Business Details
Stained Glass Supplies & Studio in Barrie, Ontario
At Huronia Art Glass, we pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming environment where creativity thrives. With over 32 years of experience, our team of dedicated professionals provides unparalleled expertise in stained and art glass supplies, instruction, and repairs. Our studio, occupying half of our retail space, offers state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on guidance for artists of all skill levels. From beginner courses to advanced fused glass workshops, we cater to hobbyists, seasoned artisans, and studio owners alike. Our commitment to community is evident in our open studio sessions, where like-minded individuals collaborate and share their passion. We prioritize customer satisfaction through free technical assistance, competitive wholesale pricing, and a curated inventory of tools and materials.Our repair specialists excel in restoring delicate glasswork to its original condition, ensuring lasting beauty. Whether you're seeking personalized instruction, specialized equipment, or unique gift options, our team is here to support your artistic journey. We maintain strong relationships with local artists and studios, offering tailored wholesale programs for qualified businesses. Our facility includes dedicated workspaces with grinders, soldering stations, and kilns available for reservation, ensuring every project receives the attention it deserves.
Services
Stained Glass Supplies
Glass Repair Services
Beginner Workshops
Fused Glass Courses
Open Studio Access
Wholesale Programs
Kiln Reservations
Pattern Library Access
Gift Card Sales
Custom Commission Work
Highlights and features
- 32 years of specialized stained glass expertise
- Expert repair specialists preserve original soldering integrity
- Free technical assistance and equipment access
- Wholesale pricing available for qualified customers
- Community-focused studio with collaborative open sessions
What people say
Expert repair work
Supportive community
Comprehensive supply selection
Patient instructors
Excellent workshops
Services
Stained Glass Repairs
Our specialized repair service preserves original soldering while restoring damaged stained glass pieces. Expert technicians use precision tools to replace broken elements without compromising structural integrity. Clients receive professional consultation to ensure perfect glass matching and historical accuracy in restoration projects.
Beginner Workshops
Structured three-hour sessions teach fundamental stained glass techniques to complete three projects. Instructors guide students through glass cutting, foiling, and soldering with step-by-step instruction. No prior experience required, all tools and materials provided for first-time creators.
Fused Glass Courses
Comprehensive fused glass instruction from basic slumping to advanced kiln-forming techniques. Courses include access to molds, pre-programmed kilns, and specialized tools. Students create functional art pieces while learning temperature control and glass compatibility principles.
Open Studio Access
Drop-in studio sessions provide access to professional equipment including grinders, soldering stations, and worktables. Experienced artists work independently while enjoying community interaction. Reservations available for kiln use with multiple size options to accommodate various project scales.
Wholesale Programs
Qualified studios and businesses receive discounted pricing on bulk material purchases. Program requires business license verification and volume-based discount structure. Includes access to exclusive wholesale inventory not available to general retail customers.
People
Gord Hawthorne
Owner
Gord founded Huronia Art Glass over 27 years ago after developing a passion for Tiffany-style lamps. He transformed his hobby into Ontario's premier stained glass destination, combining retail operations with educational programming while maintaining hands-on customer service.
Debbie Hirsch
Intermediate Instructor
Debbie has taught intermediate classes since 2002, sharing her extensive stained glass expertise with students. Her friendly instruction style and retail experience create welcoming learning environments. She specializes in advanced soldering techniques and project troubleshooting.
Norma Vowels
Beginner Instructor
Norma leads beginner and intermediate classes with patient, hands-on instruction. Her teaching approach focuses on building confidence through pattern-based projects while encouraging creative experimentation. She has trained hundreds of new artists since joining the team.
Tresea Partridge
Fused Glass Instructor
Tresea brings over a decade of fused glass expertise to her instructional programs. She developed the studio's fused glass curriculum from basic slumping to complex kiln-forming techniques. Her self-taught background informs practical, accessible teaching methods.
Susan Dalrymple
Open Studio Instructor
Susan has worked in stained glass for 15 years, combining artistic vision with technical precision. She leads open studio sessions and specialized workshops, emphasizing color theory and pattern development. Her instruction focuses on transforming ideas into finished glass art.
Questions
Do I need artistic experience to start stained glass work?
No prior experience needed. We provide patterns and step-by-step instruction for beginners while offering advanced techniques for experienced artists.
Can I use the studio without taking classes?
Our open studio sessions allow independent work with equipment access. Instructors are available Thursday mornings for assistance during designated hours.
Do you offer custom stained glass commissions?
Yes, our team creates custom pieces to your specifications. We collaborate on design, size, and glass selection to create unique installations.
Are tools available for rent?
Studio equipment including grinders, soldering stations, and kilns are available during open studio hours. No tool rental fees with session purchase.
Do you sell wholesale to individuals?
Many retail items are priced at wholesale rates. Qualified customers with business licenses receive additional volume-based discounts on bulk purchases.
What safety equipment is provided?
We provide safety glasses and cutting mats. Students should wear closed-toe shoes. All tools meet current safety standards with regular maintenance checks.
