Breaking Ground

The building is the only facility in the nation built exclusively as an industrial arts education center. Hours of research and design were essential to ensure a safe and modern facility with an ability to serve a wide variety of industrial arts. The exterior walls are solid concrete with fire-rated doors. A high-tech ventilation system exchanges the air in the building six times an hour to prevent fumes and heat accumulation for the safety of the artists. Plus a large electric panel was installed to accommodate existing equipment and future expansion.

The Industrial Arts building was built especially to complement the existing Gulfport Art Village Courtyard structures. The floor plan is designed to allow public view of artists working from a bleacher seating area outside the building.

Classes include Glass Blowing, Lampwork/Bead Making, Glass Fusing, Found Metal Sculpture and Sculptural Welding. Most of the equipment has been purchased and installed, including a large state of the art furnace for glass blowing. Our team of experienced instructors share their creative knowledge and ignite the interest of inquisitive students of all ages.

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.