Break Into a New Hobby

Columbus Glass Art Center has been undergoing a rebrand since August

By Joe Frye 

High temperatures and fragile materials may make glass blowing seem like a daunting, not-for-amateurs activity. However, a Columbus institution’s recent rebranding is open to help residents of the area — new and experienced — make new creations while learning about glass blowing. 

Columbus Glass Art Center, operating as Glass Axis since 1987, has been undergoing a rebranding since August 1. The new name comes with a new location as well, as the center will now be in Franklinton at a facility encompassing molten glass, casting, fusing, neon, stained glass, cold working and torch working, according to the center’s website. 

At the new center, guests can choose from several glass-making offerings, such as “the hot shop,” where molten glass is used, or the mosaic offering, where participants can arrange glass fragments in grout. For fall, attendants can schedule a class to create a glass-blow pumpkin.  

In addition to creating pieces themselves, the Columbus Glass Art Center allows guests to shop in their gallery where pieces by more than 25 local artists are available for purchase. With themed shopping days planned for the upcoming holidays, shoppers can browse among glass pumpkins at “Pumpkin Patch” (Oct. 5-12) or Christmas-themed creations at the holiday sale (Dec 6-15).  

The Columbus Glass Art Center is open Tuesday through Saturday. More information can be found on the center’s website.