Boise Art Glass: Where Fire Meets Art in Downtown Boise
- Brent Hanson
- Oct 16
- 4 min read
A Creative Spark in the Heart of the City
Downtown Boise has no shortage of things to do, coffee shops buzzing with energy, murals tucked around corners, and local businesses bringing their own flavor to the city’s character. But among all of that, one space in particular has carved out something truly unique: Boise Art Glass.
Founded by master glass artist Filip Vogelpohl in 2014, this glowing studio isn’t just a place to buy art, it's an experience. Here, molten glass is transformed into vases, ornaments, jewelry, and more, all while you watch the magic unfold.
For both locals and visitors, Boise Art Glass has become a place where creativity, craftsmanship, and community converge.
The Magic of Live Glassblowing
Step inside Boise Art Glass, and the first thing you’ll notice is the heat. The studio’s furnaces glow as artists carefully shape liquid glass into intricate forms. Watching it happen feels like stepping into a world where science and art collide where fire, timing, and steady hands create something one-of-a-kind.
Unlike traditional galleries, this isn’t just about admiring finished pieces. The real show is in the making. Visitors can stand just feet away from the action, watching as the glass shifts from fiery orange to shimmering works of art.
And it’s not just for show. Glassblowing has a rhythm stretch, spin, cool, repeat and for many of the artists, it’s described as meditative. That sense of calm translates to the audience, who can feel the focus and energy in every step.
Get Hands-On: Classes and Workshops
One of the best parts about Boise Art Glass? You don’t have to be a professional to try it yourself.
The studio offers beginner-friendly classes where anyone, families, couples, or curious individuals can create their own glass piece. Seasonal workshops are especially popular:
Fall Pumpkins: Handcraft a glowing pumpkin that captures the season.
Holiday Ornaments: Make a keepsake that’ll hang on your tree for years to come.
These workshops aren’t just about walking away with something pretty. They’re about the experience: working alongside skilled instructors (like the highly praised Austin), learning the craft, and leaving with both a finished piece and a great story to tell.
It’s the kind of outing that works just as well for a date night as it does for a family activity. And for anyone considering a move to Boise, it’s the kind of creative, local experience that makes the Treasure Valley feel like home.
From Gallery to Gift Shop
Boise Art Glass also doubles as a gallery and shop, where every item is handcrafted on-site. That means when you buy a vase, pendant, or set of glassware, you’re taking home something with a story.
Unlike mass-produced décor, these pieces reflect the artistry, patience, and care of the people who made them. And with the studio located right downtown, it’s easy to swing by for a gift or a new addition to your home collection.
Community Roots and Local Pride
Since opening, Boise Art Glass has been more than just a business, it's been part of the community. From local festivals like the Hyde Park Street Fair to neighborhood events, the studio is committed to sharing its craft with as many people as possible.
That local connection has earned the studio a glowing reputation 4.9 stars online, with reviews consistently praising both the artistry and the people behind it. Visitors often mention not just the quality of the glass, but the warmth of the experience itself.
Why It Matters for Boise
Boise has long been known for its natural beauty the river, the foothills, the trails. But what makes a city truly livable isn’t just its scenery; it’s also the cultural experiences that make daily life vibrant.
Boise Art Glass embodies that balance. It brings an ancient art form into the modern-day heart of our city, giving both residents and tourists a reason to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the kind of creativity that makes Boise unique.
For people considering a move here, places like this are a reminder that Boise isn’t just about growth, it's about community and culture, too.
Plan Your Visit
Thinking of checking it out for yourself? Here’s what to expect:
Location: Downtown Boise
What to Do: Watch live demos, take a class, shop the gallery
Who It’s For: Locals, visitors, families, couples, or anyone curious about trying something new
Whether you go to make your own piece or simply watch the fire and glass dance together, Boise Art Glass is one of those rare spots that makes you appreciate living here even more.
Final Thoughts
At its core, Boise Art Glass isn’t just about molten glass or flickering flames, it's about the stories people create, the memories they take home, and the way art can connect us all.
So next time you’re downtown, step inside. Watch, learn, maybe even make something yourself. You might just find that this glowing studio becomes one of your favorite places in Boise.
For more local stories, news, and fun facts about the Treasure Valley, follow @iHeartCityOfTrees.




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