Don’t blow it
Glass artists adapt to pandemic with no-touch, design-your-own experiences
Story & photos by Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
If you’ve ever created a ceramic dish, you probably experienced the pleasure, beyond the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, of waiting to see what comes out of the kiln. No matter how carefully you choose and apply the glaze coloring, what results will be a surprise to all but seasoned ceramists.
There is a similar pleasure to be had at “blow your own” glass shops, even as COVID-19 restrictions have forced the already-creative business owners and managers to get even more creative to keep customers and staff safe without closing to the public.
The Lincoln City Glass Center is one such shop that, after a short closure, reopened with a new business model, where customers can have a “design your own,” rather than “blow your own,” experience.
The no-touch experience allows customers to choose from designs including waves, jellyfish, sea stars, votives, flowers and, of course, floats, and stand at a safe, six-feet distance while a glass artist brings them to life.
“We started out doing all solid items until we figured out a foot-peddle operated compressed air system,” said glass artist E.C. “Even though it’s not the traditional thing people look forward to when they come here, we’re finding that people are just so happy to have something of interest to do right now.”
There is still plenty of room to create something with personal flair, as the next step in the process, once you’ve chosen your item, is choosing from a wide array of colors.
“Most people are generally understanding about the new system because they know why we are doing it,” E.C. said. “And we’ve had some people say they actually actually prefer it, because you get to actually watch what’s happening without the pressure of being physically involved. Also, the finished products usually do turn out a little nicer when the professionals do it.”
Gift-giving time being right around the corner, the array of options also makes for a, sort of, handmade gift you can be proud of.
“This season is a great time for locals because it’s quieter,” E.C. said. “So, it’s a great time to make a gift. But also, anyone who was hesitant to come because we are usually crowded should give it a try.”
Shannon Glen came in to the glass center to make a votive and a flower to give to her grandparents for Christmas.
“They used to love it when I made them handmade gifts because they are the kind of people who have everything,” she said. “Although I’ve made them a lot of macaroni art and now that I’m an adult I’m pretty sure that’s not appropriate anymore.”
When it was time for me to make something, the choice was easy. I couldn’t pass up the jellyfish floating ethereally in a flattened, upside-down tear drop of clear glass.
Artist Daniel Hogan was my guide, explaining each step and being a consummate professional, even when the jellyfish body took on a shape that brought out my inner teenager.
“Typically, we can make a jelly in 10 minutes,” he said. “It takes longer with the customers because we describe the entire process and some people have a lot of questions, which we really like.”
He didn’t mention how he felt about people interrupting him with jokes appropriate for people less than half their age, but I’m sure he’s used to it.
Part of why Hogan is patient, he revealed a bit later, is because he’s extremely grateful during this time to not only have a job, but one that he loves.
The glass has to cool down overnight, so creations can be picked up in person later or shipped for a small fee. I was there to get mine the minute they opened the next day.
It now sits on my desk, and I regularly marvel at the delicacy of the jellyfish’s bell, or hood, and the detail of the multicolored tentacles. I find it hard to wrap my mind around how this beautiful object came out of melted glass, which at one point is as hot as 2,100 degrees.
Prices start at $45 and go up depending on the size and intricacy of the project.
The shop is not just warm on a cold day, it has vibrant, colored glass chandeliers that visually warm the space too. Artist Kelly Howard, one of the owners, has started adding table lamps, pendant lamps and chandeliers to her already impressive line of glass art.
“It’s something I started getting serious about during the pandemic,” she said. “They have been really popular and I’m having so much fun creating the different styles and sizes.”
Her services are available for custom orders at kellyhowardglass.com.
Howard has been taking a little extra time away from shop administration and lamp creation to help open a seasonal shop in the Lincoln City Outlets to give people another way to give.
“Lots of people want locally made products,” she said. “We are opening a holiday pop-up shop in the old Harry & David space that is opening on Black Friday and continuing until the first week of January. We’ll have a pretty good inventory, including backstock, and will also be offering some special deals.”
The deals include a buy two Lincoln City Glass Center floats and get one free for the duration of the Pop-Up Gallery. And during the first weekend, Friday through Sunday Nov. 27 through 29, all Kelly Howard Glass items will be 10 percent off.
The Lincoln City Glass Center is located at 4821 SW Hwy. 101. For more information, go to www.lincolncityglasscenter.com.
• In Newport, Oregon Coast Glassworks is another studio that has made the changes necessary to allow for personalized glass creations. They are located at 616 E Olive Street. For more information, go to www.oregoncoastglassworks.com.