Made in the Hudson Valley: Hudson Beach Glass gives visitors the chance to become glassblowers themselves
Glistening glass sculptures, ornaments, dining sets and more surround you as you step inside the Beacon staple, Hudson Beach Glass.
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Glistening glass sculptures, ornaments, dining sets and more surround you as you step inside the Beacon staple, Hudson Beach Glass.
Co-founder John Gilvey helped bring the business to life in the 1980s before moving it to a restored firehouse in the heart of Beacon in the early 2000s.
"We were selling our glass all over the world, and it changed when we bought this building," he said. "We started doing retail out of here and representing other glassblowers from around the country and somewhat from around the world."
Now, when tourists from around the world step into the shop, not only can they buy some of their favorite glass pieces, but they can also become a glassblower themselves.
"One of the things we do is make Christmas ornaments with people," Gilvey said. "So, they can come in and blow a Christmas ornament with one of our glass blowers."
As the "Make-Your-Own-Glass" activity grew in popularity, the shop began offering a wider variety of objects guests could make. Whether it's a paperweight or a drinking glass, each person gets to take home a new memory.
"Over the last 20 years, families have come here over and over and over again," said Gilvey. "It's like a tradition for them."
As for Gilvey's time in Dutchess County, he believes his role in helping create those memories, as well as being a part of Beacon's legacy, has been one of the most rewarding parts of his career.
"It's just fun for me," he said. "I mean, I've been doing this for almost 50 years...and sharing that with people has just been wonderful...to see Beacon come around like this has just been wonderful. During the pandemic, people would come up from the city. This was a destination for the tri-state area because it could be a day trip."
Hudson Beach Glass is located at 162 Main St. in Beacon. The shop also has a fine art gallery on its second floor. It is currently hosting Beacon Open Studios, featuring work from about 80 studios in the city.
