industrial arts center

I was interested in planning and surprising an experience with my 11 year old daughter at this place, sounded like a fun thing to do, since we were amazed at the Disney live hot glass display at downtown Disney World. Then I saw a Groupon deal which motivated me to call to see if it was OK to schedule an experience together with my daughter. I have called there for 3 solid days (leaving messages each day) to try to speak to a human regarding a class, and if it was OK to take the class together with my daughter. I also emailed them, and again, nothing. Then yesterday, I noticed only 18 hours left to buy the Groupon deal. So why would I buy two Groupon deals at a cost of 100.00 from a supposed business that does not even return phone calls or email when you are really trying hard to spend money with them? Call me crazy, right?Is this a hobby shop or a business? Their recording said they were moving (strange in itself) to another location, so why would any business make a move in the middle of a planned advertised Groupon offer??? Then, not even return calls and emails regarding their Groupon offer? Very strange. What a shame, someone needs to learn how to run a business, not a hobby shop.Needless to say, I am looking for another business that offers this experience.Any suggestions? Thanks!

The time of workshop was 1 p.m. We arrived and it was overbooked. We went for lunch instead and returned at the time we were told. The workshop was fun. We were asked to pay $10. For each item to be shipped if we wouldn't pick up. I was told 7-10 days later I and my guest would get the paperweight. Owen doesn't answer the phone and he tells Living Social the package is being shipped. Two times he said (to Living Social) he would ship and no package arrives. It is now nearly 6 weeks later and there is no shipment. We have been duped. After being lied to more than once I have lost patience and feel this should be shared with potential ticket buyers.What a let down!

We absolutely enjoyed the experience! Owen was entertaining and hospitable. We learned a lot of and had a genuinely fun time. I'd recommend this to anyone!

We had a Groupon that gave us the chance to do something different & unusual. Would go back without a Groupon. Awesome experience check one off the bucket list.

I visited the Industrial Arts Center last week and had the pleasure of watching students and apprentices learn to blow glass under the guidance of the studio. What a nice bunch of people! The process is so intriguing I took a mini class and created a wonderful blown glass bowl. I came back later that day to make an ornament! One of the most unique experiences I've had on a vacation anywhere and I got to come home with more than great memories!The studio members explain everything very well, and make the glass blowing process fun and relaxed. There are a number of steps to creating each of the items, so the modest fee is well worth it. The studio is open several days a week for walk-ins. Gulfport is a bit of an arts colony, with frequent fairs and galleries and shops to explore. If you are not staying in Gulfport, I suggest you combine glass blowing with dinner at one of the many fine restaurants within walking distance.

Me and my husband were visiting from Michigan and a story was on the news about the Industrial Arts Center. We love watching glass blowing and had the chance to do it ourselves one evening. It was so fun and the staff was great! We hope to return and make another beautiful piece one day. The prices are so reasonable and the experience is unforgettable.

Go here. Nice people and a great experience. The staff is very educated and informative. Lots of choices of glassblowing pieces. One on one attention with the classes and workshops.

I went to the Blow your own glass event at the Industrial Arts Center and had a blast. The glassblower that taught me was talented and amusing, the rest of the staff was very informative and I ended up with an ornament that I'm proud of saying that I made.