ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Morean Arts Center Hot Shop in St. Petersburg offers public glassblowing demonstrations, where guests get to interact and become a part of the magic of glassblowing.

The 30-minute demonstration gives visitors a glimpse into the beautiful, yet complex, art form. Heating the glass to just the right temperature takes skill and practice — something the artists at the Morean Arts Center have taken years to perfect.

Tim Soluna began a love for the arts at a young age, first trying ceramics and wheel-throwing classes at 12.

“By the time I was 17, I had a chance to work with molten glass for the first time, and I was just fascinated by it," Soluna said. "It was all really magical to me.” 

Soluna majored in glassblowing in college in his hometown of Carbondale, Ill. Since graduating, he has worked in glass studios in Illinois, Oregon, and most recently, Florida, where he currently works as part of the demo team at the Morean Arts Center Hot Shop.

The Morean Arts Center prides itself on sharing the unique experience with the community. After watching the glassblowing demonstration, visitors can view the massive amount of glass work that has come out of the shop.

The shop is open seven days a week, and its' glass studio offers daily demonstrations, starting at noon.