Viscosity Art Glass: Blown Glass, and an Hour to Make Your Own
A power outage can erase a day's work at Viscosity. The glass Cristy Aloysi and Scott Graham have made is still in the annealing oven, and without electricity, Cristy says, it breaks. They don't have a generator large enough to run the equipment. If the furnace full of molten glass cools too far, the damage can put them out of commission for weeks.
Cristy says their power usually returns within a day. Keeping a glass studio running in the mountains still means contending with those interruptions, even after 25 years of working together.
The move that brought them here
Cristy and Scott began glassblowing at Urban Glass in Brooklyn. They went on to study in places including Pilchuck Glass School in Washington and Centro Studio Vetro in Venice, then spent 11 years in Seattle. When they decided to move again, they were looking for somewhere to raise their family closer to relatives.
They had no family in Seattle and wanted to be closer to Scott's parents in Sacramento. Scott had attended Cabrillo after high school and fallen in love with the area. They were ready to leave Seattle's gloom, too.
“We picked Boulder Creek for the trees and the charming downtown and more affordable housing than Santa Cruz,” Cristy says.
What 25 years looks like at the bench
Asked how she and Scott signal to each other when control of the glass needs to pass between them, Cristy gives a short answer: “we've been working together for 25 years now and it just comes automatically.”
For beginners, there's much more to take in. Viscosity offers glassblowing classes with one-on-one help from an experienced glassblower. Cristy says people are surprised by the heat, by how much harder the process is than it looks, and by how exciting it is. Then there are the color choices. In her words: “the endless color possibilities.”
The classes give newcomers a turn at the work. An experienced glassblower helps each student make a piece, with projects ranging from ornaments to drinking glasses, bowls, and vases.
Seeing the place through a visitor's eyes
When visitors come to the studio, the questions sometimes begin with the drive. Cristy says people ask how they handle the roads, especially if they've come over Bear Creek. Most, she adds, are impressed by the area's natural beauty.
For 2026, she confirms that Viscosity is participating in Open Studios as artist number 230, with glassblowing demonstrations. It's a chance to watch the process behind the pieces.
The gallery and class studio are separate locations. Contact Viscosity for class directions when booking. You can see their work at the Viscosity Art Glass gallery, at 13158 Central Avenue, or explore the glassblowing classes. Call ahead if you're making a special trip, since their show schedule can affect gallery hours. For appointments or questions, use viscosityartglass@gmail.com, Cristy's preferred email, or 206-669-1955.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Viscosity Art Glass?
The gallery is at 13158 Central Avenue. Classes meet at a separate working studio; contact Viscosity for the location when booking. Phone 206-669-1955.
When is the gallery open?
Fridays 1 to 3, Saturdays 1 to 5, Sundays as well in December, and other times by appointment.
Can I take a glassblowing class?
Yes. Sessions are one hour with one-on-one help from a glassblower, two students per slot, scheduled between 10am and 2pm, from $80 depending on what you make. Contact Viscosity for the studio location when booking.
How old do you have to be?
Ages 6 and up. The studio says children under 10 may need help from an adult.
Can I book it for a group?
Groups of six or more can book a private party with two instructors, and everyone picks their own project.
Can I buy the work online?
Yes, through the studio's Etsy shop, linked from viscositystudio.com.
Who are the artists?
Scott Graham and Cristy Aloysi.
Prices, hours, and class dates come from the studio's own site, with class directions provided when booking. Call before making a special trip.
The gallery and the working studio are separate addresses and keep separate hours, so check which one you need before you drive over. The downtown guide has the rest of the block. If a detail here is wrong, tell us.
