Mitchell McCormack

As a lead glassblowing instructor at the Orlando Glassblowing Center, I design and teach comprehensive classes for students of all skill levels, from first-time beginners to experienced glass artists. My teaching approach emphasizes both safety and creativity, providing hands-on instruction in both lampworking and furnace glassblowing techniques. I specialize in sculpting hollow borosilicate forms, vessel making, and color application, guiding students through the process of creating functional and artistic glass pieces.

I am responsible for developing course curricula, managing class flow, and maintaining a collaborative, encouraging studio environment. I also mentor students outside of class hours, offering private lessons and critiques to help them refine their skills and develop personal style in their work.

In addition to instruction, I contribute to studio maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, and kiln programming to ensure a safe and efficient workspace. I regularly assist with public demonstrations and community outreach events to educate the public about the art of glassblowing and grow interest in our studio’s programs.

Key Accomplishments:

• Taught over 500 students through structured workshops, private lessons, and multi-week courses.
• Developed beginner-to-intermediate curriculum for borosilicate glass sculpture, with a focus on compartmentalized hollow forms.
• Created and led specialized workshops, including pendant making, advanced techniques and holiday ornament classes.
• Helped establish the studio's educational outreach efforts, offering live demonstrations at local art centers, museums, and community events.
• Played a key role in growing the studio’s reputation as a premier location for glass art instruction in Central Florida.

As a Resident Artist and Instructor at the Orlando Glass Union, I lead glassblowing classes and workshops that merge technical instruction with artistic exploration. I specialize in teaching sculptural and functional forms in borosilicate and soft glass, helping students build confidence at the torch and in the hot shop. My role includes curriculum design, hands-on instruction, and one-on-one mentorship for students of all experience levels, from beginners to emerging professionals.

In addition to teaching, I contribute as a working artist-in-residence, developing and exhibiting original glasswork that reflects both my personal practice and the values of the studio. I actively participate in the studio’s community outreach efforts, collaborating on public demos, open studio events, and local partnerships to promote glass art education throughout Central Florida.

I also assist in maintaining the studio's equipment, tools, and safety protocols, ensuring a smooth and professional learning environment.

At GlassyBaby’s Berkeley hot shop, I served as a key member of the production team in the mold and trimming department. I supported the studio’s high-volume workflow by specializing in the precise shaping and finishing of hand-blown glass vessels using graphite molds and cold-working tools. Working alongside master gaffers, I helped ensure each piece met GlassyBaby’s rigorous aesthetic and quality standards.

My primary responsibilities included assisting with the initial gather, delivering consistent and well-prepared molds to the bench, and trimming hot glass forms to achieve clean, even rims and uniform shapes. I worked with both clear and color-charged glass, responding in real time to the rhythm of the hot shop and adapting to the individual style of each gaffer. My role demanded consistent attention to detail, timing, and communication to support the seamless flow of production.

In addition to production duties, I helped maintain shop tools, torch heads, mold inventory, and trimming equipment, ensuring the studio operated efficiently and safely.

Key Accomplishments:

• Assisted in the production of thousands of high-quality, hand-blown GlassyBaby vessels in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.
• Gained mastery in the timing and techniques required to work with mold-blown forms and hot glass trimming under pressure.
• Supported a team of gaffers by maintaining mold cleanliness and readiness, contributing to consistency across large production runs.
• Trained incoming assistants on proper mold handling, timing, and safety practices.
• Played a vital role in meeting daily production quotas while upholding the company’s handcrafted standards and artisanal values.

As Shop Foreman, Lead Gaffer, and Instructor at Vetro Glassblowing Studio, I played a central role in both the creative and operational success of one of Texas’s most respected glass studios. My responsibilities spanned from managing day-to-day studio operations to leading production and teaching both public and private glassblowing classes. I worked closely with a team of artists, assistants, and students to ensure high-quality glass production, safe studio practices, and an inspiring learning environment.

As Lead Gaffer, I was responsible for executing complex blown glass works, including vessel production, sculptural forms, and limited-edition pieces. I directed team-based hot shop sessions, coordinated workflows, and trained assistants in professional glassblowing standards. My leadership in the studio extended to custom commissions, gallery exhibitions, and seasonal production cycles.

In my role as Shop Foreman, I oversaw studio maintenance, equipment repairs, and inventory control. I developed safety protocols, trained incoming staff, and implemented studio improvements to streamline efficiency and minimize downtime. I also served as the studio's main point of contact for artist collaborations and client-driven projects, ensuring that all work met the studio’s artistic and technical standards.

Key Accomplishments:

• Oversaw all aspects of hot shop operations, including furnace maintenance, annealer scheduling, and tool upkeep.
• Led a team of gaffers and assistants through high-volume production runs, holiday ornament seasons, and large-scale installations.
• Taught hundreds of students through structured workshops, private lessons, and public demonstrations.
• Created and managed systems for equipment maintenance and material inventory that increased productivity and reduced studio interruptions.
• Developed strong client relationships and collaborated on custom glass commissions for private collectors and corporate clients.
• Played a lead role in building Vetro’s reputation as a premier destination for both glass education and fine art glass in the region.

• As an apprentice at Austin Art Glass, I supported master glassblowers and studio artists in the production of blown glass vessels, sculptural forms, and custom commissions. This foundational role provided me with hands-on training in both hot shop practices and cold working processes, allowing me to build technical skills, studio discipline, and a deep respect for the craft.
• I assisted in all stages of the glassblowing process, including gathering, color preparation, mold handling, and annealer loading. I also took part in finishing work such as grinding, polishing, and inspection to ensure quality and consistency. Working closely under the guidance of experienced artists, I learned the fundamentals of studio safety, tool use, timing, and teamwork essential to operating in a fast-paced hot glass environment.
• In addition to studio production, I contributed to studio upkeep by helping maintain equipment, manage material inventory, and prepare for public demonstrations and gallery exhibitions.