Industrial Arts Center: How to Make a Peep!

For Easter, instead of sugary marshmallow candies, why not have something a little more fun and better for your waistline? At the Gulfport Industrial Arts Center, you can make your own glass Peep.

Throughout the month, the IAC hosts "Peepmania." For only $25, budding artists get to create a distinctive glass chick, in a variety of colors. Artist and master glass blower Jackie Ballard, along with her staff, guides you step-by-step in creating your own holiday sculpture.

On Friday's Art Walk, the IAC offered curious kids—and kids-at-heart—demonstrations of making glassworks, as well as an opportunity to craft their own glass art.

Participants not only get one-of-a-kind memory of Easter weekend, but also to see firsthand how much fun glass blowing can be. Master glassblowers, including Ballard, who is one of the founders of the IAC, oversee every stage of the process.

Just be careful, the process gets pretty hot. The kilns used to soften the glass reaches over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, the IAC offers much more than Peeps. There are glass ornaments, vases and other decorations. Classes in beginner and advanced glassblowing, as well as metal works, are also available.

If it looks like a blast, that’s because it is! Ballard, with IAC President/CEO Lynn DiVenuti and the entire staff do everything possible, so working with hot glass and metal safe and fun!

That's why the IAC is the winner for Best Customer service in Patch's 2012 Reader's Choice contest.

"It's all about the people," says Ballard.

The Industrial Arts Center is at 2902-A Beach Blvd S. For information about available hours, volunteering and classes, call 727-289-9365 or visit industrialartscenter.org