Create your own blown-glass art at Gulfport Art-Walk

GULFPORT, Fla. - The city of Gulfport becomes an art Mecca each month on the first Friday and third Saturday evenings from 6-10 pm.  Today -- being the third Saturday of the month --the invitation is out to walk on into the Industrial Arts Center and create an original work of art.

"Anybody can come by the Industrial Arts Center and make their own blown glass masterpiece," said Eric Holdsworth, who's proud to work with -- and speak about -- the organization. "We have a menu of items a customer can select from -- anything from vases to bowls to cups, paperweights and ornaments."    

And that's exactly what Tom Coletta is doing here with 3 1/2 year-old Mia. Creating a little something-something that will be a cherished keepsake made in the industrial arts style.

"We are a non-profit teaching facility,": said Holdsworth, outlining the hands-on aspect of this artists enclave. "We're an educational facility.  Our mission is educate the surrounding community about the non-traditional art forms..."

As the 22-hundred degree heat melts the glass so that it can be worked by these artists, they'll be happy to help you turn your dream designs into reality.

"Your own glass masterpiece," enthused Holdsworth, watching the father and daughter "get into" the art project in front of him.  "If you want to be the next Chihuly, this is the lace to start."