It's about passing the torch ...

"It's important that we pass on our talent to the next generation."
-- Jackie Ballard, glassblowing instructor and faculty director.

Honoring nature ...

"My driving force is a passion to create beautiful wood pieces that save our trees forever inside our homes when they can no longer stand outside ...
I look forward to passing on the knowledge and techniques of this very old art form."
-- Pat Hess, woodturning instructor.

Finding your voice ...

“There is a great inner peace that comes from making your own drum and playing it, so please join me on this amazing journey.”
-- Tony Bodtmann, drum building instructor.

Inspiration ...

" My inspiration comes from nature; more specifically, Florida ’s natural world. I’m fascinated by the bloom of a flower, the making of a pod, or the fold of a leaf."
-- Brad Severtson, metalsmithing instructor

The studio arts movement

Starting in the 1960's, a major shift occurred within the industrial arts, providing unprecedented access to beginners and hobbyists. What was once the exclusive realm of established artisans and their apprentices, is now open to interested individuals of all skill levels. Today instruction, education and the sharing of techniques and skills are widely available to all at studios around the United States.

Surprisingly, even with a population in excess of one million, until now Pinellas County did not have a facility that provides glass blowing, metal sculpture or other industrial arts. By the end of 2008, the Industrial Arts Center will have all the furnaces, ovens, torches and specialized tools required to teach these popular arts.