We got together with Old Saw Media to create videos of some of our favorite local businesses. These local spotlight videos were created to show locals and tourists alike what makes each local business unique and special in Duluth, MN. Shopping local means supporting your friends and neighbors, and helps keep our money in the local economy, what’s better than that?
This spotlight features Lake Superior Art Glass – a glassblowing shop that you won’t want to miss in Duluth! They have live glassblowing in their large picture window that faces Superior Street, a great selection of gifts and classes for all levels. Dan and his staff are great supporters of local businesses and love seeing new and returning customers in the shop.
Business Name: Lake Superior Art Glass
Owners: Dan Neff
Years in business: 4 years
Location: 202 East Superior Street
Photo by: Old Saw Media
Hours: (Summer hours) Monday – Wednesday 10am – 7pm Thursday – Saturday 10am – 9pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm
Known for: Located in the Historic Arts and Theater District, we are Minnesota’s premier glass art gallery. Here you can make your own wine goblet, pendant or marble in our studio and shop our gallery representing over 60 national glass artists. We have great gifts, educational opportunities, and daily glassblowing demonstrations!
How the business started: I began blowing glass in 2003 and instantly knew this was an art I wanted to master. After blowing glass full time for 3 years as a home based business, I knew that I wanted a “brick and mortar” location. In 2011, the opportunity to start my own business was presented by the Greater Downtown Duluth Council’s “Go Downtown Grown Downtown Great Space Giveaway.” The rest is history!
Photo by: Old Saw Media
Future plans for the business: To continue to grow at an organic rate and to continue to serve Duluthians as a center for creativity using glass.
Favorite thing about business location: Lake Superior Art Glass is located on a corner centered in the Historic Arts and Theater District in Downtown Duluth.
Why Duluth for business location: Duluth is a great business location because of the community’s focus on arts and supporting local businesses.
Why Duluth for you personally: Duluth is the perfect size city. When you walk around downtown, you see people you know but you don’t know everyone. There is no traffic and the natural beauty for recreation and enjoyment is second to none.
Favorite memory/story: When I worked side by side of Woody Harrelson in the movie North Country.
Favorite local business in Duluth and why: Tough question! My favorite local Duluth business is Bent Paddle. They make fantastic beer, give back to the community and they are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
Photo by: Old Saw Media
Thoughts on Duluth economy: It has been great to watch Duluth grow and we are glad to be a part of it and hope to continue the trend.
Working with Old Saw Media: Tom does a great job explaining what he needs in order to create the finished product. His enthusiasm, passion and quality of work really speaks for itself.
Thoughts on Duluth Loves Local: Great idea but I never know who’s behind it. I mean who is Duluth Loves Local?! Just kidding! Duluth Loves Local is a great tool to remind people about all the amazing things Duluth has to offer and we are so thankful for all that they do to promote small, Duluth businesses.
Anything else you want to share with Duluth? Fly high, Duluth!
