Experiencing the heat firsthand, Maggie Vance '27 preps the rod at the furnace in the Mare Island hot shop. / Photo courtesy Campus Recreation
Gaels Get Hands-On with Fire and Craft at Mare Island Glassblowing Adventure
From 2,000-degree furnaces to waterfront tastings, students dive into Mare Island’s creative landscape.
Shaping Molten Material: A Hands-On Creative Process
Saint Mary’s College Outdoor Adventures transported students this past weekend into the heart of one of Northern California’s most unique artisan districts during a full-day excursion to Mare Island Art Glass and Mare Island Brewing Company. The trip on Sunday offered a rare opportunity to step into a working hot shop, learn the precise science of molten glass, and experience the craftsmanship behind one of the world’s oldest art forms.
The day began with an introduction to glassblowing, where expert instructors demonstrated how raw materials are heated to more than 2,000 degrees and transformed into glowing, workable glass. Students learned how to gather molten glass from the furnace, shape it with traditional tools, and manipulate color and form as the material cooled. Each participant created their own finished piece—an ornament, paperweight, or small heart-shaped vase—using techniques practiced in the studio for generations.
The process demanded focus, quick adjustments, and a steady hand. From rotating the blowpipe to managing heat exposure, students experienced the full intensity of working with a living material that cools and changes with every second. Watching their creations take shape became one of the most memorable elements of the trip.
Rebecca Carranza ’26 spoke to the enthusiasm many students shared. “I loved this experience so much!” she said. “I think my favorite part was seeing others do the glass blowing, it really puts in perspective how much goes into it—and also all the fun that we’re all having!”
“I loved this experience so much! I think my favorite part was seeing others do the glass blowing, it really puts in perspective how much goes into it—and also all the fun that we’re all having!”
— Rebecca Carranza ’26
Exploring Mare Island’s Industrial and Artistic Landscape
After wrapping up in the hot shop, the group explored the striking industrial landscape of Mare Island, once home to the nation’s first West Coast naval shipyard. The adventure continued at Mare Island Brewing Company, where students enjoyed a tasting experience featuring locally crafted beverages and panoramic views of the waterfront. The brewery’s historic coal sheds and refurbished shipyard structures offered additional insight into the region’s distinctive maritime and manufacturing history.
“It was really fun getting to walk around after the glass blowing and explore the area,” Ashlyn Storie ’26 said.
“It was really fun getting to walk around after the glass blowing and explore the area.”
— Ashlyn Storie ’26
Strengthening Bonds Through Artistic Experiences
From hands-on artistry to local flavor and heritage exploration, the Mare Island trip delivered a dynamic, skill-based experience for students interested in craft, technique, and Northern California’s industrial past. Outdoor Adventures will continue to highlight opportunities for Gaels to learn by doing—whether through outdoor skills, artisan workshops, or immersive regional outings.
