Glass Axis Joins the East Franklinton Arts District

Another piece of the East Franklinton Arts District puzzle is in place. Glass Axis, a nonprofit glass studio that called Grandview home for 15 years, joined other westward-bound creative organizations this fall when it opened up shop in a 12,000-square-foot warehouse on East Town Street.

"We outgrew the Grandview facility," says executive director Rex Brown. "In Grandview, it's been a word-of-mouth thing; we're not on the main road. In Franklinton, we'll be the third largest studio. We'll be in a larger space, and we'll be able to expand our audience."

The move makes Glass Axis an official part of Mayor Michael B. Coleman's plan to make Franklinton an arts hub. It also provides the organization with the space to offer more courses and exhibit additional work. Another perk: Cafe Brioso will bring locally roasted coffee to the neighborhood via a cafe inside the Glass Axis gift shop.

"Glass Axis is a great organization. We knew they had the capacity to make a move like this, and we knew we wanted them in the neighborhood," says Jim Sweeney, executive director of the Franklinton Development Association. "If you can give creative organizations some room and some ownership, they'll do great things for you." glassaxis.org