Glass Arts & Workshops at The Furnace in Lakewood, CO - Denver

Glass Arts & Workshops at The Furnace in Lakewood, CO

Denvereasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–4 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness required; suitable for most adults and teens able to stand for moderate periods.

Overview

The Furnace in Lakewood, Colorado, offers hands-on glass art workshops that channel the elemental spirit of the Rockies. Learn torch skills and create fused glass projects in a studio experience unlike any other in the Front Range region.

Details

On the western edge of Denver, Lakewood offers an unexpected retreat for those drawn to hands-on, creative adventure. The Furnace: A Glassworks stands out here, blending vivid artistry with elemental glass techniques in a city more known for its trailheads and mountain views. This studio invites participants of all experience levels to engage directly with flame and fused glass, crafting functional and decorative objects in ways that echo the rugged clarity of the Colorado landscape.

Lakewood’s position at the foothills of the Rockies makes it a prime location to appreciate craftsmanship that mirrors natural beauty. The Furnace’s workshops, ranging from Basic Torch Skills to the intricate alchemy of fume, create a tangible connection to fire and glass, naturally inviting exploration of material limits and light play—qualities that reflect both the alpine light and shifting seasons outside. Smaller group sessions offer personalized guidance, while larger group events accommodate corporate outings or creative gatherings, making it a flexible destination.

Several projects focus on fused glass, including trinket dishes and artist-inspired suncatchers, which capture and distort the abundant Colorado sunlight. Seasonal pieces like snowman or Easter egg workshops mark the calendar with festive, hands-on activities. Visitors can expect an instructive balance of safety, technique, and artistic freedom under expert facilitation.

Aside from skill-building, The Furnace introduces participants to glass’s elemental physicality — the heat of torch flames, the viscosity of molten glass, and the meditative rhythm of creation. It’s a unique complement to Lakewood’s outdoor-centric culture, pairing art with adventure and giving visitors an alternative kind of memory to take home—made, not simply seen.

For anyone in town to hike, bike, or ski the Front Range, a detour to this studio provides a refreshing creative pulse that sparks curiosity and maybe even the start of a lifelong craft.

Adventure Tips

Wear non-flammable clothing

Choose cotton or wool attire to stay safe around open flames during torch skills workshops.

Reserve group sessions in advance

Larger groups should book ahead to ensure space and proper instructor attention.

Arrive with clean, tied-back hair

To maintain safety near the flame, secure long hair and remove loose accessories before class.

Plan for indoor temperature changes

The studio operates at different temps than outside, so dress in layers you can adjust.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Clement Park Arboretum – a quiet green space with native flora
  • Bear Creek Trail – a lesser-known local hike with creekside views

Wildlife

  • Mule deer often spotted near suburban trails
  • Red-tailed hawks soaring above the foothills

History

Lakewood developed rapidly in the mid-20th century as a residential hub for Denver workers, but retains pockets of pioneer heritage and mountain culture.

Conservation

The Furnace encourages sustainable studio practices, recycling glass scraps and minimizing energy usage where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Afternoon light
Golden hour
Mid-morning

Best Viewpoints

  • Inside the studio near torch stations
  • Outdoor patio with mountain glimpses
  • Nearby Bear Creek Trail

What to Photograph

Glass art details
Flame interactions
Front Range peaks

Recommended Gear

Cotton or wool clothing

Essential

Protects skin from heat and sparks during torch working.

Closed-toe shoes

Essential

Provides safety near hot equipment and dropped glass.

Hair ties or headbands

Essential

Keeps hair secured safely away from flames.

Light layers

Allows comfort with shifting indoor and outdoor temperatures.

fall specific