D.C. GlassWorks, an open glassblowing and sculpture facility in Edmonston, will be shutting down this month.

The facility was much-loved among local artists for giving them access to serious glassblowing equipment without requiring staff supervision or expensive classes.

But it was also popular for cheap and fun classes in which anybody could show up without prior experience and leave with a glass ornament or paperweight they had made.

“DC GlassWorks was founded on the idea that glassblowing should be accessible to all persons and became a place where a person could start off with no glass experience and, through training, hard work, and perseverance, could make the work they wanted,” the owners wrote in a farewell note.

The studio first came to Edmonston 15 years ago because it was cheap real estate off the beaten path, but it ended up falling victim to the area’s recent redevelopment.

“Our neighboring businesses have changed and, unfortunately, the business models of these new neighbors have forced us to reduce our events and offerings,” the owners wrote. “In the end, location matters.”

Some of D.C. GlassWorks resident artists are attempting to keep their studios in the building open and are seeking other artists to rent the remaining spaces. Studios are individually wired and walled, with 200 to 300 square feet, with rents starting at $300 a month. Rent comes with use of a shared gallery and exhibit space.

For more information, contact Kevin Mitchell at kempaint@hotmail.com.