Art Glass Painting and Gilding Workshop
With Sean Michael Felix, in Chicago IL
4 days Thursday-Sunday
Multiple sessions to choose from! October 22-25, 2026 / November 19-22, 2026
As both a signpainter and a stained glass illustrator, Sean Michael Felix has experimented in bringing both arts together in the traditional craft of fine ornamental glass signs, verre églomisé and decorative painted glass art.In this class we will focus on different techniques to add decorative effects to reverse gilded glass panels.
Class work includes techniques of:
- Working with gold leaf, water gilding (burnishing)
- oil gilding
- Vitreous painting, kiln fired outlining and shading
- Cold enamels
- Color blending, reverse painted glass
- silk screening
- texturing varnishes
- highlighting with abalone, mother of pearl and glass jewels
- basic sandblasting.
Create your own beautiful finished art glass piece while learning this vast collection of art glass techiniques. Projects measure 16″× 20″ with a basic black frame, that can be crated up for plane travel
There will be a choice of designs and additional experimental projects.
Class size limited to 4 to allow for plenty of individual instruction.
Lunch & refreshments will be provided each day
There are neighborhood AirBNB’s, hotels, and restaurants nearby. Contact Sean for travel advice!
Materials & Equipment needed:
All supplies, including glass and gold leaf are included in the cost. Signpainters can bring their kits, and you can bring your own brushes if you have them, but everything will be provided.
Class Fee:
SOG Members; $1800
non members: $1850
Maximum: 4 students
Reservations:
50% deposit will hold your place. Contact Sean directly at (815) 922-0959 or email: smfelixart@gmail.com
You can reserve with a credit card over the phone, Zelle transfer, or mail a cheque.
There are three separate sessions of this class available, and you may contact also Sean about private instruction.
Instructor
Sean Michael Felix • Chicago, Illinois
The founder of Illumination Art & Design in Chicago, Illinois.
For over 20 years, Sean has specialized in gold leaf signwriting, pictorial stained glass, and traditional glass techniques including glue chipping and mirror etching. He has a special interest in Turn of the Century ephemera, and cats. From his storefront studio on North Ave in Chicago, he is actively involved with the local arts community and national wide organizations. Full of life and stories, Sean is an active member of the Society of Gilders and Glass Art Society. He brings his knowledge and enthusiasm to others through his finely crafted signs, artwork and through the workshops he teaches.
