Forged by Fire
Grit and perseverance shine at Salado Glassworks
By TONYA WARREN | Photos by SKEEBO
The weather outside might be frightful, or not, because after all, this in Texas. Either way, ensure your sleigh takes a detour off Interstate 35 to the quaint village of Salado, an unassuming enclave of enthusiastic and hard-working artists excited about their profession and the contribution art makes to our everyday lives.
Stoked about all things regarding glassblowing, bandanna-clad owner and chief artist of Salado Glassworks, Gail Allard, keeps things hot.
How hot? About 2,400 degrees blazing furnace hot, and while that’s too toasty for roasting chestnuts, it’s just the right temperature needed for Allard to pursue his passion of centuries-old glassblowing.
According to a 2019 Smithsonian magazine article, the first simple glass objects were made before 2000 B.C., in Mesopotamia. Glassblowing was later improved upon in the Roman Empire, as the process was used to make everyday household items such as cups and pitchers.
Allard described his younger self as an “artsy kid.” Having experience in drafting and welding, he was no stranger to working with his hands.
One day, while in downtown Temple, he wandered into a glassblowing studio, Ryno Glass, owned by Bob Rynearson. Being mesmerized by the flaming furnace and watching something beautiful come together through molten glass being rolled, blown, colored, shaped, and more, he was hooked. Bob remembers putting Allard to work doing small things in the shop, as he had such an interest in learning the art.
“Eventually, I offered him a paying job, and it was the best business decision I made,” Rynearson said.
Funny how the shoe is sometimes on the other foot, as Rynearson now comes to Allard’s shop to help with special events, such as the create your own Christmas ornament event, which ends Dec. 17.
When Allard began his glassblowing career in 2002, the economy and his work were humming along. Fast forward to 2008, and the economy fractured, but giving up wasn’t an option for the young artist.
“I wasn’t ready to quit,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to carry the passion to create with glass.” By that point, a few well-timed opportunities came along, and he had a few employees and a growing family. “The perspective of never quit is strong when you have people that depend on you,” Allard added.
It’s easy to be mesmerized by hearing the hum of the furnace and the warmth given off by the fiery yellow flame. It’s fun to note the hot shop bleachers are available to sit and watch the artists at work whenever the shop is open. When the shop has events such as the upcoming Christmas ornament workshop, the public can view the action while awaiting their turn at creation. Allard likens glassblowing to a dance where timing and maneuvering are everything. A gaffer is the one actually working or spinning the hot molten glass on the end of a pipe, while an assistant is handling molds and various other tools. The assistant will also blow softly into the hollow pipe so air fills the space which then creates the basic shape of the object. The hot glass can then be twisted, pulled, cut, and more to create the final product.
Salado Glassworks was birthed in 2011 in a former art studio. Business started booming which necessitated a move to a large old former cotton gin. It’s hard to miss the funky red building off main street Salado. The hot shop is where the magic happens inside. Think of it as Santa’s workshop while imagining what bright and shiny colors will come through as the staff assists you in making an ornament anyone would be proud to display. Would purple, the color representing a king, look good with your holiday theme? Are you a traditionalist? If so, you might enjoy choosing colored frit (tiny ground glass beads) or glass powder in favorite colors of red and green. The selection of colors just adds to project interest. Studio fun continues with upcoming Valentine’s Day and Easter events.
The building also has a gallery filled with various sorts of glass blown items for purchase. Think fun and colorful tumblers, pitchers, vases, ornaments, and other décor items. Custom orders are welcome, and Allard will work with the customer to visualize and create a beautiful and unique piece just right for a residential or commercial setting.
Displayed on employee work shirts is a rocket as well as there’s shop signage sporting that image. When asked about that particular image, Allard said, “Rockets go up and it’s a reminder to myself to keep looking and moving forward. I believe customers appreciate the image and the emotion behind it.”
Hard work, perseverance, and an eye for beauty and creativity have served Allard’s business well.
“I am so impressed with how he’s grown his business,” Allard’s mentor Rynearson said, “and as an artist he has really developed a unique style with his form and color combination.”
Note to self: Bring your own bandanna.
IF YOU GO
Salado Glassworks
Address: 2 Peddler’s Alley, Salado
Phone: 254-947-0339
Website: saladoglassworks.com
Social media: facebook.com/SaladoGlassworks
