WELCOME TO THE GLASS ALLIANCE OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

May 2025
Palo Alto High School
Glassblowing Program

Palo Alto High School’s glassblowing program—part of the broader Fiery Arts initiative—was founded in the early 2000s by ceramics teacher David Camner after a student trip to a glassblowing studio in the Santa Cruz Mountains sparked widespread enthusiasm. With support from the community and district, Camner secured funding for a furnace, laying the groundwork for what has become one of the only high school glass programs in California.

In 2024, Mike Da Ponte joined the program as the new glass and ceramics instructor, bringing over a decade of experience from New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, IL, where he served as studio technician. Mike holds a degree in fine art from Illinois State University and a master’s in secondary education from Grand Canyon University. He currently teaches 128 students across three foundation-level art classes, one intermediate ceramics and glass course, and one advanced/AP ceramics and glass class. His teaching philosophy blends hands-on experimentation, technical skill-building, and a deep belief in the unique, expressive potential of glass as a material and a medium for personal growth.

GLANC Member Montague Gallery at the SF Art Fair 2024

   

QUESTIONS?  CONTACT US AT:  [email protected]