GLASSBLOWING
PHOTO: BRIDGET CONWAY
Adult & Teen Visual Arts & Music | GLASSBLOWING
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MEET OUR GLASSWORKS TEAM
With nearly 20 years of glassblowing and teaching experience, resident artist Paul Swartwood has guided thousands of students through the exciting process of working with molten glass. His instruction focuses on giving each student an authentic, hands-on understanding of what it feels like to gather, shape, and blow glass from a 2000° furnace. Classes are kept intentionally small so Paul can work closely with each participant, ofering clear demonstrations, individualized guidance, and a true introduction to the craft.
Paul Swartwood, Resident Artist/Director
Paul was frst introduced to blown glass in 2000 at Salisbury University, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2002. After working as a team leader at Simon Pearce Glass in West Chester, PA, Paul moved back to Maryland and discovered his love for teaching all levels of Glassblowing to whomever may want to learn. Paul has taught and demonstrated in many studios over the last 20 years, but Glen Echo Park will always be his home base.
CLASSES
Discover Glassblowing Workshop | $175
Paul Swartwood | paul@glenechoglassworks.com
Workshop 1: Su, Mar 1, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 2: Su, Mar 15, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 3: Su, Mar 22, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 4: Su, Apr 12, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 5: Su, Apr 19, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 6: Su, May 3, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 7: Su, May 17, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 8: Su, May 31, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 9: Su, Jun 14, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 10: Su, Jun 28, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 11: Su, Jul 19, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 12: Su, Jul 26, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 13: Su, Aug 2, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
Workshop 14: Su, Aug 9, 10am–3pm, Glassworks Studio, 1 session
This exciting 1-day workshop will introduce you to the world of glassblowing! Includes demo by the instructors and discussions of studio equipment, techniques, safety and the history of glass. Come with questions! You will have a chance to experience glassblowing when you create pieces of your own. Wear cotton clothing and closed-toed shoes. Supplies included. Minimum age 15. Glassworks at
Adult & Teen Visual Arts & Music | GLASSBLOWING
Beginning Glassblowing–1pm | $615
Paul Swartwood | paul@glenechoglassworks.com
Class 1: Tu, Th, Mar 3–12, 1–4pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 2: Tu, Th, Mar 31–Apr 9, 1–4pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 3: Tu, Th, Apr 28–May 7, 1–4pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 4: Tu, Th, May 26–Jun 4, 1–4pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 5: Tu, Th, Jun 23–Jul 2, 1–4pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 6: Tu, Th, Jul 28–Aug 6, 1–4pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 7: Tu, Th, Aug 11–20, 1–4pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
An engaging introduction to the art of glassblowing, personally taught by studio owner and resident glassblower Paul Swartwood. This intimate, hands-on class emphasizes learning by doing as Paul guides students through essential tools, techniques, and the creative use of color in the hot shop. Each session blends demonstration, guided practice, and individual instruction, ofering both newcomers and returning students the opportunity to expand and refne their skills in a supportive studio environment. No prerequisites. Please wear cotton clothing (no synthetics). Minimum age 15.
Beginning Glassblowing–6pm | $615
Paul Swartwood | paul@glenechoglassworks.com
Class 1: Tu, Th, Mar 3–12, 6–9pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 2: Tu, Th, Mar 31–Apr 9, 6–9pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 3: Tu, Th, Apr 28–May 7, 6–9pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 4: Tu, Th, May 26–Jun 4, 6–9pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 5: Tu, Th, Jun 23–Jul 2, 6–9pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
Class 6: Tu, Th, Jul 28–Aug 6, 6–9pm, Glassworks Studio, 4 sessions
An engaging introduction to the art of glassblowing, personally taught by studio owner and resident glassblower Paul Swartwood. This intimate, hands-on class emphasizes learning by doing as Paul guides students through essential tools, techniques, and the creative use of color in the hot shop. Each session blends demonstration, guided practice, and individual instruction, ofering both newcomers and returning students the opportunity to expand and refne their skills in a supportive studio environment. No prerequisites. Please wear cotton clothing (no synthetics). Minimum age 15.
“Whether
you’re into art, photography, or just want somewhere different and inspiring to spend a day, Glen Echo Park is definitely worth the visit.”
—Luis C.
Registration Policies & Procedures
Registration for classes listed in this catalog will begin February 4, 2026. Online registration only.
Ways to Register:
Online registration is simple and secure:
1. Go to glenechopark.org to browse and search course offerings and determine course availability.
2. Select the course(s) in which you wish to enroll.
3. Log in using your username and password or create a free online account.
4. Pay with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card via our secure web payment system.
5. Receive a confirmation email.
Questions? Call us at 301.634.2255.
