Jeffrey Auxer Designs Heats Up Berlin Arts & Entertainment District

With just months separating Jeff Auxer from his Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree at Salisbury University, he decided to take an elective he knew absolutely nothing about – which changed his life forever.

History

Jeff Auxer, originally from Pennsylvannia but a Stephen Decatur graduate, spent his undergraduate time at Salisbury University pursuing his Business Administration Degree when just a semester away from graduation, he had to choose one last elective.

Auxer was an Art Minor at SU—which is where it all began.

Auxer wound up taking two glass blowing classes at the university and then became a teachers assistant for a few years after.

“I just signed up for it. I didn’t even know what it was. Just signed up and fell in love with it,” Auxer said.

Following his time as a teachers assistant, Auxer held a private class with space for about 500 people each year. After a good turnout the first year, he did it again the next year. At the end of the class, he conducted a survey. Jeff asked the attendees what they liked, what they didn’t like and what they would change.

After receiving an abundance of positive feedback, Auxer figured it was time to search for a shop to create his art and showcase his work. Jeffrey Auxer Designs, Blown Glass Gallery and Studio opened in Berlin, Md. in June 2009.

Present Day

Jeffrey Auxer Designs, Blown Glass Gallery and Studio is located in the town that often boasts the title ‘America’s Coolest Small Town,’ Berlin, Md. The studio is located just off of Jefferson St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday.

“I pretty much went out on a limb because you just don’t know,” Auxer said.

In the studio, Auxer has a furnace that reaches 2,030 degrees. When blowing glass, Auxer has the furnace going and a bowl of molten glass. Auxer gets as much glass as he needs to manipulate it and then adds color. The glass is then put in the kiln at 900 degrees, where it stays over night. The next day, the glass may need some cold work, but for the most part, the product is finished.

Auxer has spent up to 4-5 hours on a single piece.

The studio is open on Berlin’s Second Friday Art Stroll and has turned into a popular destination during the holiday season.

“It’s good being in Berlin. There’s a lot of stuff going on,” Auxer said. “I’m in the Arts and Entertainment District which puts me in the B1 Business Zone.”

Arts & Entertainment Districts, such as Berlin, are there to help develop and promote community involvement and tourism. These districts were made to attract artists, arts organizations and other creative enterprises.

Auxer says a few of his favorite pieces are at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites and The Art League in Ocean City on 94th street.

Glass Blown Ornaments 

For those of us who weren’t lucky enough to stumble into a college elective and have it become our career, Auxer has made it possible for anyone to share his passion and blow some glass!

Every Saturday until Christmas, and even the week after, Auxer holds classes for the public to blow their own glass and make ornaments for the tree. If you don’t have a tree, that’s okay. Auxer says these tasteful ornaments can be displayed all year round.

The class is open to the public, ages four and up.

Auxer says making these ornaments is a great activity for family vacationers and team building.

“People are able to chose from about 20 different color combinations and then pick their ornament up the next day,” Auxer said.

The cost is $25 per ornament and reservations are required. You can call Jeffrey Auxer Designs at 443-513-4210 to make a reservation.

Personal Quote

“I believe everyone desires a unique surrounding that speaks to their true self. Functionality manifests itself in the vibrant colors and shapes I am able to create in my studio. My work incorporates Venetian glass techniques and handmade tools resulting in unique, one of a kind works of art that are not only beautiful, but also applicable to everyday life.” – Jeffrey Auxer