The Glass Industry is a Clear Part of Local Culture
Glass sparkles throughout local arts and history attractions in East Central Indiana.
The glass industry has been an economic driver in East Central Indiana for many years, and today, an Indiana Glass Trail is showcased in several of the region’s counties. Here are some hot spots to visit:
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Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass
Part of the Ball State University School of Art, the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass opened in 2011 as a facility where glass artists can create their works in studio spaces. The center features a hot shop, kiln room and classroom area, and a cold shop is also on-site for cutting, polishing, engraving, sandblasting, carving and etching hot casted and blown glass. Ball State offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in glass arts, and community members can use the Glick Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Minnetrista
A year-round gathering place that features beautiful gardens, Minnetrista in Muncie is an especially well-suited site for glass workshops ranging from making stained glass sun catchers and glass pendants to learning how to use a torch to melt and shape them. The cultural center is part of family land where the Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company founders made their homes. Classes are open to everyone, from beginners to intermediates to experts.
Madison County Glass Attractions
Popular with collectors, Elwood House of Glass is known largely for its floral art glass paperweights designed by owner Joe Rice and his skilled craftsmen. Gifts also available to customers include animal sculptures, vases, lamps and glass jewelry, and the museum will also create colored glass custom-made pieces for clientele. Also in Elwood is Carol’s Legacy Glass, a gift shop that has created glass treasures like family heirlooms, memorial pieces, jewelry and home decor since 1990.
Tiffany Windows in Wayne County
The Tiffany Stained Glass Trail tour showcases Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows, all within a five-block area of Richmond. The three sites on the free, self-guided tour are First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Morrisson-Reeves Library. More information is available on the Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau website.
Dunkirk Glass Museum in Jay County
More than 8,000 pieces of glassware from 110 factories around the world are displayed at Dunkirk Glass Museum, located adjacent to Dunkirk Public Library. On exhibit are items like 25 leaded lamps, 25 leaded windows, milk glass, tiaras, carnival glass, lead crystals and works from well-known companies such as Degenhart, Diamond Point, King’s Crown and Albany Glass. The museum is open Monday through Friday.
