Orange Beach Alabama to Establish Only Public Access Glass Blowing Studio in State The Orange Beach Arts Center in Orange Beach, Alabama will create the state’s first and only glass blowing studio that will be available for public use. The studio will be available for tours, classes, demonstrations, special events and for individuals or companies to rent. The glass equipment was donated by Bear Creek Glass. Orange Beach, Alabama July 23, 2009 – The Orange Beach Arts Center will establish the state’s first and only public access glass studio. The studio will be the site of tours, classes, special events, and studio rentals. The glass studio was made possible by a $230,000 donation of glass equipment from Joe and Debbie Thompson of Bear Creek Glass. The studio will be called The Hot Shop at Orange Beach Arts Center and will add to the educational programs already offered at the center. The “hot shop” is the traditional name for the glass blowing area of a glass studio. “The Hot Shop” began with a phone conversation this spring between Joe Thompson of Bear Creek Glass and Orange Beach Arts Center Coordinator, Wanda Price. Thompson’s vision of a public access glass studio and the Arts Center’s vision to create a working art destination was a perfect fit. The City of Orange Beach and Friends of the Arts, Inc with the assistance of local designer, Pat Martin, are renovating two existing structures for a temporary glass studio that is to open this August. A larger permanent structure is planned for the future. The level of excitement over this gift is spreading as residents, local officials and businesses realize the boon that a unique art center brings to the community. Georgine Clarke with the Alabama State Council on the Arts says “The Hot Shop will have a wonderful impact on art education in the southeast and even nationally.” The studio will offer a comprehensive class schedule for novices and experts in all the methods of forming glass. Classes will be taught by a staff artist and other artists from around the country and even internationally. The Hot Shop will be open to the public for tours, viewing, and demonstrations including specially designed art education programs for K-12 students. A grand opening celebration is being planned for Friday, August 21 6PM to 9PM at the Orange Beach Art Center. About The Hot Shop at Orange Beach Arts Center: Contact:
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