Glassworks

With three working glass studios, two galleries, tours and a jazz club, Glassworks caters to lovers of all of the arts. And visitors aren't limited to viewing art: they can make their own!

Glass artists guide you in designing and blowing your own bowls, mugs and other keepsakes in the walk-in workshop. Be sure to check the online Schedule for dates, times and details. Activity price for the glass-blowing ranges from $10 to $75.

Other art-making opportunities include painting, laminating and fused and slumped artwork. While no reservations are required for individuals, they are recommended for groups. The walk-in workshop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Except for January, February and March, the workshop is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Glassworks also has more intensive weekend workshops and ongoing four- to six-week classes. Resident artists and visiting artists teach the various classes.

And, of course, Glassworks has elegant blown-glass pieces to buy or simply to admire. Stroll into the West Market Street building on a sunny day and you'll be dazzled by the light playing through some of the blown-glass works of art

Jazzyblu, a jazz café and lounge, located in Glassworks' lower level, features live music on Thursday through Sunday nights. While there are occasional concerts by regional and national musicians, it's mostly local talent performing. Music ranges from neo-soul to traditional jazz and more.

The café has a full bar as well as food. Jazzyblu has a lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dinner is served Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Jazzyblu boasts signature cocktails as well as excellent dining.

Visitors can take guided tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for $6.50. Or they can take a self-guided tour Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $4.50. Save 10 percent in the Gallery by joining the Glassworks as a member.

Like what you see? Glass art is available in a gift shop and on line.

You can rent Glassworks for weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, office parties or other events. Party guests will be provided with all glass supplies, tools and directions for a glass craft activity. Glassworks requires at least six guests. Click here for more information.

Glassworks opened in 2001 in a building still known as the Snead Manufacturing Building for the firm that made iron buildings. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

- by Ivonne Rovira, Louisville Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Ivonne Rovira

A graduate of the prestigious Columbia University School of Journalism in New York City, Ivonne Rovira worked as a reporter for the Miami News, The Miami Herald and The Associated Press. She has written articles for The National Catholic Reporter and The Courier-Journal. For more than 15 years, Ivonne wrote and edited articles aimed at middle-school children.