NoCa Glass School

Jesse is one of the most talented glass (and otherwise) teachers I’ve ever met. I learned more from him in 15 minutes than I did almost in my entire pre-​NoCa glass career. I would recommend this glass shop absolutely.

I took a glass pumpkin class trough CCAE about a year and a half ago. Jesse did not teach the class but Ben was great. If he had been the only instructor, I would have given 5 stars. The other instructor (I believe his name was DJ) was terrible. He may have been a great glass-​blower but he just wasn’t a teacher. He couldn’t explain well what we were supposed to do and when we weren’t doing it just right, he would snap at us, even swearing a few times. He wouldn’t really help along the way and one student ended up having to start over because he couldn’t help her before it was too late. At one point, he made me get out of the way and just did part of it for me. There was no instruction. I almost left in the middle of the class because I felt uncomfortable. I made my second pumpkin with Ben and it came out a lot nicer than the first and more importantly, I had fun. I had, however, lost my confidence after working with DJ.
I had previously taken a demo lesson in Newport and fell in love with glassblowing. I thought I had a new hobby! DJ left me feeling so frustrated and discouraged that I decided glassblowing wasn’t for me.

I took a holiday ornament class at NoCa yesterday — and LOVED it. Jesse is extremely talented (our class got an amazing demo at the end of class — wow), AND a really fantastic teacher — definitely a rare combination. Jesse and Amanda did an excellent job establishing trust with the class from the beginning (the 2000+ degree oven is far less intimidating with either of them by your side!), and created a fun, relaxing environment. Would highly recommend, and will definitely be back.

Just took a class here this afternoon with Jesse Rasid via the CCAE. So great. Jesse did a wonderful job taking us through the steps of glass working 101, and created a relaxing and humorous environment… which is a pretty amazing feat considering most class members were worried we were about to get our faces burned off. Would highly recommend.