Small Business Arts Mentorship Program (SBAM)

Mentee profile | Udiya Swamy

SBAM, 2024–25
SBAM II, 2025–

We welcome back stained and fused glass artist, Udiya Swamy, as one of our 2025 SBAM II mentees. You will be seeing more of Udiya as he participates in our internship activities and other self-propelled initiatives in Studio.

Here’s a glimpse of what Udiya is all about:

When he was a child, Udiya Swamy immigrated to Toronto with his family from Bengaluru (Bangalore), India. While in the Canadian education system he discovered an affinity for the visual arts. He later majored in drawing and painting at Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University).

Originally entering the stained glass industry through necessity, he would soon be seduced by the dynamic medium. He developed an appreciation for the relationship between glass and metal, colour and light, as well as a deep respect for the methodology of the art form. His portraits are an attempt to translate contemporary drawing and painting methods into stained glass practices.

As part of SBAM, Udiya wishes to expand his portfolio of work encompassing his research and development this coming year with a goal of participating in more shows. He also plans to work on his grant-writing skills, and develop a web site gallery of his work.

Udiya's social media coordinates:

Facebook: @Udiya Swamy
Instagram: @Udiya_Swamy

Welcome aboard, Udiya!

Upcoming Glasstronomy Studios' events

Coming soon!

Past Glasstronomy Studios' events and workshops

Course | B240 | Beginner/Intermediate stained glass: Traditional painted and leaded panel (January 11, 18, and 25, 2025)

Stained glass has a rich history of using vitreous glass paint to create texture, gradients, patterns, images, and text to communicate design. Whether you are new to stained glass or are ready to add more depth and detail to your projects, this course is a great opportunity to explore traditional stained glass methods and gain hands-on experience in a supportive, creative environment.

Join guest artist, Udiya Swamy, and learn the best practices for both painted and leaded stained glass techniques from start to finish. Participants will create one 8-inch by 10-inch framed painted and leaded stained glass panel.

Tool usage, project metals, paint, firing, and framing are included.
Project glass is not included.

When: Saturdays, January 11, 18, and 25, 2025, from 1 to 4 pm
Fee: $325 + HST (includes tool usage, metals, paint, firing, and framing) + Project glass

Tutorial | T505Z | Traditional glass painting with guest artist Udiya Swamy (October 11, 2024)

We are excited to see how much Glasstronomy Studios’ mentee, Udiya Swamy, has developed over his first year in our Small Business Arts Mentorship Program (SBAM). Exploring both traditional and modern glass painting techniques, Udiya has much to share with fellow glass creatives. Watch a live demonstration of his unique interpretations and get a peek at what is coming in Studio later this fall.

When: Friday, October 11, 2024, from 12 to 1 pm, on Zoom
Fee: $30 + HST (Season: 4 sessions for $100 + HST)

Members event | M2024-7 | Silk screening 101 (October 20 and 27, 2024)

We had such a great time during our Arts and culture camp in the Finger Lakes NY that we have been inspired to keep the experiences coming! This fall we have designed a silk screening experience exclusively for you, our membership. This two-part adventure will begin with a field trip to Peach Berserk for a private screen making workshop. There we will learn how to create one-of-a-kind silk screens for printing purposes. What will we print you ask? While at Peach Berserk, we will create and print individually inspired 2024 Glasstronomy t-shirts and up to two other designs that we will take back to the studio for part 2, fused glass printing! The following Sunday, guest artist, Udiya Swamy, will lead us through the process of glass printing while we experiment with our newly developed designs.

Field trip, lunch at the venue, guest artist fee, glass, paint and firings included.
Maximum 12 people.

When: Sundays, October 20, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm AND October 27, 2024, from 1 to 4 pm
Fee: $445.50 + HST (includes field trip, lunch at the venue, guest artist fee, glass, paint and firings)

Workshop | G292 | Fusing technique: Glass painting with guest artist Udiya Swamy (May 4, 2024)

Glasstronomy Studios is excited to welcome back guest artist Udiya Swamy. Traditionally trained in drawing and painting, Udiya has worked with glass for over 25 years. Since working on projects like the restoration of Ottawa’s Parliament buildings and Toronto’s Castle Loma and St. Michael’s Cathedral, he now shares his extensive knowledge and experience through education. During this workshop, Udiya will guide participants through his method of vitreous glass painting. Participants will learn how to compose and execute several traditionally painted and fired renderings. Participants will receive a beginner glass painting kit that includes brushes, Reusche tracing black, and gum arabic.

Beginners are welcome.
Project glass and firings also included.
Participants will need to bring an LED light pad.

When: Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm
Fee: $295 + HST (includes glass painting kit, project glass, and firings) + LED light pad
This course is full.


Sample by U. Swamy

Participants will need to bring an LED light pad similar to this.

Members' event M2023-9 | Artist spotlight: Udiya Swamy (October 22, 2023)

Join visual artist, Udiya Swamy, as he shares some of his techniques. An active stained glass artist, Udiya has been exploring different ways to translate his paintings into fused glass. This past spring, Udiya was member of the conservation team that restored the Senate’s stained glass ceiling. For a peek at the complex restoration process, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSXLEnThWTM

When: Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm