Contact Page - Art School in Chandler, Arizona

Della Terra Studios:
Della Terra Studios, located in Chandler, Arizona, strives to be a "one stop shop" for all your architectural and fine art needs. Our studio creates original functional and sculptural art to satisfy the most discerning collector and eclectic tastes. We never use imported or mass-produced elements in our art work. What sets us apart from our competition is our commitment to creating authentic ironwork and glass using both modern and traditional techniques. With our metal, every flower, vine, leaf, and finial is meticulously hand-crafted by fire and hammer. Our pieces are individually unique, hand crafted works of art. The difference is the attention to detail and pride we take in every piece we create.

Students of our classes will learn the fundamentals of moving metal using small tools and hammers to create high relief in almost any type of metal. The techniques of Chasing and Repousse utilize the plasticity quality of metal, allowing high relief to be achieved. Della Terra Studios offers classes in Stained Glass, Glass Carvings, Paints, Ceramic Sculpture, Chasing & Repousse, and Raising.

We have years of experience working with handcrafted glass. Our Glass services include custom stained glass tailored to your style or design, and glass carvings and etchings. "Della Terra" translates as "of the Earth". Since most of the materials we use have a symbiotic and spiritual relationship with the Earth, we felt the name complements what we do.


Programs
- Mosaic Workshop. We trust that you will find this workshop encouraging, motivating and an inspiration to develop your more creative side. All you require to bring is yourself.

- Stained Glass classes. Join us for a series of classes’ that will introduce the novice to the world of stained glass. These sessions cover everything from cutting, foiling, leading, grinding, soldering and much more.

- Giclee Painting. During this course we will use a variety of methods, including: underpainting, washes, wet and dry brushes to enhance a giclee print. When completed, the print will be suitable for mounting and framing. The method being taught is a fusion old methods (i.e. hand tinted photographs) with modern technology. Open to all levels of experience.

- Chasing and Repousse. Students will learn the fundamentals of moving metal using small tools and hammers to create high relief in almost any type of metal. The techniques of Chasing and Repousse utilize the plasticity quality of metal, allowing high relief to be achieved. The beginning Repousse class will not involve any tool making. A Repousse artist needs to know how to make tools. However, they need to know how to use them first. The relationship between the working end of the tool and the metal is critical for success. Students should be able to complete two small copper Repousse pieces during the workshop.

- Creative Plasterwork Casting. In this three day class students will create their own small organic or architectural designs in clay, create a rubber mold from that design, then cast it in plaster. Several patina techniques will be taught for aging or embellishing the cast including paints, colored waxes, and foils.

- Stained Glass Painting Course. Traditional glass painting is when pigments are mixed with powdered glass, which is then literally melted to the surface of the glass. The same technique used by the old masters.(Traditional stained glass painting should not be confused with the new modern techniques of putting coloured glass puzzles together.)