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April 2019 by Richard Schagrin
Took a class with Rick and we each make a small bowl. In addition, we bought 2 of his pieces, really beautiful.
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March 2019 by Rabia J.
Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts is a really neat art experience. They have art gallery, classes, events, and so much more. I had no idea this place existed until recently. My nephew was attending a bar mitzvah and the hosts did it at this center. His friend is really into art so it gave the guests a hands on experience in a cool atmosphere. I had to drop him off at this center but I ended up staying for a bit to look at the gallery part and check out the class they had going for the kids. This center is a great place to plan a corporate or team building activity. I totally would like to attend their glass blowing, flame working or fusing classes. They do facility rentals for big events etc. Their website showcased their contributions to the community. They do scholarships/funds for kids and teens. Really appreciate their art influence for the local community of Palm Beach.~
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January 2019 by Katie K.
This was a fun and unique experience! You get to decide what you want to make- a floppy bowl, a vase, a paperweight, a flower, or 2 ornaments. You also get to pick your colors. My mom and I both decided to make floppy bowls when we went. Justin, the expert in glassblowing who helped us, was amazing! He did most of the hard work but we got to help! He did a great job of describing what was happening during each step of the process and what we needed to do! I highly recommend that you go! You won't regret it! My Mom and I both want to go back to create glass pumpkins and ornaments!
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January 2017 by Jennifer M.
My niece and I had a wonderful experience here last month. Instead of Christmas gifts, I take my niece and nephew on "Auntie Adventures." My 12-year-old niece really liked a glass pumpkin I made at another studio and wanted to try glassblowing. I live in Boston, so I did research online to find options in south Florida where she lives. When I called Benzaiten for more info, the director, Anita, answered the phone and was very nice and responsive to my questions. I was looking for something that would be substantive and hands-on for my niece. And Benzaiten delivered 110%. We did a one-hour private lesson, making a drinking glass, a vase, and a bowl. Our instructor, Eli, was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with my niece. He let her do almost everything herself--shaping the glass, adding color, using tools, etc. She loved it! I have never seen her focus on something so intently.
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June 2016 by Kathy P.
Took a glass blowing class today. It's actually one on one and you get to actually handle all the tools yourself and blow your piece to size and use the furnace. And the best part is that you produce an actual item that you can take home after it cools for 24 hours or so. I made a bowl in mahi colors of blue, green and yellow. My husband made a drinking glass in 2 shades of blue. It was fun and interesting and educational and only took about 30 minutes per piece. Everybody should try it.
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March 2016 by Richard S.
"Unique" Located in downtown Lake Worth, it sits right on the railraod tracks. I think it was the old FEC train depot that now has been converted onto art center. They have classes and demonstrations by artists. I find out about it because a glass blower, Rick Eggert who we brought some of his glass pieces is now in residence there and teaching glass blowing.
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July 2015 by Bill S.
This is a hidden artistic gem that I discovered in Lake Worth where I was able to actively participate in the art of glass blowing and sculpting and I was completely blown away (no pun intended). Benzaiten is the Japanese Goddess who represents all things flowing i.e., love, knowledge, music, the river and in our case hot molten glass and bronze. I have been fascinated with the artistry of glassworks my whole life and always stop and watch a glass artist work when I have the rare chance to see them (such as in Italy) and never thought that I would be able to participate in a working glass studio in Palm Beach, but I am now glad to report that this gallery, studio, and workshop is available for the public. The Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts is located in the Historic FEC Train Depot just a few steps from the heart of downtown Lake Worth. Located in the Lake Worth Arts District, this 14,500 square foot permanent arts center is dedicated to living and working artists as well as to the community. The Center brings art to life, immersing the public in arts production and its creative processes, while providing direct interaction with artists from around the world. The Glassworks Studio is a full service 4,500 square foot glass blowing and glass-working studio and has three separate working shops. The Gallery and Gift Shop has over 2,000 square feet of gallery space and will feature unique items for sale including artists' works who use Benzaiten's studios to produce their fine art. The Benzaiten Metal Works Studio, opening soon, is an 6,000 square foot facility that will provide a metal foundry that can pour 69,000 pounds of bronze per year. The City of Lake Worth and the Lake Worth CRA have been extremely supportive of the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts. They consider art an integral part of the Lake Worth community. The City and the CRA support the arts and are committed to raising awareness of the arts by cultivating the Lake Worth Arts District. The Benzaiten Center is proud to be their partner and a part of this revitalization of Lake Worth. I enrolled in "The Experience" class ($75) that gave me the opportunity to see just how magical working with class can be. My instructor was Rick Eggert gave me step-by-step instruction (and lots of assistance) on creating a basic form in glass. He taught me safety, use of tools, and color application. I could choose to make a Wavy Bowl (this is the one I made), Vase, Drinking Glass, Pendant Light, Wave Paperweight. Overall, this was an fascinating and wonderful experience for me and I highly recommend the experience for anyone that is remotely interest in glassworks. If you just want to visit the gallery (lots of items are for sale) and watch a artist work, you can do that anytime and you should probably call before dropping by.