CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – For 10 years on the first Saturday of every month, Conway Glass has allowed the community into their studio for a free class.
“We felt like the business needed to give back,” Conway Glass owner Barbara Streeter said. “Being in business so long we felt like this was a good step for us.”
That tradition continues Saturday February 3rd when the Streeter’s host another free class.
Barbara and Ed Streeter are both gaffers. They bend, shape and create beautiful works of glass art.
My amateur eyes focused intently on their professional and delicate hands. They are hands that are always moving and always turning.
“Start to finish (the process) never stops,” Conway Glass owner Ed Streeter said.
The only rest coming in front of an intense heat Ed says is 2,380 degrees.
Their journey took off decades ago with a simple ad Ed saw while the couple was on vacation.
“We were having lunch and there was a menu board over there that said ‘make your own paper weight $50,'” Ed said.
He was fascinated with the process and the ability to manipulate something that hot with your hands and newspaper.
“That was either the best or worst $50 I’ve ever spent,” Ed said.
The Streeter’s have been married 33 years with 26 of those working together with glass.
“We were taught to work together as a team,” Ed said. “When Barbara is sitting at the bench I am her assistant.”
“I get to be the boss,” Barbara replied laughing.
It’s that communication they say makes their relationship and business successful.
“We don’t even have to talk to each other, we know what the next step is,” Barbara said.
“We have as much passion in the glass studio as we do in our relationship and that’s important,” Ed added.
Barbara’s ancestors were actually glass workers as well. The couple says nobody really talked about it, they found out by reading in a book.
The couple’s work has been featured all over the community including at Brookgreen Gardens.
If you’d like to learn more about the art of glass, Conway Glass has a free open house Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
You’ll see the process of making and shaping the colored glass. You’ll see the process of making and shaping the colored glass. Their studio is on 12th Street in Conway.