Support Us Button Widget

Behind the scenes with SiNaCa Studios

What is that funky gas station on Magnolia Avenue?

Glass blowing studio and gallery

Watching the master glass artist Aaron Tate at work.

Photo by FTWtoday

Table of Contents

Did you know you can take glassblowing classes right here in Cowtown? We went behind the scenes with SiNaCa Studios to learn more about the organization and how Fort Worthians can get involved.

Who?

SiNaCa Studios School of Glass and Gallery is an art nonprofit in the Near Southside. The name SiNaCa is the molecular makeup for glass: silicon, sodium, and calcium.

The public access facility — a renovated 1920s gas station at 1013 W. Magnolia Ave. — opened in 2011 and has accommodated 35,000 participants in the past 12 years. The small gallery features creations from 50+ local and national artists.

What?

With three studios — glassblowing, flame working, and kiln forming — there are opportunities for artists of all skill levels in daily classes and workshops.

In addition to public classes, the organization has several outreach programs with Fort Worth ISD, veterans, trauma survivors, and people dealing with housing insecurity. The programs use glass works to teach art, history, science, and culture.

SiNaCa is “our way of doing what we love and educating people about the material and personal expression,” executive director Clifton Crofford told us.

How?

Just getting started in glass arts? Check out SiNaCa’s Take-It and Make-It program — where you can complete a project at home using a premade kit and the studio will fire it for you — or attend a walkup workshop.

Already a pro? Apply to be a glassblowing instructor.

More from FTWtoday
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, the Texas Education Agency announced it will be taking over Fort Worth ISD in Texas’s second-largest public school intervention. What’s next?
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Fort Worth, TX has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
Uncover ghoulish architecture features that make a house look haunted and find out where to see a few around town.
Fort Worth’s restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
Hear five key takeaways from this year’s sold-out event, plus share your Fort Worth story with Mayor Mattie Parker.
A 100-acre attraction for the youngest theme park go-ers
The road with a more than 175-year backstory is subject to a council vote on Tuesday, Oct. 21.