Blown away by classes in glass art
Thanks to “Blown Away,” the Canadian reality show about glass artists on Netflix, glassblowing has become hot. Amateurs can learn the basics at these studios.
Pacific Northwest
Start a romance with glass in Tacoma, Wash., the birthplace of Dale Chihuly, the world’s most famous and prolific contemporary glass artist. At the Museum of Glass, visitors can take a workshop ($60, plus $17 museum admission), then stroll across the Bridge of Glass showcasing thousands of Chihuly’s works. Nearby, Tacoma Glassblowing Studio offers private classes ($75) and weekend workshops on how to make glass pumpkins, Christmas tree ornaments and even a bee, which requires two glassblowers ($125). Info: museumofglass.org; tacomaglassblowing.com
Southwest
In Sedona, Ariz., the Melting Point offers one-hour classes for beginners ($80 to $200). Stay in one of its Airbnb rooms and get a 20% discount ($70 to $75 a night). Tucson’s Sonoran Glass School has three levels of classes, including a furnace glassblowing session for $35 to $50. In Albuquerque, Aurora Borealis Glassworks offers classes starting at $250. Glass artist Elodie Holmes in Santa Fe, N.M., offers classes in her studio, Liquid Light Glass, by appointment. A paperweight making class costs $76. Blowing glass also is a popular activity at Red Flower Studios in Park City, Utah. You can work with glassblowers on objects such as ornaments ($25) and bowls ($50). Info: se do na glassblowing. com; Sonoranglass.org; aurora borealis glass works. net; liquidlightglass.com, redflowerstudios.com
California
Going wine tasting in Paso Robles? Stop first for a taste of glassblowing at Harmony Glass Works, which costs $190 for a one-hour class. In Temecula, James Stone welcomes students at Stone & Glass, where an introductory class costs $149. A tip: Don’t drink and blow glass. Info: harmonyglassworks.com; stoneandglass.com
Canada
Here’s an opportunity to see the northern lights and then re-create those green swirls in glass at Lumel Studios in Whitehorse, Yukon. Walk-in classes start at $45. Info: lumelstudios.com
GEO QUIZ ANSWER: Namibia