A Sunderland-based craft school is continuing to teach the art of glassmaking after moving to a new home.

Midori Art and Crafts has opened a new workshop and learning space at the North East BIC where it will continue to deliver its glassmaking workshops.

The brainchild of Japanese artist Midori Shinmura, the business delivers eight, five-week courses every year to adults wanting to learn the basic skills of fusing, slumping and casting glass.

Attendees learn the basics of glassmaking, get the chance to design and create their own glass art and meet like-minded creatives.

Midori Shinmura, of Midori Art and Crafts, has opened a new workshop and learning space at the North East BIC. Photo credit Helen Smith Photography.

placeholder image — Midori Shinmura, of Midori Art and Crafts, has opened a new workshop and learning space at the North East BIC. Photo credit Helen Smith Photography.

Midori said: “We have a great community of creatives who take part in our workshops, from repeat students who regularly attend every five-week course to new people who come just to try it.

"Some people have been coming for years.

“We have one student who is aged 80. She started learning glassmaking 20 years ago in my class and fell so in love with glassmaking that she studied and completed a degree in glassmaking at the university when she was 70 years old.

"She still comes to our sessions to this day.

Midori delivers eight five-week courses every year to adults wanting to learn the basic skills of fusing, slumping and casting glass. Photo credit Helen Smith Photography.

“Over the years, several students have gone on to study glassmaking at degree level, although the courses are designed to suit all abilities – from complete beginners to more experienced makers.

"The classes allow individuals to build up their skills and confidence at their own pace.”

Midori moved to Sunderland from Japan back in 2001 to study a master’s in glassmaking at the University of Sunderland.

She began delivering glassmaking courses at the National Glass Centre in 2003 and has since taught hundreds of people.

She said: “It’s not just about learning how to make glass, it’s also about expressing your creativity and socialising with like-minded people.

"This is also why we’ve been successful in attracting people from all backgrounds and skill levels.

“Everyone is happy to help each other out, so you never feel out of place.

"It really is a lovely environment we’ve created together with our students and I think the move to the BIC will only help us build on that as we look to the future.”