Glass Axis fires up in new Franklinton location

Glass Axis, the city’s only glass-art studio open to the public, has moved to Franklinton.

“I see no reason that we can’t become, and I’m sorry for the pun, a tourism hot-spot for Columbus,” said Rex Brown, executive director of Glass Axis.

The new space provides 12,500 square feet for both artists and novices to explore a variety of glass art forms.

Education for everybody is the main mission at Glass Axis, Brown said.

“It’s really kind of a dangerous art,” artist Catherine Tietz Boring said while working in the studio on ornaments and glass hearts for Valentine’s Day.

“You have a little bit more appreciation if you come in and try to make something,” she said.

Ohio State students and graduates started the non-profit studio as a mobile glass-unit 27 years ago.

Glass Axis’ new building at 610 W. Town St. is larger and more visible to outside traffic than the previous location near Grandview Heights, Brown said.

They also plan to serve Brioso coffee in the coming months in the gift shop and gallery space.

Glass Axis will celebrate its grand re-opening with special workshops and classes on Friday and Saturday.