Toraason Glass Works -- March 12 & 19

On two separate occasions in March, OLLI members enjoyed a private glass blowing demonstration by local artist Hiram Toraason.

Toraason Glass, founded in 2003, is a 2,700-square-foot glass blowing studio and gallery located at 208 Morton Street, Peoria, Illinois.

During the demonstration, Hiram said he provides a number of glass making opportunities, including private lessons, weekend workshops, teambuilding workshops, and individual studio time. Hiram illustrated many techniques during his demonstration, including gathering, thumbing a bubble, transferring, and opening a cup. He and his employees created a one-of-a-kind vessel during our visit.

After the demonstration, Hiram spoke one-on-one with OLLI members, explaining the different varieties of glass creations made in the studio, which include ornaments, pendants, vessels, wine stoppers, and much more. He and his three employees are in the process of moving to a larger studio on Monroe Street in Peoria, and they expect the operation to be up and running in the new location by May.

OLLI would like to thank Hiram and his staff for providing us with a great learning experience, and we congratulate him on his new studio.

For more information about Toraason Glass, please visit toraasonglass.com.