Memory and Place: Alternative Photography
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Instructors: Ramson Lomatewama (Hopi) and Ayen Talashoma (Hopi)
Keep the heat going with the second session of this exciting workshop that continues exploration into the fundamentals of glassblowing through the unique cultural lens of renowned Hopi glass artists. In this workshop, we will introduce you to the fundamentals of hot glass art as well as the technical and philosophical elements to inspire your work with expert one-on-one guidance.
*You may enroll in both weeks or just one. For returning students, the second session will be an opportunity to dive deeper into your newly established glassmaking skills and advance to making larger objects with greater detail.
June 15 – 19, 2026
One week session
Friday, June 19, 2026
Parks Exhibition Center @ 4:00 PM
18+
$1,940
$1,100
$120
$50
All levels to Advanced
Enrollment is limited to 6 students
We are excited to offer a second week of the wildly popular Art of Fire: Introduction to Glassblowing. This second session is designed to both welcome new students, and to offer returning students additional studio time to continue with projects and learn more advanced glassblowing techniques.
Embark on a journey into the world of hot glass art, under the expert guidance of the renowned glass artist Ramson Lomatewama (Hopi) and Ayen Talashoma. Ramson’s work is a contemporary interpretation of the rich artistic heritage of his people, creating a mesmerizing mindscape that resonates with all who behold it. Ayen Talashoma returns again this summer as an assistant faculty and apprentice of his grandfather, Ramson.
Your workshop will commence with a comprehensive understanding of the equipment and tools necessary for creating glass art. We prioritize your safety, hence a detailed coverage of safety protocols precedes any hands-on activity. You will then embark on your creative journey, starting with solid pieces such as flowers, mushrooms, and paperweights, before progressing to blowing simple vessels. With the use of frit (crushed or powdered colored glass), you will experiment with gathering and shaping hot glass into various forms. Your progress in mastering the art of glassblowing will be determined by your proficiency in working with the glass and equipment.
The small class size ensures that you receive maximum hands-on instruction, allowing you to hone your skills effectively. Your pieces, crafted on Thursday, will be ready to unload from the kiln at 4pm on Friday.
Ramson Lomatewama is the first and only full-time Hopi glassblower, Katsina doll carver, published poet, and jeweler from Hotevilla, AZ, on the Hopi Reservation. He earned his BA from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, in 1981. Ramson has taught various workshops and courses in the US and Japan and served as an adjunct professor of sociology at North Central College in Naperville, IL. Although Hopi ceremonies and cultural activities play a significant role in his life, Ramson continues to dedicate time to schools, universities, and museums as a visiting scholar and artist. Ramson teaches glass art for the Hopitutuqayki (The Hopi School), an arts apprenticeship program on the Hopi reservation.
Ayen Talashoma is the second generation of great Hopi glass artists. Ayen is currently an apprentice of his grandfather, Ramson Lomatewama, learning the tricks of the trade while developing his own unique approach to glasswork. These traditional ways of transferring knowledge from generation to generation ensure a rich artistic heritage for years to come.
Your lab fee covers the cost of clear glass needed to construct items as well as colored glass frit to color your glassworks. The lab fee also covers the costs of use of tools, protective gear, and gas consumables.
Optional:
Your workshop starts at 9 a.m. each day. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Workshops resume at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m. You are welcome to join evening programming led by other adult art programs.
NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the classroom, you can work on your pieces after 4 pm.
Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:
1) Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.
2) Southern California professors, and graduate students.
Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service.
Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.
Scholarship Details:
1) Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers
For adults 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy.
2) Southern California professors, and graduate students
For adults 18 and older who are current teachers in lower and higher education who will benefit from learning about Native American Arts and Culture to take back into the classroom as well as currently enrolled graduate students. The scholarship is designed to provide professional development for those in education to share with their learning communities.
Click here for more information about adult scholarships.
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Instructor: Jacob Meders (Mechoopda/Maidu) This workshop, led by master screen printer Jacob Meders, introduces the art of screen printing with a focus on cultural identity and altered perceptions of place. Participants will develop their own designs using 2-D principles, create a matrix for screen exposure, and experiment with techniques like Rubylith cutting. This hands-on experience includes printing on paper, fabric, and t-shirts, allowing for an interdisciplinary exploration of personal and cultural expression.