Inside the Hot Shop with Instructor Luis Sanchez
Inside the Hot Shop with Instructor Luis Sanchez
Luis Sanchez brings years of lived experience to his role as Program Manager at Hilltop Artists. “My title is Program Manager and I have been a staff member since 2018. I was a student from 2011–2017.” Having grown up in the program, Luis understands how the studio functions and what young artists need to feel supported.
His time as a student shaped the way he teaches today. “Learning how to teach glass is different from knowing how to do it because you have to be able to explain every move that you are making […] You get so used to how the shop is set up that you know how it runs and you don’t have to relearn a new layout while you are teaching.” Years of watching his own instructors work gave him an intuitive sense of how to break down each step, something that newcomers from the broader glass community may have to learn on the job.
Teaching has strengthened his own skills as well. “Becoming an instructor helped develop my skills even more… I can then help the students achieve in making it themselves afterwards.” Whether in flameworking or stepping into the glassblowing area, he continues to grow by learning alongside the students he mentors.
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Luis believes Hilltop Artists is an essential space for young people. “Having Hilltop is important because it gave me somewhere to go after school and helped me stay busy. […] For others it’s a safe space for them to come in and just hang out if they don’t want to be at home or they need a place to just be themselves.” That sense of belonging is made possible through community investment. “Students get to take this class for free because of all the support we get from the community so we need them to keep supporting us.”
Outside of Hilltop, Luis’s artistic career continues to grow. “Some of my biggest accomplishments I would say are having a residency at Pilchuck as part of the Hauberg Residency in May 2024. More recently having a residency at the Museum of Glass. I’ve had pieces on display at the TAM, BIMA, TCC, MOG.” His art draws heavily from personal history: “I take inspiration from my culture and my family and I translate that into my own art.” He encourages students to do the same, helping them find elements of their identity to build into their work. As he reminds them, “Anyone can put a vase on display but only they can make it resemble them.”
Looking ahead, Luis is excited for what’s next: applying for a residency at the Corning Museum of Glass, participating in a curated gallery show, and upgrading equipment in the hot shop “to hopefully encourage more students to start making some different pieces.”
His journey reflects a commitment to growth, creativity, and building a welcoming space where young artists can discover who they are.
Supporting Hilltop Artists means our students can continue to learn and grow with instructors like Luis. Your gift is an investment in more than just glass art; you are ensuring young people in our community can succeed and flourish as the next generation of mentors. Make your gift this winter and keep our furnaces glowing!