BUSINESS FEATURE Helios Fused Glass Studio Art space o ers community, resources for local creatives K ristine Shafer took her rst fused glass art class in 2013, and from that point on, she became “absolutely hooked.” Now the owner of Helios Fused Glass Studio at 13581 Pond Springs Road, Ste. 107, Austin, Shafer said she loves being part of the Austin art scene and helping everyone from total beginners to well-es- tablished local artists nd new ways to experiment and enjoy creating fused glass art. A former special education teacher, Shafer was a longtime customer and part of the community at Helios before she became its sole owner. The studio was started by Paul Tarlow in 2007 and remains the only fused glass studio in Austin. “Paul did an amazing job making Austin the hub for Texas,” Shafer said. Fused glass is di erent from stained glass because the multicolored layers of glass are melted together, Shafer said. It is also distinct from blown glass because the artist does not typically alter the glass while it is hot. As a result, the versatile art form is “much more accessible” than other glass art, Shafer said. Though the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on normal operations, the studio’s in-person classes are now back in full swing. Artists based in Austin and fused glass artists known internationally teach single lessons or weeklong workshops. Intro lessons start at $75, and children are also welcome with adult supervision. For Shafer, running the studio is an opportunity to meet artists where they are and help them get into something new. “I get to be a part of this creative energy here in Austin with people who are new to art and express- ing their sense of creativity,” Shafer said. BY KEATON PETERS
“I GET TO BE A PART OF THIS CREATIVE ENERGY HERE IN
AUSTIN WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE NEW TO ART AND EXPRESSING THEIR SENSE OF CREATIVITY.”
KRISTINE SHAFER, OWNER OF HELIOS FUSED GLASS STUDIO
Owner Kristine Shafer is a former special education teacher.
PHOTOS BY KEATON PETERS COMMUNITY IMPACT
GLASS HAPPENINGS Helios Fused Glass Studio o ers classes, exhibits and volunteer opportunities.
a fused glass art exhibit that will open at Austin Artworks a Master class with Malina Cipleu will start Aug. 22 available at the studio for anyone wanting to take a class but can’t a ord to available for artists who are beyond the beginner lesson but don’t have kilns or other equipment at home
“Beginnings”
“Designing With Powder Wafers”
Volunteer opportunities
The studio has equipment for artists to use that may be expensive to buy themselves.
Studio time
Helios Fused Glass Studio 13581 Pond Springs Road, Ste. 107, Austin 512-996-0960 www.heliosglass.com Hours: Tue.-Sat. noon-5 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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