“Glass Imagery on Stained Glass” a holiday retreat May 14-21, 2026 at Mulranny Arts in Ireland.
Make a hanging glass panel using colorful stained glass with images that are painted, silk-screened, airbrushed and penned onto the glass surface, then kiln fired and soldered together. All of this while enjoying outings in one of Ireland’s most breathtaking settings of Mulranny, where sea, land and sky provide endless inspiration for creativity.
What to expect:
Immerse yourself in a week-long retreat that rejuvenates your creativity and enriches your artistic journey. Set amidst the beautiful coastal landscapes of Mulranny, this retreat offers a perfect blend of learning and cultural experiences. Engage in this workshop that explores imagery on stained glass. The week is balanced with local tours and evenings filled with traditional Irish entertainment, communal meals and conversations with fellow artists. Experience the essence of Ireland while creating, learning and forming lasting connections in this unforgettable artistic retreat.
What you will learn
The focus of this fun and creative workshop is to learn how to add detailed images to your stained glass works. In class you will next practice techniques including airbrushing glass (using an atomizer and airbrush), pen-and-ink drawing, silk-screen printing using existing screens the instructor will bring, and painting glass. No need to be an expert painter, we will be tracing images in class! Enamels are painted on the glass surface then kiln fired onto the glass. Students will then copper foil and solder the panel together to make a finished stained glass panel up to twelve by twelve inches (30cm x 30cm). Great for beginners and those with experience working with stained glass who want to bring it to the next level. Marketing for artists and art residency advice lectures, as well as demonstrations on how to frame and light your work are included in this workshop.
What to bring to class
All supplies are provided. If you like, please bring a few simple pencil sketches or found inspiration of design ideas you would like to use in class. We will be using ready made silkscreens with some images and patterns you can use in making your stained glass panel. Inspiration can be from your new Mulranny environment. Please no open toe shoes in the studio.
Tours
During your stay at Mulranny Arts, you’ll not only experience the magic of this unique environment, but also embark on unforgettable tours that showcase the very best of Ireland’s west coast.
Full Day Tour
The full day tour will include a guided tour of Achill Island, following the Wild Atlantic Way route. Achill boasts the highest sea cliffs in Western Europe, iconic beaches, soaring mountains, peaceful lakes and ancient boglands, all under the vast Atlantic skies. You’ll also discover intriguing historical sites along the way, with a delicious lunch at the BeeHive Restaurant.
Half Day Tour
The half day tour will include a visit to Burrishoole Abbey, Graine Uaile’s Castle – the Pirate Queen of Ireland’s West Coast, Furnace Lake, the Old Irish Goat Visitor Center in Mulranny, a viewing of the famous Harry Clarke stained glass windows and a trip to the bustling market town of Westport. Here, you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or café.
This week long retreat invites you to explore nature’s palette as Mulranny is nestled between beautiful beaches and mountains, and has numerous charming, and rocky coves nearby.
Embrace creative walks along scenic trails, and unwind in our well-equipped studio, cozy bedrooms, and a warm gathering room complete with a fireplace. Relish healthy, gourmet meals prepared by an on-site private chef. You will also have access to a communal kitchen for those midnight snacks! Join us for an inspiring journey where art and nature intertwine seamlessly.
Costs (in USD):
$2,800 – Private Bedroom with Shared Bathroom,
$2,950 – Private Bedroom with Private Bathroom
To register for this workshop and choose your bedroom please email Joseph Cavalieri at cavaglass@gmail.com
What’s included in your Retreat:
– Masterclass Tuition
– All materials and supplies required
– 7 nights lodging adjacent to the studio
– All meals except for one lunch and two restaurant dinners
– All tour & excursion fees
– New friends and wonderful new memories!
– Transportation: If you do not have your own transportation, Mulranny Arts will supply transportation from Westport/Castlebar to the Mulranny Arts Campus. You must make your own way via Train or Bus to Westport/Castelbar. Consider spending time in other spots in Ireland before traveling to Mulranny Arts.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
The best travel options for arrival for those flying into Dublin is for you to book the 12:45 PM train on Thursday, May 14th from Heuston Station to Westport, arriving at 4:00 PM. A private shuttle service will be available at 4:00 PM from Westport Train Station to Mulranny.
Thursday, May 21 2026
For the return journey on Thursday, May 21st, participants should book the 9:45 AM train from Westport Station to Heuston Station, Dublin. We will provide a private shuttle service from Mulranny to the train station for their convenience.
What’s not included:
– Travel costs / Airfare
– Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
– Additional nights lodging
Ready to Reserve your Spot?
Please email Joseph Cavalieri at cavaglass@gmail.com to register. Please note for how many and if you prefer a private room with a private bathroom or shared bathroom. First come first serve for the private bathrooms.
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers both your journey to Ireland and your workshop fees in the event of cancellation. Please read our Cancellation Policy at https://www.mulrannyarts.com/terms (Please note that this policy applies without exception).
About Joseph Cavalieri
Joseph Cavalieri is an artist and educator, living in France. His art career began as an art director in the publishing industry in New York City, at GQ, Good Housekeeping, and People magazines. Joseph began working in glass in 2000. His glass art is found in major collections including the permanent collection of the Museum of Arts and Design, his public art commissions include an MTA Arts for Transit public art installation at the Philipse Manor Station, and he has attended fifteen residencies including twice at the Sacatar Foundation in Brazil. His teaching credentials include over 100 workshops in the US, Israel, South America and Europe, including Corning Glass, Penland, and Pilchuck Glass School. In November, 2024 Joseph moved to Vouleme, France where he currently lives and runs his glass studio.
Places are limited, please book soon!
Back story:
Plenty of good things happen when I am teaching. The best happened while I was running a workshop at SW Art Glass in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2024. One of my students invited me to tour her school in Ireland in hopes of me returning to teach. I visited for four days in December 2024, fell in love with the breathtaking setting, well-equipped facility, and comfortable housing. I am set to return and teach a holiday retreat glass workshop for eleven students from May 14 – 21st, 2026. A perfect blend of learning and cultural experiences.
