ARLINGTON, Texas— In the glassblowing studio, furnaces roar with heat, steel tools clatter and molten glass blows bright orange at the end of a pipe.
For more than 2,000 years, people have shaped molten glass into vessels, ornaments and works of art. Among the many objects created through this method, the glass-blown pumpkin has become a showcase of both skill and tradition.
This tradition will be featured at the 12th Annual Glass Pumpkin Sale and Fundraiser, which is open to the public and scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Studio Arts Center, 810 S. Davis St. Proceeds from the sale help support scholarships, provide materials and fund opportunities for students in the glass program.
Hundreds of handcrafted pumpkins will be available for purchase, each created by students and faculty in the glass area. No two pieces are identical, with variations in size, shape and color making each pumpkin a unique work of art.
While shopping, visitors will also have the opportunity to watch live glassblowing demonstrations. Molten glass is gathered on the end of a blowpipe, shaped, colored and cooled before being fitted with a stem.
Sales are conducted in person only, with no online purchasing options. The event is cashless, and accepted payment methods include credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and checks.