Picking up the Pieces from the Devastating May 16th Tornado

Ways the community can support Third Degree Glass in the Delmar Maker District & its artists after the storm.

by Karyn Williams / photos provided by Third Degree Glass

At Third Degree Glass on May 16, our team was focused on getting ready for Third Friday. We had a talented visiting artist working in the hot shop that afternoon who was going to do the first demo for the evening to really entertain the crowd. We were prepping the space, setting out new gallery pieces last minute, and getting the studios ready for everyone who had signed up for a hands-on experience.

Within seconds of hail starting, a tornado hit our building. Everyone scrambled to get to the nearest safe place, and luckily, everyone was safe. As they emerged, the devastation was all around — and much farther than they realized at that moment. And that's when the recovery started.

While it's not an enjoyable one, hearing the story is important. Lives were affected in St. Louis that day and will continue to be as people try to rebuild their homes and businesses. Livelihoods were ripped apart and forced to come to an abrupt halt.

In true St. Louis fashion, our community has stepped up with open hearts. We've had so many people reach out asking how they can help. And while we understand Third Degree Glass is just one small piece of the devastation, our artists and staff rely on the studio to take care of their loved ones.

While the power remains out, there is still one thing the community can do to support us and our artists. Buy glass.

Sidewalk Gallery Fridays - 9am-1pm

If people can’t come in our doors, we’ll bring the gallery out to them. Please stop by Third Degree Glass on Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm to shop glass art & support the studio.

Everything will be $100 or less. If you purchase something online, this is also the time you can pick it up.

Handblown Ornaments

Ornaments from Third Degree Glass are always a popular gift option, and every one available now survived the storm — they're strong AND beautiful. Choose from our multiple in-stock variations to gift employees, clients, or honorees.

Or, buy a collection for yourself. They look gorgeous on top of candle holders, grouped in a bowl, tied to a weight in backyard ponds, or hanging in a dazzling display.

Purchase online, pick up on Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm at Third Degree Glass. If you still want a custom order, as long as your fulfillment date is after Aug. 1, you can place your order online now.

Support Our Artists: Shop Online

Since our in-person shopping experience is not an option, we're bringing the gallery to you. We've spotlighted TDG artists in a special section titled Artist Storm Support, which features their pieces.

Wouldn't it be an amazing story to have a piece of glass art that made it through a tornado? Plus, you're supporting local artists without the resources they need to work & create for the foreseeable future.

Online Pick-up Fridays 9am - 1pm

These Toys Are Tough

Our exhibition by Hoseok Youn, It's Just A Toy, faces Delmar, a large part of the tornado's path. Windows broke all around it, debris flew, and not one single piece was damaged.

Every piece is for sale. If you are interested, please come to our Sidewalk Gallery on Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm and a TDG team member will assist you. Hoseok's incredible Venetian goblets start at $100, and there are dozens of glass characters available.

 About Third Degree Glass

Established in 2002 by Jim McKelvey and Doug Auer as the only publicly accessible glass art studio, gallery and education center in the City of St. Louis, Third Degree is dedicated to providing amazing experiences with glass. Third Degree has welcomed thousands of visitors to buy handmade glass art, take classes or private experiences, watch the creation of glass art, and host private events in its one-of-a-kind facility in the Delmar Maker District. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., the public is welcome to walk in and browse the gallery or step into any of Third Degree’s three studios to watch independent artists honing their craft.