About Third Degree

Jim McKelvey and Doug Auer established Third Degree Glass Factory in 2002 as a public-access glass art education center to promote contemporary glass art by offering education, studio rental for artists and students, and work for sale by local glass artists. 

We are the only glass art center in St. Louis - and within a 300-mile radius.  Everyday we introduce people to the magical process of creating glass art. 

Our staff, instructors, and volunteers are experienced, educated and committed to providing quality classes and programs.  Through our studio rental program, artists hone skills and create glass art.  By fostering camaraderie among glass artists, we are developing a glass art community and enriching the arts.

Third Degree Glass Factory is located in what once was a dilapidated 1930s service station.  McKelvey and Auer saw potential in its brick and concrete structure and raw, open space. 

Doing much of the work themselves with assistance from aspiring glass artists, they turned the dilapidated structure into a state-of-the-art glass facility with over 8,000 sq. ft. of usable space. By renovating the building and providing classes and events during day and evening hours, Third Degree has become the anchor of the neighborhood.

Visit Us

Third Degree Glass Factory is located at 5200 Delmar, between Union and Kingshighway, smack dab between the lively Delmar Loop and the historic Central West End neighborhoods.  Both neighborhoods are known for their art galleries, restaurants, unique retail, and coffeehouses.

To find out when artists will be working, please call ahead before you visit.  To browse and shop at our gallery, stop by anytime during our business hours.

Hours

Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Who We Are:

Founders: Jim McKelvey Doug Auer
Director of Marketing and Development: Anne Murphy Event Manager: Cody Meirick Gallery Assistant: Lisa Volner Flameworking Director: Libby Leuchtman Kilnworking Director: Mark Salsbury
Instructors:
Doug Auer
Nik Christensen
Jessica (Cope) Kopitske
Chris Dowdy
Mike Hayes
Ben Klein
Sarah Vaughn
Libby Leuchtman
Shawn Lipe
Amber Marshall
Jim McKelvey
Aaron Quigley
Whit Rogers

Map: