When you drive by Kingston Glass Studio and Gallery in downtown Kingston on Queen Street, you may not feel like it’s a space you can enter and roam freely and with your children. Glass is highly-breakable, after all. But owners Alexi and Mariel are smashing that stereotype, one workshop and kid-friendly event at a time.
The couple met studying glass blowing at Sheridan College and moved to Kingston in 2006 when a collaborative studio opportunity presented itself. They have been the sole owners of the studio since 2010, and pride themselves on their involvement with the community. The studio is not exclusive to artists and art collectors.
“We enjoy sharing our craft with the community and continuing to make Kingston a destination for visitors,” says Mariel. “Throughout the year, we offer events where guests can create their own items, like glass ball ornaments, tumbler glasses, paperweights and hand and paw castings.”
She adds, “We love the interaction between people of all ages during these events. As we have two little ones ourselves, we’re excited to foster an appreciation of the arts in young people, too.”
When you walk into Kingston Glass Studio and Gallery, you can find more than glass art. They feature a variety of artists that complement their personal artwork.
“In addition to our glass, the gallery features a range of mediums from wood to ceramic, jewelry to metal and various forms of fine art including acrylic, oil, watercolour and encaustic,” Mariel explains.
Alexi and Mariel love how receptive the community has been to their space and their art.
“We love how enthusiastic the onlookers are! We have a fantastic opportunity to introduce the public to our art medium and educate them on the process by having an open concept studio,” says Alexi. “It’s a unique chance for people to see something created, often from start to finish. It helps people have a better appreciation of the work that goes into creating glass art.”
“We love living in such a creative city,” Mariel adds. “Owning a studio in Kingston has allowed us to build lasting relationships with members of the community, whether clients of the gallery or fellow business owners.”
For current events and future workshops, visit their website.
Meet Whitney Haynes
After moving to Kingston, she found her calling in silversmithing and jewellery making.
