PACK YOUR SUITCASE AND PICK YOUR LODGING

The outdoor experience from your youth combined with the opportunity to grow artistically, share and make new friends...a win/win retreat!!

BARRY LAFLER has been setting up classes, flame offs and torch stations for a long time and will be at the Center when

you arrive to help Lewis and Jim Murphy of Carlisle Machines assign you a Torch Station and get your equipment set up and working.

 

BARRY will also meet the campers when they arrive

and direct them to their camping spot.

 

 
 

The Plaza Restaurant and Truck Stop offers the following and is about 8 miles north of the center and the entrance to the Emlenton Motor Inn

 

Convenience

Convenience Store
Hours:  24/7
Dine-In Restauraunt
Seats:  200
Food Selection:  Deli/Subs
Laundry Services
Dryers:  2
Washers:  2
Load Monitor:  DAT
Motel / Hotel:  Onsite
Chain / Name:  Emlenton Motor Inn
Reservation #:  7248672314
Open 24/7
Phones - Public/Pay
Phones - Table
Public Copier
Public Fax
Showers:  4
Truckers Store
Hours:  24/7

LODGING AND CAMPING:

 

Motels-Hotels:  For luxury check out the Foxburg Inn located NE of the Center - Please note that we have been told that they have no rooms on Saturday but you might want to call in case someone cancels.

 

Emlenton Motor Inn which is North of the Center and has 23 rooms available.  We have set aside 12 rooms at the Emlenton at $50 per night [plus tax].  When you make reservations the rooms are in the name "Lewis Wilson/Soft Glass Invitational".  If you have problems or if the rooms are already reserved when you call, then call Lewis.  ‎[6318 Emlenton Clintonville Rd Emlenton, PA 16373  (724) 867-2314]

 

Comfort Inn in Barkeyville - about 8 miles north of the Center with rates of $70 per night.  We have no room blocks but it appears to be a clean, convenient hotel.

 

Camping:  There is Camping - bring your tents, your lean-tos, your sleeping bags, your pop up campers or roll in with a full size motor home at no cost unless you want to hook up to electric.  AGI uses an open field about a hundred yards down the road or Don's property a few hundred feet further and there are several areas around the buildings for campers and motor homes.  There is a parking lot across the street from the Blown Glass Center, portapots and showers for those camping out. 

 

A local business Brad's Campers rents campers and offers to set them up on the property for you.  If you want to camp and don't have the equipment visit their website for options. 

 

Also there might be 'tent' space if you want to camp out but don't have the equipment.  At this point, the campground seems to be the place to be!

 

Barry will be in charge of the camping locations so when you get there look for him.  There are 2 showers and bathroom facilities for the campers.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS:


Your torch with attached hoses [we'll find out the length before the Retreat but probably 3-4 feet]

Your kiln/oven if it is easily transported like the Chilipepper and Toolbox kiln

Glasses

Mandrels

Bead Release

Tools

Glass rods, frits, foils, or other things that you use in your work

Any protection, aprons, arm covers, etc.

A bag for all your tools

 

CLOTHING:

 

Average termperature is 70 degrees during the day and mid-40s at night.

 

We suggest layering

 

T-shirts

Bluejeans

Shorts

Sweatshirts

Light Jackets

Socks

Closed toe shoes

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

Any prescription drugs

Aspirin or other over the counter drugs you use

Bug sprays or lotions if you need them

GPS so you don't get lost

 

Folding Table and Popup Tent if you are driving and have room

Lawn or stadium chair for sitting around the campfire

Flashlight if you are camping
THE BEAD BAZAAR will be held on Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm.  This is open to all attendees but you can trade and sell to each other during the entire retreat.  If the weather is good, we will take advantage of being outside and Popup Tents can be used where there is room.  We're reaching out to the community and even though we anticipate it to be small this first year we hope it will grow and become a great community event.  We have put ads in the local paper, the Butler paper and Pittsburgh, have sent out email blasts to jewelry and glass groups in the area, have sent posters to the Butler County Tourism Bureau and Mayor's Office.  It's everyone's choice to sell or torch on Saturday and we'll end the event with a cookout.

TRADE BARTER OR SELL:  This will be a free trade zone where you can bring any equipment or tools, glass or other things that you want to trade barter or sell.  You can bring any DVD's or product [like frit, tools, etc] that you want to trade barter or sell.  You get a small space on Saturday to set up your beads or art to sell.   You can sit in the grass and trade or share, you can do it over coffee or up in the lounge.  Clean out your studio and bring it with you.  Also due to the cellphone deadzone, bring your checkbook or cash if you think you will be tempted to return with something more then you came with - if you have a new invention, a crazy idea or just stuff bring it and convince someone else to take it home!  [Only requirement is you pay the sales taxes - we'll have that information in your packet]