Hot Glass

When Uptown Glassworks in Downtown Renton got a financial reprieve late last year and continued to be a part of the art scene of our town, we all got lucky. Not every place you live will have such a creative hive of hot glass activity. You can just pop through the front door on any given day and see art being made - and being made extremely well.

Chris Heilman helps run the workshop area of Uptown Glassworks and won't hesitate to recount where his latest work had been purchased and sent. Uri Geller (remember the guy who could bend spoons with his mind?) has most recently become the proud owner of one of Chris' museum quality pieces, and there are more stories like that. When Renton's sister city in Japan sent a delegation over to visit, their trip highlight was an afternoon spent with Chris Heilman and a piece of his work accompanied them home to Nishiwaki.

Classes are taught by Chris and Uptown Glass works, if this sounds like a calling for anyone of you. Last year through a grant provided by the City Arts of Renton, 10-12 people were able to sign up for free and come experience the wonder of a making glass bowl. Chris hopes to apply for the grant this year as well - it seems he was the author of the idea.

Chris's work has been seen and acknowledged by many . How fortunate we are that genius is so close at hand. Just another reason why Renton is so cool.

Uptown Glassworks
230 Main Ave. S.
425 228-1849

Festive Windows

The Eagles Club on Wells Ave.S. has the coolest rotating tree and painted windows to boot. On Sundays you can go have breakfast for $6 and get a closer look at the tree if you like.

Frosty the Snowman is warming up with a latte these days at the Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes on South Third. I suppose he is the only fella I know that could drink that and lose weight.

Uptown Glassworks is having a big blowout holiday sale and you can go in and make your own ornaments. As you can see here, Santa not only make toys, he makes glass as well.

Make Art in Renton at the Uptown Glassworks - for free

Uptown Glassworks in the DTR is hosting a free class to teach you how to blow glass - it's called Make Art in Renton. Iif you ever wondered if you would rock at this, now is your chance to work with the molten lavalike stuff that comes out of the glory hole - glass. As I write this - there were only 4 spots left in this rare opportunity on this Sunday, Oct. 18th. The times were 12 noon, 2:30, 4:00 and 4:30 - and there is a maximum of two people per time slot.

This is certainly a way to wet your glass blowing whistle, as a half an hour will surely not give you more than a glimpse in to this wonderful art. But what a great way to spend a portion of your weekend, while the winds cool us down and the temperatures continue to drop. Let me tell you, the glasswork's studio is always warm.

Renton is unique for having such a place to shop, let alone learn this ageless craft. Drop by regardless - they always have something new to show.
Uptown Glassworks
230 Main Ave. South
Renton WA 98057
(425) 228 - 1849

Sweetheart?

Show you care - a lot - by taking your honey to Uptown Glassworks, . Friday, Feb.11 from 6 - 10 pm for some fine dining, champange/beer/wine and a fragile, please don't break me, heart that you make yourself. $70 per person, and you get to her Puyallup native, Kristin Connell and her band sing some lovely tunes.

230 Main Street, Downtown Renton (425)228-1849

Holiday Destinations - idea #1

In our fair little town there resides a unique adventure in shopping or creating, perfect for this festive time of the year. Uptown Glassworks on Main has the most amazing collection of hand blown orbs of light and wonder - tree ornaments of every color and swirl. For those who want to make memories as well as their own piece of art, you can call and sign up for your own "Blow-your-own" experience or on Friday,Dec.12th there will be a fully catered dinner with prime rib and all the fixin's (plus alcohol!) but reservations are a must,so you should call soon for this $70 per person date at the glass gallery. And besides all of the holiday bustle, this store, housed in a beautiful 100 yr old building downtown, is just so lovely to stroll through at any time that you should stop by whenever the season. Kerry Cole, the Gallery Director has created a mini-wonderland of color and light making this a necessary destination to ,help get the holiday juices flowing. 10% discount on your purchases for mentioning this blog!
Uptown Glassworks 230 Main Ave.So. Downtown Renton (425)228-1849
info@uptownglassworks.com