Alternate registration methods
Registration forms may be submitted by mail (mail to: GEPPAC, attn. Registrar, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812). Registrations may also be completed over the phone by calling 301.634.2255. Payment is due in full at the time of registration.
Registration for Social Dance Classes
Students may register for social dance classes at the door on the first night of the series, although pre-registration is still recommended. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of class to register at the door. NOTE: Registration for some dance workshops will take place ONLY at the door. Such instances are noted in the description of the class online and in the catalog.
Member Benefits
All Members receive a $3 discount on every class tuition for you and your immediate family. See membership pages at glenechopark.org/ membership for details.
Office Hours/Location
The Glen Echo Park Partnership office is located on the second floor of the North Arcade Building. Office hours are Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.
Class Registration Fee
A nonrefundable $15 Registration Fee per quarter applies to each registration (per separate registration form or per online registration session); an individual student may sign up for an unlimited number of classes within a quarter and be subject to a single fee. This fee ensures the viability of Glen Echo Park educational programs by contributing to the administrative costs associated with managing over one thousand courses each year. Registration fees are nonrefundable except when a class is cancelled by Glen Echo Park.
Refund Policy
If you wish to withdraw from a class or workshop, you must submit your request in writing. Email notification to registrar@glenechopark.org will ensure the most prompt response to your request. Alternative methods for submitting refund requests are available upon request. All refund requests, regardless of submission method, remain subject to the same eligibility criteria and timelines. When withdrawing from a course, include the student’s name, telephone number, course title and start date, and reason for withdrawal. Please note that registration fees are nonrefundable except when a course is cancelled by Glen Echo Park.
Written notification of withdrawal must be received by the following deadlines:
• 8 days or more prior to class or workshop: full tuition refunded minus a $20 cancellation fee.
• 7 days prior to a class and up to 24 hours after the first class: 50% tuition refunded, minus $20 cancellation fee.
• 7 days prior to a workshop: sorry, no refund.
• 24 hours after first class or later: sorry, no refund.
• Registration fees & camp deposits are nonrefundable. Camp fees are noted in course descriptions.
Transfer Policy
Course tuition and registration fees are nontransferable. If you wish to move to another class, you must register for the new class separately and request a refund for the original class. See above for refund policies.
Class Cancellations
The Partnership reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet minimum enrollment. Enrolled students will be notified in advance of class cancellations.
Glen Echo Park Partnership | REGISTRATION FORM
Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture Inc.
COMPLETE ONE REGISTRATION FORM PER STUDENT STUDENT NAME
Office Use Only Reg# Notes: R RI Member Price
Partnership Members receive a $3 tuition discount per class. Donate $35 or more to become a Member now.
Subtotal Donation Add Registration Fee $15 (per quarter) Total
CASH: $50 or less, deliver to Partnership office during office hours.
CHECK PAYABLE TO GEPPAC.
Send payment to GEPPAC, Attn. Registrar, Glen Echo Park , 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812. Credit Card: Cardholder Name as it appears on card (print)
If paying by credit card, you may register online, or call GEPPAC at 301 634 2255
Please sign and date Release of Liability on the reverse side of this form.
Please read our registration procedures and policies section
(month/year)
Glen Echo Park Partnership | CLASS POLICIES,
Glen Echo Park Partnership Registration, Class Policies, Terms & Conditions
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812 | 301.634.2222 | glenechopark.org
Students enrolling in classes and programs through the Glen Echo Park Partnership (the Partnership) accept these Registration and Class Policies as part of the terms and conditions of their registration.
Registration Fee: A non-refundable Registration Fee of $15 per quarter applies to each separate registration (per registration form or per online registration session); individual students may sign up for an unlimited number of classes within a single registration.
Class Cancellations: The Partnership reserves the right to cancel classes that do not meet a minimum enrollment at the discretion of the Partnership. Enrolled students will be notified in advance of class cancellations. Class tuition is refunded when a class is cancelled by the Partnership.
Refund Policy: To cancel your registration, notify the Registrar in writing at registrar@glenechopark.org. Refunds are issued according to the following schedule:
• Withdrawal 8 days or more prior to class or workshop: full tuition refunded minus a $20 cancellation fee.
• Withdrawal 7 days prior to a class and up to 24 hours after the first class: 50% tuition refunded, minus $20 cancellation fee.
• Withdrawal 7 days prior to a workshop: sorry, no refund.
• Withdrawal more than 24 hours after first class or later: sorry, no refund.
• Registration fees and camp deposits are non-refundable. Camp fees are noted in course descriptions.
