Hands-On Glassblowing Adventure
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Port
Haines, Alaska, US
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$160
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Turn your binge-watch into a real hot glass class. Whether you’re an avid viewer of Netflix’s Blown Away or simply curious about the art of molten glass, this all-in-one glass-blowing experience is for you.
Begin with a beautiful drive along Chilkat Inlet, with possible glimpses of glaciers and marine life. Your destination is a picturesque water’s-edge setting surrounded by spruce forest.
Expect an adrenaline rush as you step inside the hot shop to feel the heat and hear the roar of a crucible blazing at 2,000°F -- the perfect blend of tranquility and intensity as you get ready to make your glass piece. Space is limited, but don’t come alone -- hot glass is better shared with your closest friends and family.
Meet your instructor, who will detail the functions of the studio, safety expectations, and basic skills of blowing glass through a live demonstration. Examples of pieces will be displayed for your reference as you decide what to make. All glass is gathered “clear,” and color is added in various combinations, making it an easily personalized experience for each blower. Once you have chosen your piece and color, your instructor will work one-on-one with you to bring your creation to life. Students are welcome to participate, with the instructor scaling the lesson to your experience and confidence level, offering suggestions, modifications, and enthusiasm to aid you in the process.
Upon completion, your piece will go into the annealer oven (+950°F) to soak in the heat and slowly cool overnight. As you wait at the bench or observe fellow creators, enjoy light refreshments and the scenic beauty around you. By the end of your lesson, you’ll leave with not only a tangible keepsake but also fantastic memories of Alaska glassblowing.
Please note: Handling hot glass is inherently dangerous. Participants must agree to adhere to all safety policies and instructions to ensure group success. Shipping to the lower 48 states is included for your piece, provided you share where to send it. Shipping insurance and in-house blown glass will be available for purchase by card or cash. Suitable for people who are deaf or hard of hearing or people with disabilities with a caregiver/translator present. Not suitable for guests with a condition exacerbated by heat, with a back condition, difficulty standing for extended periods, heat or dehydration intolerance, medical equipment that can overheat, fainting, seizures, or any condition that could cause someone to lose control in the hot shop. Closed-toe shoes are required; long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Dress in layers as the shop is hot, but you will step outside when not working. Minimum age is 7 years. Bring bottled water. Bring local currency and credit cards.