The Modern And The Ancient

While our region is home to many world-class distinctions, Jeffrey P’an ranks among one of the most special with his homegrown glassblowing labors having flourished into a global, award-winning business.

After beginning his training in the art of glassblowing in 1993 and traveling to Italy where he developed his craft, P’an opened a small studio three years later in a brick factory building at the head of the Mystic estuary in Old Mystic. P’an now showcases his work around the world and in his Contemporary Art Glass gallery in downtown Mystic. The shop, open two years this July, elevated the Mystic shopping experience to a new level with its creative and elegant pieces, ranging from small fish for $45 to large vessels and platters in multiple colors, patterns and textures that run into the thousands.      

His art glass and sculpture gallery at 44 W. Main St. on the Groton side of Mystic is just another physical manifestation of his current Prescient Studios glassblowing studio and gallery, a spacious, airy place at 44 Meadow Ave. in Stonington’s old Velvet Mill building.

Make a day of it, beginning with lunch and then a browse around the downtown gallery displaying goblets for $250 or tumblers at $45 and jewelry ranging from $36 to $200. You’ll find lamps and various-shaped vases and vessels, along with large contemporary paintings on the walls of this sunny space. Over in his Stonington studio, you’ll see backlit displays, showcasing the complex range accomplished by P’an over the years, including towering sculptures emanating light. Plus, you’ll be treated to a glassblowing demonstration, watching red-hot fired glass transform into fragile beauty before your eyes.

Turning from contemporary glass to the art and culture of Tibet, visit in , where you’ll find Tibet Himalayan handcrafts. The shop, featuring the work of artisans from Tibetan resettlements in India and Nepal, carries scrolls, sculptures, paintings, clothing, cards, books, jewelry, ethnic beads and singing bells. Over the last four years, Dharma Jewel has helped bring to this area an awareness of Tibet and its history, art and culture.  

You’ll find hats, mittens and sweaters made from very warm yak wool and priced reasonably, with scarves for $10 and children’s hats in animal designs for $15. Cushion covers in intricately woven wool and silk designs sell for under $30. 

You’ll also discover colorful and textured handmade paper created from the bark of Daphne Cannabina, locally known as Lokta, found at altitudes from 6,500 to 9,500 feet in the Nepali mountains. It’s $2 a sheet, a bargain with the knowledge that centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist texts, royal edicts and legal documents have been recorded on this exceptionally durable paper.

“The person who has a tremendous reserve of patience and tolerance has a certain degree of calmness in his or her life. Such a person is not only happy and more emotionally grounded, but also seems to be physically healthier and experience less illness. The person possesses a strong will, has a good appetite and can sleep with a good conscience.”

                                      – from a Dharma Jewel scroll titled “Tolerance”