SUCCESS STORY: KINGSTON GLASS STUDIO & GALLERY
When glass smiths work, it is more like magic than art. They can take a fragile material and manipulate it with heat and air to transform it into something beautiful. The process itself is ancient and has been practiced for centuries, but glass artists can also tease out contemporary works of beauty. Glass-blowing is nothing short of amazing to watch – and this is exactly what Mariel Waddell invites guests of the Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery to do.
Ms. Waddell is originally from Trinidad and came to Canada as an international student to study art. She attended Sheridan College, where she realized that she loved the challenge and rewards of hands-on, three-dimensional work. She entered the Crafts and Designs Program as a Ceramics major and used an elective to try glass-blowing. It was fortunate that she did; she fell in love with the medium, its flexibility, and its possibility. She changed majors and jumped into glass-blowing, where she has been happily creating works of art ever since.
So what does an art student with no business background do after college? Open a business of course! The previous owner of Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery was interested in selling, and Mariel and partner Alexi Hunter were interested in buying. Though they had no business experience, they recognized the incredible potential amid the thriving art movement in Kingston.
Mariel and Alexi came on as part owners six years ago, and have been running it themselves for the past three years. At first, it was difficult as the artists had to tackle the nuts and bolts of running a business. Though there were a lot of learning curves, Mariel had unwavering support from family and KEDCO. In fact, Mariel still utilizes the connections and contacts she made while working with KEDCO.
Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery is a community-centric business; they teach classes, have live demonstrations, and offer exciting community events. In one event, children can design their own pattern for a paperweight. The glass artists melt the colors into glass and capture their design in a beautiful memento of their trip to the studio. Another event allows children (and adults) to push their hands into sand; the artists then pour glass into the imprint to capture the unique print. In this way, everyone from week-old babies to adults can participate in the glass-blowing process.
Mariel and Alexi plan on bringing the gallery and studio together, hiring other staff, and expanding. They also plan to continue offering high quality, exciting shows and reaching out to the Kingston community with interesting events and stunning art.
Visit the Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery for Urban Manipulation – an art exhibit running March 17th – June 15th and during Art After Dark Thurs. May 24th
