This was quite the experience. Michael, ever the keen wordsmith, is an intensely focused…read moreprofessional with high attention to detail. It follows that glass blowing is his game. So here's the deal. In the 1hr class, you'll be under his watchful eye as he guides you through some of the basics. You'll first pick a color scheme to apply to one of four solids. Then you'll enter the belly of the beast, where Meticulous Mike will serve as art director, stage manager and Socratic facilitator. (It will behoove you to know that that last one when you visit the studio.) Like many of the finer things in life, it's the intersection of art and science. He will tease out what you already know and fill in what you don't. Then he'll demo ALL of the steps before execution. This thorough rehearsal is a critical step, as we must consider elements like tools, body position, working time, gravity, rotation, temperature, something called a LEHR, and a kiln-like contraption that screams hot at a spicy 2400ºF. And if you go with a buddy, that adds the extra layer of deciding who needs to stand where and at what time to capture some photos. Lots to think about - but fret not, for you're in good hands. Once the demo is done, it's time for the real thing. You can expect a good amount of hands-on, although Michael will do some of the particularly technical bits himself (probably for the better - hot glass is finicky, even more so in a neophyte's grubby little mitts). Once the process is done, you've got a neat piece that you can bring home to put on display. How cool! ("No - it's /hot/," Michael will quickly interject.) ** DISCLAIMER ** the cooling process takes about a day. If you're visiting, do NOT schedule Little River on your last day. You'll need to return the following day to collect your handiwork. ** ADDENDUM ** Having just read RM's and JG's scathing 2O24 reviews - aight, sure, the Mike Aura definitely gives has an edgy, punchy, perfectionist flavor if you will. But uh, isn't that called being an artist?

Unfortunately, our recent visit mirrored the experience of another reviewer who visited in January…read more2024. The owner's sense of humor - at everyone's else's expense - totally ruined the event, which was a birthday present. When we sign up for activities such as glass blowing, we do so to learn, explore and have fun. However when someone is constantly mocking your lack of knowledge, making sarcastic comments and takes personal shots at you, it is not a positive experience. Michael had talked about the possibility of retiring. I think that would be a good plan. I would highly advise others to spend their time and money at other venues in the beautiful town of Stowe. VT.

My husband and I were driving north on Route 100 when we passed by this home that had a sign out…read morefront near the drive inviting guests to come up and participate in glass blowing. At first we passed by and we're skeptical, but this stop ended up being our favorite part of our entire 8 day road trip. We walked up to a barn behind this home/studio where two gentlemen were actively working in the glass shop creating a piece of art. Both were sweating and busy at work with a steel rod and a furnace, which we later learned was "the Glory hole". Spencer was extremely friendly and welcomed us to sit on the picnic table and watch as they worked away. After watching, we asked if we could go see his studio to buy a piece of blown glass and he walked us down to check out what was in his show room area. A few weeks back my husband and I went to a state craft fair and I fell in love with a glass pumpkin I saw. I didn't get it and was so sad that I missed the opportunity. Fast forward three weeks later and here we were in Spencer's studio with several pumpkins to choose from. Each was so beautiful, but after hearing his stories about the difficulty of making cups, I knew I had to buy a glass cup. Who would have ever thought that drinking out of something miss proportioned would feel so weird, but after him showing me the "oops" cups I knew I had to buy this beauty. (See attached picture). Spencer invited us back up to his shop to finish watching him work on a pumpkin that he had started, so we decided to tag along. The heat in this working environment is unreal. Spencer let us stand in the shop near the Glory hole as they worked to mold and build this tiny pumpkin. So much sweat and hard work went into crafting such a little beauty. After watching it, we had to buy it. We developed so much respect for this art and appreciated the generosity of Spencer and him sharing his space with us to teach my husband and I all about his craft. Due to the glass having to cool, we didn't get to leave with our pumpkin, but Spencer was able to ship it and it will be waiting for us once we get home. I HIGHLY recommend stopping by this shop to experience the beauty of glass blowing and the hospitality of Spencer and his assistant. A GREAT EXPERIENCE.

I took the paperweight making class during a trip to Vermont and had the best time! I was the only…read moreone signed up that day so I had a one-on-one class with Spencer. In addition to learning about the art of glass making, I learned about Vermont, its history and sites to see. The paperweight had to cool down overnight so I had it shipped home and just received it today - it's the best souvenir. My daughter thought it was really cool so now we are planning to take a glass making class locally. Highly recommended!

