When: Saturday, December 19th, 2026 12:00PM-4:00PM
Where: Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, 2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Join us at the glass studio to holiday shop for locally-made art, enjoy free glassblowing demonstrations, and pre-register to design your own custom glass ornament or icicle! RSVP is not required, but suggested so we know how many to expect! Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
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Shop for Glass Art Gifts: Celebrate the vibrant art community of Minnesota this holiday season by exploring the world of glass art created by talented local artists. Browse a wide selection of glass art pieces from high end home decor to fun stocking stuffers and more! Items such as sculpture, jewelry, tableware, ornaments, and season treats will be available for purchase. By choosing to shop with local artists, not only do you support our community, but you also acquire pieces that hold a personal touch! Make your gift giving meaningful by investing in art that not only beautifies its surroundings but supports your local glass public access facility. Join us at Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts as we showcase the extraordinary talents of our local artists!
Warm Up & Watch Free Glassblowing Demonstrations: Observe glassblowing in action at the Foci MCGA Hot Shop with community members! This is a great opportunity to watch glass artists work together to create their sculptures, and gain some insight into the process. Questions are welcome. Demonstration is free and open to the public. Seating is provided.
Activities Available for Pre-Registration
One blown glass ornament will be created per enrollment during a 15 minute session. Observation-based experience. Please note this is a hands-off activity!
During your session, you’ll select your colors and choose either a speckled or swirled pattern for your ornament. The instructor will handcraft your glass ornament right before your eyes while explaining each step of the glassblowing process. No experience required! Bring your friends and family and enjoy a festive, hands-on holiday experience!
Pickup Instructions: Due to glass needing to be cooled gradually in a kiln, you cannot leave with your piece the day of your experience. We will have a designated pickup slot on 12/21/2026, otherwise you will need to pick it up following our holiday closure when we reopen in 2027. All pieces must be picked up by 2/1/2027, or they will be recycled.
Age: No age limit for design-your-own hands-off activities, but children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
Waivers: All students and parents of minor students are required to read and sign a waiver, which indicates all of the safety risks involved with glassmaking and provides contact information. The link to this form will be sent via email.
Impairment: Students are not permitted to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during class.
One torch-made glass icicle will be created per enrollment during a 15 minute session. Observation-based experience. Please note this is a hands-off activity!
During your session, you’ll choose 1-3 colors and select a twisted pattern for your custom glass icicle ornament. The instructor will handcraft your glass ornament right before your eyes while explaining each step of the flameworking process. No experience required! Each 15-minute experience is scheduled and priced for one icicle to be designed and created. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a seasonal learning experience!
Pickup Instructions: Due to glass needing to be cooled gradually in a kiln, you cannot leave with your piece the day of your experience. We will have a designated pickup slot on 12/21/2026, otherwise you will need to pick it up following our holiday closure when we reopen in 2027. All pieces must be picked up by 2/1/2027, or they will be recycled.
Age: No age limit for design-your-own hands-off activities, but children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
Waivers: All students and parents of minor students are required to read and sign a waiver, which indicates all of the safety risks involved with glassmaking and provides contact information. The link to this form will be sent via email.
Impairment: Students are not permitted to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during class.
Design Your Own Blown Glass Ornament: Sign up in-person to work with a professional glassblower to select the color of your own custom glassblown ornament! After selecting the colors and patterning, watch it get created in real time right before your eyes in the glassblowing studio! $45.00/ornament. 15 minute, hands-off experience. Pick up instructions below.
Design Your Own Glass Icicle: Sign up in advance to work with a professional glass artist to create a borosilicate glass icicle ornament with the color and twist pattern of your choosing! After selecting the colors and patterning, watch it get created in real time right before your eyes on a tabletop flameworking torch! $20.00/icicle. Pre registration only. 15 minute, hands-off experience. Pick up instructions below.
Pickup Instructions: Due to glass needing to be cooled gradually in a kiln, you cannot leave with your piece the day of your experience. We will have a designated pickup slot on 12/21/2026, otherwise you will need to pick it up following our holiday closure when we reopen in 2027. All pieces must be picked up by 2/1/2027, or they will be recycled.