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"As an "experienced" glass blower (Jackie and Brad were my guiding lights last weekend -- first-timer) I am telling you people that you have got to try it out. It's awesome." -- Mimi

IAC FACTS

Planning Started
May 2006

Groundbreaking
June 1, 2007

Doors Opened
August 2008

Youngest
Glassblower: 5

Oldest
Glassblower: 81

Furthest Travel
to Blow Glass
at the IAC
4949 miles
from Sweden

Smiles?
1000s & Growing

VISIT OUR
PHOTO GALLERY

If you are coming to the Tampa Bay Area to visit the Chihuly Collection, the Morean Arts Center, or the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, don't miss the Industrial Arts Center in Gulfport where your hot glass art experience is up close and personal. IAC is the first facility in the nation built from the ground up as a 3-D arts and hot glass education center.

Gulfport is just a stone's throw from St. Petersburg, which has been named 2010's number one mid-size city by American Style Magazine, due to its strong artistic presence. This is enhanced by the July 2010 opening of the Chihuly collection museum.

Expand your glass art immersion experience --
Blow Your Own Glass Masterpiece at the IAC

The public is invited to Blow a Glass Masterpiece during Gulfport Art Walks, 6-10 p.m. every first Friday and third Saturday evening. Public glass blowing times are also available as posted here. Novice glass blowers ages 5 & up are invited to choose from seven or more entrees on the Industrial Arts Center's Glass Blowing menu: round ornaments, heart ornaments, birthstone balls, paperweights, vases, spirit balls, drinking vessels and small bowls. Our master glass blowers will help you every step of the way, from choosing your own colors to finishing your own one-of-a-kind work of glass art.

If you will be staying in the area a short time, the IAC offers classes for kids and adults in glass blowing, lampwork, glass fusion, clay handbuilding, found metal sculpture, sculptural welding, metalsmithing and much more. Instructors are professional artists with a lifetime of experience who are committed to sharing their craft with students of all ages.

After you visit the glitz and glamour ... slow down in Gulfport
it's artsy, bohemian, diverse and friendly!

Gulfport, Florida is a charming and eclectic waterfront community of 13,000 residents. In the heart of the Tampa Bay area, it's just a short drive from downtown Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota or the Pinellas Suncoast beaches. It's artsy and bohemian. Friendly and Fun! Gulfport evokes the welcome of old Florida with yearlong activities, unique shopping and many award winning restaurants. It also has a professional 170 seat theater, a refurbished 1920’s style Casino Ballroom and dockage to bring your boat in for the day or evening to visit, or you can stay at one of the extraordinary lodging establishments right in the heart of downtown.

THEIR CLASS, YOUR GLASS: BLOW IT YOURSELF - St Petersburg Times, May 1, 2009
READ MORE ABOUT GULFPORT'S ART WALK - St. Petersburg Times, April 27, 2010
READ ABOUT "QUAINT & QUIRKY" GULFPORT - on 83 Degrees
READ ABOUT THE BEST SMALL TOWN IN FLORIDA - Florida Travel & Life, May 2011
GULFPORT, ONE OF RAND MCNALLY'S BEST FOOD TOWNS - St. Pete Times, June 7, 2011
BEST OF THE ROAD FUN FINDERS VISIT GULFPORT - July 3 & 4, 2011 (YouTube video)
INDUSTRIAL ARTS CENTER GROWTH - Gulfport Patch, December 28, 2012

Gulfport, Florida Links