Last year when we were in Stowe, we had every intention of going to this glassblowing studio... but…read moreran out of time. This year, when I planned for our return to Stowe, I was bound and determined to make it happen this time. So we were able to make it happen, and I'm so glad that we did. The owners have set up a separate viewing room, loaded with seats for viewing through a huge glass window, and no matter where one sits, they can see perfectly. One of the glassblowers comes in to call out what the working glassblower is doing each step of the way... and why. Very interesting and informative, plus totally cool to watch, even if we weren't being given the information. It was completely fascinating. Then, they have a lovely gallery of their work, and to be honest, after watching their awesome demonstration, I didn't have any issue with the prices being charged because it is REALLY DIFFICULT work, and they deserve whatever they are seeking price-wise. I bought my daughter and son-in-law a vase. I'm just sorry I didn't buy something for ourselves because we loved their work. I wasn't sure how to get it home, and for some reason, I never bothered to ask if they'd ship it. Duh. I guess that means we should go back next year and remedy the situation. Or I could just pick up the phone to call and ask them. Seems like more fun to go back to Stowe next year, given how much we love the area sooooooooo much. Anyway, make sure you avail yourselves to catching one of their glassblowing demonstrations. It is so very worth it... and make sure you buy something, too. They do such beautiful work !!!

Lots of fun, come by to shop for gifts or watch the masters/partners do their magic in the shop and…read morewalk you through the glass blowing process. I have such an appreciation for this work as I never understood the complexities of it! I now know why this art can be so expensive and is coveted by so many people and collectors.

Absolutely Stunning bue wine goblet! Perfect workmanship!…read moreI couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you!

A shame the reviews aren't current. Lovely space, easy to find and a nice selection of glass items.read more

Andrew and the crew were great, we had an amazing time and loved the objects we made! Would…read morerecommend his shop and classes to everyone! We'll definitely be back!

My wife Kathy and I were just there for my birthday (her surprise) and we had a blast. Based on…read moresome of these reviews, Andrew's sense of humor may not be for everyone but if you're in the mood to learn really fast, make some amazing glass art in a very short time and have a good ol' joke telling, glass melting hoot of a time, then this is the place for you. He is a complete pro and knows what he's doing, just remember to put your ego on the shelf when you come here because this stuff is super hot and the last thing anyone needs is to walk away with crispy fingers. You will be amazed at what you accomplish and besides dipping his rod in the oven himself, Andrew lets you do all the blowing, tugging and rolling yourself.

The Shelburne Craft School is a gem in the town of Shelburne. It offers an assortment of art…read moreclasses to both adults and kids in a cozy setting. The staff is friendly and creative. My two children have attended many classes over the years, with amazing results and they always leave smiling.

From the owner: Mailing Address: Shelburne Craft School…read morePO Box 52 Shelburne, VT 05482 The Shelburne Craft School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We offer opportunities to learn, teach, and develop as artists, artisans, and professionals.

We've now attended three birthday parties, on top of my wife having taken my daughter and…read morefriends/cousins to go create. There has never been a time where my kid has come back from Arts & Glass disappointed. In fact, *any* time we're within the shopping center, or close by, she asks if we can go again. It's reasonably priced, considering you actually get something of solid quality, which lasts for a while, and is personalized; my wife uses the coffee mug our daughter made at least once a week. Certainly recommend this place. If we ended up doing her birthday party there, too, I wouldn't be shocked. The staff is so nice, mellow, and accommodating, I can't see how anyone could be unhappy with Arts & Glass.

Staff wasn't helpful after Rebecca left. Had to ask for everything, outrageous prices, super messy.read more

I took a glass blowing class with my boyfriend. Raj was very patient and kind while working with us…read more(beginners) and answered our many questions. We had lots of fun and finally got to cross something off our bucket list. I definitely recommend!

I've came here multiple times, spent couple thousand of dollars, referred dozens of people here and…read moreeven was considering blowing glass here for a short period of time. With a few years of good service, you would think the owner would work with you when you need an easy 20$ joint fix but nope not Phil! He told me he could "make a piece worth the same in the same amount of time it would have taken to fix a 10mm clean joint break". Considering the price was 100$ for a 15 minute job, I'm sorry, but if you wanna get overcharged and work with someone who will never budge no matter how much money you put into this mans pocket come here !!!! Have had better experiences with other local head shops but will not name .

Yesterday afternoon we met a friend at this gallery who was watching a glass blowing demonstration…read more When we walked into the gallery we were captivated by the amazing handmade products they had in the showroom, and we were even more impressed with the talented glass blowers who were making items. For anyone who is passing through the area and needs to find that special gift or addition to their home, this is the place to find it. The only disappointment we found with this gallery was that we didn't have the space to buy everything in the showroom. We loved this gallery and hope to return soon so that we can stock up on wonderful gifts for the holidays.

If you want the best baked goods, this is your place. The croissants are out of this world--sweet…read moreand savory. And the sourdough, baguettes, everything is incredible. Coffee drinks made to order. Lots of gluten free options for baked goods too! I would give it 10 stars if I could!