Glassworks Studio

Welcome...Glassworks Studio & Gallery

Garth Mudge began his glass blowing career at Emporia State University in Kansas in 1981, where he studied glass blowing for 2 semesters "for fun." Garth received his B.S.E. in Industrial Education in 1984, and relocated to Estes Park, Colorado, where in 1986, "The Glassworks Studio and Gallery" was established.

Garth's passion for his work and his love of glass quickly brought "The Glassworks Studio and Gallery" to the forefront of glass studios in Colorado. The Glassworks is one of the very few galleries of Colorado where daily glassblowing demonstrations create a special experience. This format gives the glass art lover the opportunity to observe and appreciate this ancient glass blowing tradition come to life.

Garth's style of glass blowing is "off hand" which means he uses no molds. To obtain his vision of the glass, it is necessary to work the glass very fast and very hot so that the flowing quality of the glass is reflected in his work. This method requires extreme focus and concentration, particularly, when done unassisted. Additionally, Garth does not grind his glass creations, he feels this is a more natural process and poses a greater challenge to him as an artist.

Garth produces an unusually wide variety of glass pieces, ranging from traditional forms to more contemporary styles. He employs the transparency of glass to obtain depth, refractions, and subtle reflections while working with the rich colors in a painterly fashion. Garth's philosophy is that the smooth and natural appearance of his glass is a direct result of working in complete harmony with the glass during their brief dance through the fire.