Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Kim.
Hi Grace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 1987, a mixed group of students and alumni from Ohio State University Department of Art’s Glass Program founded our organization under its former name Glass Axis. Our goal was to spread knowledge about glass art, and we first started by traveling all around central Ohio with a portable glass blowing studio. Since then, we’ve founded our Columbus-based brick-and-mortar studio and rebranded ourselves with the new name of “Columbus Glass Art Center”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout the process of establishing ourselves in Columbus, we’ve been hit heavily by the gentrification of local neighborhoods. Being outpriced from waves of new businesses forced us to relocate 4 times, hitting us hard financially each time. Additionally since 2020, we’ve had to juggle the aftereffects of the COVID 19 pandemic and the widespread economic instability as grant funding becomes increasingly harder for arts organizations to secure.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Columbus Glass Art Center is a nonprofit glass making hub that teaches glass art and supports professional glass artists.
We offer classes every week for all experience levels, including absolute beginners. Our classes include glassblowing, beadmaking, mosaics, stained glass, and even more.
We’ve also been supporting professional glass artists by housing their works for sale in our gift shop and providing our studio as a place to hone their craft.
By interacting with us, you’re supporting a locally-based arts organization that uplifts both future and current glass makers in Columbus, Ohio.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We would love for people to take one of our classes! We have a variety of activities available including making glass bowls, ornaments, jewelry, and more for all experience levels.
We also sell artwork from our 25+ local glass artists, which you can browse through in our Franklinton-based location. You can find the perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer at our Holiday Glass Art Sale, running from December 6 to 20th.
For those concerned about pricing, we also have a volunteering program where for every hour earns you $10 in credit. These credits can be used to pay for classes, studio rental fees, and glass art purchases. Check out our website’s membership page for more information!
As an arts nonprofit organization, we greatly appreciate donations which are tax deductible — an incredibly impactful way to help local arts and professional artists flourish in Columbus.
Pricing:
- Glass Blown Holiday Ornament Classes – $50 per session
- Glass Blown Wavy Bowl Classes – $100 per session
- Torch Blown Wine Stopper Classes – $65 per session
- Kiln Fused Small Lantern Classes – $65 per session
- Kiln Fused Sushi Plate Date Night Classes – $100 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.columbusglassartcenter.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbusglass/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusGlassArtCenter
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/columbus-glass-art-center
