Howe Glassworks: Glassblowing at Howe Caverns

Howe Caverns is bringing the New Year in hot with their all-new glassblowing attraction, Howe Glassworks Studio. Known for keeping adventure alive, Howe Caverns provides captivating underground tours of one of the only ancient mineral caves in the world. But the excitement no longer ends there. Howe Caverns has brought the fiery art of glassblowing to the Capital District to share yet another rare experience with visitors from around the world.

The Workshop Experience at Howe Glassworks

Intrigued by the opportunity to create my own one-of-a-kind work of art, I visited Howe Glassworks Studio for their signature hands-on glassblowing workshop. While familiar with the awe of touring Howe Caverns, I was all too unfamiliar with the seemingly magical craft of glassblowing. The team at Howe Glassworks Studio assured me that no experience was no problem, so I delved into the blazing unknown.

Using a stainless steel pipe as my instrument, the end of the pipe was heated in a 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit furnace (about the same temperature as an active volcano). Next, the pipe was dipped into a glowing furnace of liquefied glass and the creation of the art commenced.

The instructor attentively guided me as we added our glass colors and continued to heat the piece in the volcano-like furnace. For our grand finale, the ball of molten glass was opened up to become a beautiful ruffle-edged bowl using the simple tools of gravity and rotation. After a 12-hour cooling cycle, my brand new bowl was ready to take home and I felt like a world-class artisan.

Create and Learn

Howe Glassworks Studio hosts a variety of programs to fulfill the allure of glassblowing. The studio offers private lessons for enthusiasts looking to learn this ancient art. With all skill levels welcome, it is the perfect way to expand your knowledge and ability. Private lessons cover the fundamentals of glassblowing including equipment use, hot shop safety, color application, assistant skills, design, and creation. Craving more excitement? Howe Glassworks Studio is also home to private 10-week Glass 101 courses.

Howe Glassworks Studio proudly offers the opportunity to memorialize your loved one or a beloved pet in a handcrafted glass creation that lasts forever with the Ashes to Art program. Available even if you cannot visit the studio in person, you may ship the studio the ashes of your dearly departed and your piece will be made with love and respect by infusing the ashes into glass and creating a beautiful memory.

Designed to give children the opportunity to see their drawing brought to life in glass, the You Design it, We Create it! educational program is available to school, scout, and camp groups. A professional glassblower will randomly choose a picture submitted by the group to be brought to life in glass accompanied by a narrated demonstration.

Special event hosting is also available. Call or email to make your reservation for any workshop or program and get fired up!

Something for Everyone

Howe Glassworks Studio is bringing unforgettable and personal hands-on glass making experiences to their guests. Workshops are open to anyone ages 7-100+ and are available year-round. From beginners to enthusiasts and hobbyists, the fascinating art of glassblowing at Howe Glassworks Studio offers a unique adventure to all.

Take Amtrak to Howe Glassworks

Experience an unforgettable glassblowing experience at Howe Glassworks Studio via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station (ALB) or Schenectady Station (SDY).

Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

From ALB: Pick up your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car at the Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car, or call Enterprise at Albany-Rensselaer station, Tel. 518-427-3893.

From SDY: Enterprise picks you up at the station and takes you to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car, or call Enterprise’s Schenectady office, Tel. 518-374-7890.

Howe Caverns provides ground transportation from ALB or SDY if you stay at the Howe Caverns Motel.