• Course tuition and registration fees are nontransferable.
Class Policies: The Partnership and its partners offer non-accredited classes and workshops to the public. Because group cooperation is essential for a successful learning environment, the Partnership reserves the right to remove a student from a class or workshop if an instructor believes, in their sole discretion, that a student’s behavior disrupts the learning environment. Students with special needs, or their parents or guardians, should contact the instructor prior to registration to discuss any accommodations that might be needed for successful participation in a group class. The Partnership reserves the right to substitute an appropriate instructor when necessary and to change a program location when needed. Please be mindful of class start and end times. Neither the Partnership nor the instructor are able to provide pre-or post class care, unless part of a scheduled program.
Likeness Release: The Partnership and instructors reserve the right to make recordings (by use of any media) of a student’s work, voice, actions and/or likeness (collectively “Likeness”) and to use such recordings in promotional, marketing, or other printed or electronic media communication. In consideration of participating in the class(es), the undersigned, on behalf of themselves or their child under the age of 18, hereby consents to the making of such recordings and releases the Partnership and its instructors from any and all liability arising out of any recording, use, or distribution of the student’s Likeness.
Release From Liability: I wish to register to participate in one or more classes offered by Glen Echo Park or to register my child who is under the age of 18. I understand that some of the activities involve risks including, but not limited to, bodily injury, death, or property damage. I also understand the importance of following all instructions, heeding all safety warnings, and not engaging in any activity I am not able to perform safely based on my physical condition or otherwise.
In consideration of participating in the class(es), the undersigned, on behalf of themselves or their child under the age of 18, agrees not to make any claim against, and to release from any liability, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, the National Park Service, the United States Government, Montgomery County, Maryland, the class instructors, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and agents (the ”Released Parties”) arising out of participation in class activities, whether caused by the instructor’s negligence or otherwise, and whether for bodily injury, death, property damage, or loss of any kind or nature, including, without limitation, claims concerning the right of privacy and/or publicity arising from the recording, use or distribution of the student’s Likeness.
I certify that I understand the terms of this Release from Liability, that I am age eighteen (18) years or older, or the parent/legal guardian of the student identified below and authorized to execute this Release from Liability on their behalf. This Release will bind me, my representatives, successors, heirs, and assigns.
Student Name (Please print) _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature (if student is over 18)________________________________________________________________________________
Guardian Signature (if student is under 18)____________________________________________________________________________
Guardian Name (if student is under 18)_________________________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact: Name
Phone # Relationship
Glen Echo Park Partnership | VISITOR INFORMATION
Visitor Information
Directions to the Park
BY CAR: When traveling via car, please use this GPS address for the main parking lot: 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, MD
From the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495), take exit 40 on the outer loop or exit 41 east on the inner loop. Take Clara Barton/Cabin John Parkway to the MacArthur Blvd/Glen Echo exit. Make a left onto MacArthur Blvd. Cross Goldsboro Road and then make a left onto Oxford Road where you will see our public parking lot.
From downtown Washington, take Massachusetts Avenue northwest, to its end at Goldsboro Road, turn left, and continue to MacArthur Blvd. Turn right on MacArthur Blvd and take an immediate left onto Oxford Road where you will see our public parking lot.
For Drop Off/Pick Up and Ridesharing Apps, you can use the street address of 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812 and meet your ride in front of the large neon sign by the entrance that is visible from MacArthur Blvd.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take Montgomery County Ride-On bus #29, operating daily from Friendship Heights and Bethesda metro stations on the Red Line. For information on rates and schedules, follow this link to Route 29 information on www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
Free Parking
Free parking for Glen Echo Park is in a public parking lot located just of MacArthur Blvd on Oxford Road, across from the Glen Echo Shopping Center. From the parking lot, walk along the path across the Minnehaha Creek bridge and into the Park. Please do not park in “permit only” areas or the town streets near the Irish Inn.
Accessible parking can be found in two locations:
Permit Parking Lot at 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812. Drive through the permit parking lot to reach the accessible spaces, which are located near the iconic Glen Echo Park neon sign. A parking permit is not required to use the accessible parking spaces. This location is the closest to Park facilities.
Main Parking Lot at 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, MD 20812. In this large parking lot, the accessible spaces are located close the entrance to the Park.
Information & Assistance
• Handicapped accessible restrooms are located in the Arcade Building, the Spanish Ballroom and the brick building located next to the Carousel.
• For Emergencies requiring police, fre, or rescue assistance, contact the US Park Police: 202.610.7500.
• Fire and Ambulance: 911, preferably from a landline. See our map of building and studio locations on the next page.
Glen Echo Park Partnership | PARK MAP
