Boise Art Glass
5.0(300)google
4.9(43)yelp
CraftGlass ArtHands-OnArt
Overview
Located in the heart of Idaho's vibrant capital, Boise Art Glass is a premier independent glassblowing studio and gallery dedicated to fine craft and community education. The facility showcases an extraordinary collection of fine handmade glass creations, ranging from delicate, colorful jewelry and custom chandeliers to complex abstract sculptures. Beyond browsing the stunning gallery, visitors can participate in hands-on workshops guided by expert resident artisans, experiencing the ancient, high-heat thrill of shaping molten glass into custom paperweights or ornaments. It provides a highly engaging, memorable cultural stop that highlights the city's thriving contemporary art scene.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1-2.5 hours
Best TimeA marvelous year-round indoor creative space. It is highly advised to book a weekend afternoon slot between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM for a private glassblowing class. This lets you work directly with professional artists around the 2200°F furnaces to forge your own ornament while watching sunbeams interact with custom glass art.
Getting TherePerfectly set in Downtown Boise, just two blocks from Front Street. Take any central bus line to the underground Main Street Station, exit, and walk south along S 11th St for roughly 4 minutes. Limited metered street parking exists directly out front; for longer classes, utilize the multi-story 11th & Front paid public garage.
Travel Tips
- All hands-on glassblowing workshops and flame-working classes require advanced online booking; walk-ins are limited to gallery viewing only.
- Hot glass creations require 24 hours of controlled cooling in kilns; items cannot be taken home immediately and require paying for custom shipping options.
- With open furnaces running near 2000 degrees, active children must be constantly supervised; running or horseplay in the retail display showroom is prohibited.
Reviews
Positive
- The glassblowing experience class here is amazing! Under professional guidance, you craft your own unique glass art piece.
- The showroom displays exquisite and varied items, from delicate pendants to large chandeliers, showcasing local master craftsmanship.
- The store staff are incredibly warm and patient, happy to explain the glassblowing process even if you are just browsing without buying.
- This is an excellent spot to pick up high-quality, one-of-a-kind local Idaho handmade crafts to take home as gifts.
Heads up
- The hands-on glass DIY classes are highly popular with limited spots; if you don't book weeks ahead online, walk-ins are impossible.
- Because pieces are handmade and premium quality, prices are naturally very high, unsuited for tourists seeking cheap souvenirs.
- The store layout is relatively cramped with fragile, high-value glassware everywhere, which stresses out parents with active toddlers.
- Completed class pieces cannot be taken away immediately as they need overnight cooling, which is awkward for tourists staying just one day.