At 1700 degrees Fahrenheit, one of earth’s most abundant materials is heated and transformed into a unique and mystifying work of art. Liquid glass pools and swirls in the depths of Palo Alto High School ‘s scorching furnace. Although this glass may initially have the consistency of honey, it has the potential to be formed into anything, from flowers to paperweights and pumpkins.

For the past five years, Paly art teacher David Camner and professional glassblower Anthony Alfaro have organized monthly workshops where art-lovers learn how to blow glass and create glass sculptures.

Alfaro is a woodworker and educator at the Bay Area Glass Institute, and runs the instructional part of these workshops. Camner sets up classes and provides materials, but does not teach the lessons.

Glass workshops are open to the community and run Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm. Classes are very small, normally no more than four people per weekend, so participants can get the full attention they need.

Glass blowing is also open to students who take Ceramics or Advanced Sculpture and is taught by Camner during school hours.

"We use glass as another media in these classes," Camner said.

According to Alfaro, the first day of a typical glass blowing workshop begins with the basics. Students learn the different types of glass blowing tools, safety around the furnace and watch Alfaro demonstrate rudimentary glass blowing. Students also learn how to make a small, simple glasswork like a snowman or paperweight.

Although a hands-on, pragmatic workshop like this is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there have been some repeating students that have returned for more skill and understanding of this uncommon art form.

The second day, students begin their own projects. In the past, students have created hearts, pumpkins, tumblers and more, all of which they take home.

"We make sure everyone is satisfied with the program. It helps develop an appreciation for [it]," said Alfaro.

This past weekend, Los Altos Hills resident, Ronda Breier and her two sons blew glass for the first time in this workshop. Breier describes the class as "very cool!"

"It’s making my kids appreciate glass more. You can use [what you learned] the minute you walk out of the workshop."

Breier explained that her youngest son, Travis, was looking at a glass vase at the end of the first day in the workshop and was able to notice all the color and technique put into making it. While beginner glass blowers appreciate these workshops, according to Camner the main intention of these classes is actually to raise funds for the art program at Paly.

Glass blowing workshops are just one of the multiple fundraisers for the art programs at Paly. "We have glass blowing sales, PAFE (Palo Alto Foundation for Education), and the Glass Pumpkin festival, however, this workshop is our big one," Camner said.

According to Camner, the community has been extremely encouraging of these programs and has donated and participated greatly.

"The Administration at Paly is very supportive of the art program. There are probably only three schools in the country with a program like this, we are very fortunate," Camner said.

Classes are $375 per person. The next workshops are October 28-29 and November 18-19. See Camner for sign ups.