The Indiana Glass Trail was launched in 2010 and is a showcase for talented Hoosier artisans and glass blowers who create magic with glass. The trail connects several communities throughout the state, including Anderson/Madison County, Columbus, Hamilton County, Kokomo/Howard County, and Muncie/Delaware County. Glass factories, galleries, museums, studios, festivals, and workshops can be found in these communities along the trail.
The Kokomo area offers several attractions featuring glass. Experience the fascinating factory tour at the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company, America’s oldest art glass company. Watch as molten glass is poured and rolled into colorful sheets of art glass that is shipped all around the world. Demonstrations by skilled glass blowers can also be seen. Public tours are given weekdays Tuesday through Friday at 10 a.m. After the tour, visit the Op Shop with beautiful and unique glass items to purchase, including vases, suncatchers, serving boards, perfume bottles, and paperweights.
Molten glass ladeled from 12 pot furnace at Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory
Kokomo Art Association’s Artworks, located in the Kokomo Mall, carries the work of several glass artists, including glass jewelry among other unique items. Greentown and Jenkins glass can be seen at the Greentown Glass Museum and Seiberling Mansion in multiple exhibits. The Greentown Glass Museum houses a vast number of pieces of glassware produced by the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company in Greentown between 1894 and 1903. For more information, call 800.837.0971.
Visit The House of Glass in Elwood, located in Madison County. Tours and glass blowing demonstrations are offered on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (times vary.) In addition, their gallery features a wonderful collection of glass art created by artist Joe Rice and other skilled craftsman, including antique and modern style paperweights, animal sculptures, vases, lamps, and glass jewelry for sale. For more information, call 765.552.6841 or visit their website.
The Elwood Glass Festival is held annually in August (check out another post on our blog about the Elwood Glass Festival). Glass tours, car show, quilt show, parade, carnival, and entertainment are featured during the three-day festival in Elwood’s Callaway Park. Visit the website for information on this year’s festival.
The sculpture "Catalyst" at Muncie's Minnetrista Center features glass in a unique way
Muncie is renowned for its glass history beginning with the Ball family. Glass ranging from beadwork to sculpture can be found throughout the city. Plan to visit the Ball State University Museum of Art and the Minnestrista Center to see Catalyst, a beautiful outdoor sculpture made of limestone, stainless steel, dichroic and plate glass. In addition, stop by Gordy Fine Art & Framing to purchase jewelry featuring glass beads made by Indiana artists. Visit the website for festivals and glass artists in the Muncie area or call 800.568.6862.
In Hamilton County, stroll the Carmel Arts & Design District to find antique shops and galleries featuring contemporary glass art or see a display of gas boom era glass from the former DC Jenkins Glass Company at the Arcadia Heritage Art Center. Glass can also be found throughout Hamilton County’s eight great towns in antique and other unique shops. For more information, call 800.776.8687 or visit their website.
Dale Chihuly glass chandelier at Columbus Visitors Center
Columbus is home to two original works of glass by world-renowned artist, Dale Chihuly. The stunning 900-piece neon chandelier is on display in the Columbus Visitors Center and Chihuly Sun Garden Panels in Suspended Circle are uniquely featured at the Columbus Learning Center. A variety of unique and colorful glass items are available to purchase in the Columbus Visitors Center gift shop. Glass art can also be seen at Zaharako’s restaurant, Exit 76 Antique Mall, and used in a variety of ways in architecture throughout Columbus. For more information, call 800.468.6564 or visit website.
Purchase glass items at the Columbus Visitors Center gift shop
Visit IndianaGlassTrail.com for more information. If you would like to receive the Indiana Glass Trail brochure, call 800.837.0971 or email information@visitkokomo.org. The Indiana Glass Trail is made possible by Indiana Artisan.
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