With a flair for humor, enchantment and genius artist Gary Jones wears the serious brow of a proud perfectionism. His serious intent has accumulated almost 39 years experience in the unique skill of glassblowing and lamp work. This experience goes way beyond his mesmerizing art collection that is displayed at his gift shop located at 24321 W. Route 134 in Round Lake Illinois (since 1985).

 

The other side of Gary's genius is his knowledge and skill in the many faceted field of scientific glass. This knowledge combined with his artistic abilities gives him the creative edge in both fields. He's been asked to design a variety of challenging pieces including top secret parts for oil refineries and items that are patented for new products. He designs pieces for the medical and pharmaceutical fields as well. Gary simply shrugs his shoulders, "Sometimes I'm not even allowed to know what a piece is going to be used for.


 

Far from amateur. Gary was rigorously trained by FIVE elite glass masters who have had experience ranging form 40-53 years. Gary reveals, "One master was so tough that after I worked a long hard day and thought I did great, he threw all my work in the garbage. I was devastated! But now I thank him for instilling in me discipline and respect for the art. Today my skill is respected by my peers in the American Glassblower's Society." Gary continued his relationship with the glass master of 53 years, brainstorming and sharing secrets of the craft.

 

Requests abound in Gary's business and only a few are turned down, For instance, a woman came into the store and asked to have her husband's ashes put into an hour glass. Gary could only say, "No, I don't do that sort of thing". In another instance, a man asked to have a cracked windshield repaired, "I'm not a miracle worker", says Gary. Custom-made orders range from favorite pets to favorite pastimes. One in particular was a wedding cake top of two scuba divers for a couple getting married underwater.