven arts programming.
Get Involved
Community Nights will be held monthly at Water Street Glassworks. To learn more, attend an event, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: waterstreetglassworks.org
Event Details:
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Water Street Glassworks - 140 Water Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.
About Water Street Glassworks
School, Studios, & Gallery Dedicated to the Glass & Metal Fire Arts
Water Street Glassworks is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) school and public access studio, proudly fostering creativity in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Since opening our doors in January 2004, we've offered transformative classes in the glass and metal arts, along with engaging exhibitions and events for all ages. Our commitment to fostering community renewal through partnerships with educational entities is at the heart of everything we do, helping to ignite a cultural renaissance in Benton Harbor.
