Tampa Bay has become internationally known for the booming glass art movement that is centered here. These venues provide an exciting way to view, purchase and learn about creating art with glass. Check out a “hot shop,” the common term for a glassblowing workshop, where molten glass starts out as a lump on a pole in the “glory hole” of a blazing furnace and is then manipulated into anything an artist might imagine.

Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop
719 Central Ave
St Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 822-7872
www.moreanartscenter.org

The Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop is the largest glass art store in the Tampa Bay area. In the Central Avenue building, there is an art gallery, an educational center for classes, event space, the Glass Studio retail store and the Hot Shop. Three artists create original glass art pieces daily in public demonstrations at the Morean Arts Center Hot Shop including Pauli Maiville, David Spurgeon and Douglas Taylor Jr. A ticket can be purchased for a personal glass experience in the Hot Shop, designed with the novice in mind. This unique, 30-minute, one-on-one opportunity gives a person the chance to work with one of the Morean demonstration artists to learn the fundamentals of glassblowing, going through each of the steps to create a piece of their own to keep.

Duncan McClellan Glass Gallery
2342 Emerson Ave S
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(813) 760-6600
www.dmglass.com

Artist Duncan McClellan has been instrumental in helping to build the local glass art scene. In 2010, he purchased and renovated an old fish-processing plant, turning it into a studio, gallery and living space. He plans to add a hot shop later this year. McClellan currently creates his glass art in the hot shop at Sigma Glass Studio, owned by artist Chuck Boux. The DMG gallery, with soaring ceilings and glowing glass elegantly displayed, showcases his work and the rotating work of many other international artists.

Zen Glass Studios
600 27th St S
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 323-3141
www.zenglass.com

David Walker and Joshua Poll of Zen Glass Studios, celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2012, are continually creating new work and designs. Some of these creations include a fantastic collection of glass botanicals, flowers, functional pieces and floral-inspired glass art. They create functional pieces as well, like household beer glasses. Flameworker Jack Alden is another glass artist who works at Zen Glass and contributes to the collection. The studio and gallery spaces are open for public viewing, and numerous classes and workshops are offered for all ages and experience levels.

Related: Best Art Walks In Tampa

Phoenix Glass Studio and Gallery
811 E Knollwood St
Tampa, FL 33604
(813) 237-3473
www.gottglass.com

Phoenix Glass Studio and Gallery offers a variety of blown and cast glass giftware and one-of-a-kind glass sculptures for visitors to purchase. Susan Gott, owner of the gallery, specializes in sculptural cast glass, which incorporates steel and stone. Her work is displayed in notable galleries around the world, in museum collections, in private collections and can be seen as public art. She offers workshops, special events and several open house events throughout the year. Check the website to see the events lined up and get involved.

Grand Central Stained Glass & Graphics
2425 Central Ave
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 328-2428
www.grandcentralstainedglass.com

Bradley Erickson and his wife, Eloyne Erickson, own Pinellas County’s largest and most fully-equipped decorative glass store. The couple will move into a larger, better-equipped studio and store right beside the current location in a brand new building being constructed on Central Avenue. “We have five glass kilns that are computer controlled. We are the only place like this in lower Pinellas County,” said Erickson. This innovative studio is a must see for the advancements in the glass art industry. The studio offers classes, custom commissions, repair and restoration of glass and ecclesiastical glass, sure to fit whatever need you have.

Related: Most Iconic Works Of Art In Tampa Bay