Montana Treasures | Goose Bay Handblown Glass
Apparently there is something enchanting about glass. Last week’s post was inspired by the dim jeweled light that you only encounter when the sun filters through stained glass windows into an empty church. This week we head to Goose Bay Handblown Glass in Townsend, which also feels a bit like stepping into a gemstone. A diamond maybe, surrounded by hundred of facets of glistening crystal. But the kind of diamond that the longer you look at the more glinting colors you see.
The front room of Goose Bay Glass is filled with shelves of beautiful cups, pitchers, plates, vases, bowls, candle holders, balls, paperweights…all swirling with bright translucent colors.
Each of the delicate glass objects is handblown by owners Terry and Jim Gunderson. The Gundersons have been blowing glass in Townsend since 2002 when Jim, a former blacksmith, built a glassblowing furnace in the back room of their house. This itself is no mean feat considering that the sand and quartz that make glass need to be kept at a glowing 2,000 degrees F to be pliable enough to work.
The Gunderson’s original furnace was at their house, today, their furnace is in the back room of the store. And, as amazing as the front room–with its shelves of glassware–is, the back room is why you should make the trip to Townsend.
Have you ever seen someone blowing glass? It’s a mesmerizing affair to watch the molten ball of sand be transformed into an incredible work of art.
The Gundersons also offer glass blowing lessons (which I think would be equal parts amazing and terrifying). For more information about visiting the store or ordering pieces, call the studio at (406) 266-4496. In addition to glassware, the shop also features handmade crafts and foods from other local artisans.
If you choose to travel through Southwest Montana, make sure you are up-to-date on the latest travel information for the State!
