I have come in to Domsky Glass twice in the past two weeks. The first time was for a glass fusing class I found through UNLV Continuing Education. Basically, I came in for about two hours and laid pieces of colored glass mosaic style on a round pane. It was then put into a kiln in my absence two separate times. The first firing was to fuse all the pieces together. The second firing is to "slump" it into the shape of a 10" plate. Other project options were an 8" bowl or a set of four 4" coaster. The instructor, Barbara, taught the class how to use the various tools to cut the glass we needed into the shapes we wanted. She showed us how to draw a design, if a design was to be followed, and cut the glass to match the design. I went with a more chaotic amorphous approach rather than adhering to a design. Partly because I did not know what to draw. Mostly because I don't draw well. It was only afterwards that I thought of an idea that I maybe could have figured out. Regardless, I was mostly happy with what I came up with.
Fast forward two weeks and I came back to Domsky Glass for their First Saturday open house and to pick up my final piece. I was surprised by the turn out. The parking lot was already full by the time I got there at 6:00. Inside the workshop was a seating area set up to watch a glass blowing demonstration. It was packed. Very few seats left unfilled. By my estimate, 40 or 50 people. It was good to see that kind of support. It was even more impressive to watch the guys work their magic. Larry, one of the owners, was working on some decorative globe like pieces for a light display. He had two people helping him including a young guy who just started working there day of. He had taken one of the UNLV classes and developed a passion for glass blowing. He is learning the art. The entire time the guys were working the glass they were explaining the entire process. Going over the terminology, history, tools, techniques. It was fascinating to watch. I'm exhausted for them. Unfortunately I don't know what the finished pieces will look like. They have to cool slowly in a kiln to prevent them from breaking. I guess I'll have to go back again to see them.
Domsky Glass is a cool place separated into two main areas, the gallery up front and the workshop/studio. Both offer a very different aesthetic but are both impressive in their own right. The gallery is clean and classy. The studio is more of a factory look. Kilns and furnaces, work benches, tools, shelves. Everything serves a purpose. It isn't exactly pleasing to the eye but it is interesting to see. If you haven't been to Domsky Glass, mark it on your calendars to visit during the next first Saturday open house. It lasts three hours but that time will fly. The glass blowing process offers non-stop entertainment and the gallery offers a feast for the eyes. Well worth the drive down Highland. read more