The Alexia Fall Workshop

Thursday, Oct. 23-Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025

The trash tray accumulates broken chards of glass that accumulate from failed pieces. “People love to admire the broken glass,” says veteran glassblower Lorraine Austin, who believes their appreciation for failure speaks to the beauty of the complicated art. Snake Oil Glassworks Inc. in Skaneateles, New York. Photo by Troy Conner

The trash tray accumulates broken chards of glass that accumulate from failed pieces. “People love to admire the broken glass,” says veteran glassblower Lorraine Austin, who believes their appreciation for failure speaks to the beauty of the complicated art. Snake Oil Glassworks Inc. in Skaneateles, New York. Photo by Troy Conner

GLASS VENOM

By Troy Conner

Published

Snake Oil Glassworks Inc., a hot glassblowing studio, makes custom glass art with traditional off-hand techniques. Founded in 1998 by expert glassblower Lorraine Austin, Snake Oil strives to represent artistry, passion and grit by handcrafting beautiful glasswork.

Story Credits

Troy Conner

Troy
Conner

    Coached by

    Joe McNally headshot

    Joe
    McNally

      Heather Ainsworth

      Heather
      Ainsworth