Blown Away. No, I’m not talking about the feeling you get every time you read one of our blog posts, but instead the hit series that gained popularity thanks to the second season being released on Netflix this year. Blown Away is a glass blowing competition that pits ten contestants against one another through a series of glass blowing challenges. Creating a piece that shows personality that will not only wow the judges but fit the brief of the week is certainly even more exciting when we’re talking about glass! After binge watching both seasons, I started doing some research on glassblowing in Ohio so I could see some of the magic for myself. Luckily for me, and for all of you, Ravenwood Castle is located just under 40 minutes from Jack Pine Studio – a hub of exceptional glass works and live demos and a perfect day trip for anyone looking to see the process for themselves!

Jack Pine Studio opened in Hocking Hills in December of 2017. Jack himself has been blowing glass for over 30 years and actually grew up in Southern Ohio! He studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design and then furthered his studies at the famous glass houses of Seattle. Prior to opening his current studio, Jack had honed in further on his skills in both his Columbus and Denver studios. You could say that Jack Pine Studio is now a culmination of all the years of hard work that Jack has endured which results in a studio where true magic, skillsets, and techniques get their chance to shine right in front of your eyes!

Visiting Jack Pine Studio gives you an up close and personal look at how artists take globs of molten glass and use a variety of techniques to create stunning works of art – from flowers to pumpkins, jewelry to vases, ornaments to mugs and more. You can find an array of purchasable items in their gallery after seeing a live demonstration during your visit; a perfect opportunity to snag a one-of-a-kind souvenir. If you aren’t able to make it to the studios but are curious as to what types of pieces are available, take a gander at their Etsy. Jack Pine’s Studio Manager Kelsey told me that their glass pumpkins are far and beyond their most sought-after item – while gaining popularity in the fall specifically, these pumpkins are purchased all year round. Last year marked the studio’s first ever Glass Pumpkin Patch which featured a glass pumpkin patch display, pumpkin carver, other artists, and fair food. Sounds like you have something to add to your calendar this year as they plan to bring it back this September!

One of my favorite parts about Jack Pine Studio is how active and involved they are online. Their Facebook is frequently updated with highlights and promotions, and on top of that, many posts feature the glass blowers themselves which gives an even more personal touch to the online experience. You can sign up for a monthly newsletter and even follow them on TikTok! You can tell that everyone at Jack Pine Studio is not only a master of their craft but works hard to ensure the world can see as much of the process as possible through many different social media platforms.

At this time you do not need to schedule your visit to see the glassblowers at work. They typically begin around 10:30 AM and go until around 4:30 PM so swing by in that time frame to see the process for yourself. Kelsey says one of pieces that guests love to watch specifically is Jack’s unique webbed vases. On the weekends he makes the larger vases and these can take anywhere from 30-40 minutes to create. There is no time limit to watching the artists work so you can stay as long as you’d like. In the future the studio hopes to resume workshops so that guests can pick a time to get a hands-on experience, all of which will be possible to schedule on their website.

Jack Pine Studio is located at 21397 State Route 180 in Laurelville and you can learn more on their website, www.jackpinestudio.com or by visiting their Facebook page. If you make your way out to Jack Pine Studio during your next stay at Ravenwood, make sure to show us what unique souvenirs you pick up from your visit!

Molly Smith

Molly Smith is a member of the Ravenwood Detective Agency, and loves to hunt zombies. Her passion for guest satisfaction and love for event planning led her to Ravenwood Castle.