In the heart of West Seattle, Avalon Glassworks is marking a significant milestone: its 33rd year in business. While the studio was originally opened in 1993, its current owners, Shannon and Jon Felix, have been at the helm for over two decades, having purchased the store in 2003 from Liza Zender who ran it with husband Frank Englesby. 

Their journey from high school sweethearts to entrepreneurial glassmakers is a story of science, design, and a shared passion for bringing ideas to life.

A Leap of Faith

The decision to buy the business in 2003 was sparked by a desire for change. Jon, who was working as a chemist at a glass company at the time, found his career path stalled in the aftermath of 9/11. When promised raises and opportunities were rescinded, he decided it was time to move on. "I was ready to make a move," Jon recalls, noting that the timing coincided with the opportunity to become an entrepreneur in their own neighborhood.

From Biology to the Blowpipe

The couple’s path to glassblowing was anything but traditional. Jon was a biology major in college who professionally studied termites before entering the glass world. Shannon, meanwhile, brought a background in graphic design to the partnership.

Their formal introduction to the medium happened at Tulane University in New Orleans, where a liberal arts requirement forced them to take a glass class. What they thought was just a credit-filler ended up providing them with the technical skills that would define their future. Jon eventually found himself working at Dale Chihuly’s Boathouse studio in the mid-90s, where his combination of scientific knowledge and glassblowing ability helped him "sound smart enough" to get hired.

The Science of Color and Craft

Jon’s background as a scientist remains a "critical element" of the business. He views the glass through a lens of purified chemistry, ensuring the material is formulated to melt at specific temperatures and remain flexible while being worked. This scientific expertise also extends to the vibrant colors Avalon is known for:

• Gold is used to create reds and pinks.

• Silver and cobalt produce deep blues.

• Copper and silver are responsible for varying shades of green.

A Partnership in Art

Running a business as a married couple required Shannon and Jon to develop a strong professional relationship alongside their personal one. "Working together and being married together are two different things, but they’re also the same thing," Shannon notes.

The team also includes Sean Welch, a glassblower who has worked with the Felixes for 20 years. Their relationship is built on deep trust; Shannon and Jon provide the concepts or "notes," and Sean interprets them into physical forms. Shannon finds great validation in the "ring of the cash register," seeing every purchase as a sign that a customer truly loves their work.

Community and the West Seattle Glass Float Hunt

One of the most enduring legacies of the Felixes' tenure is their role in supplying the unique glass floats for the West Seattle Glass Float Hunt. This popular summer event grew out of their love for bringing ideas into reality, a process Jon finds incredibly satisfying. Whether it is a request from the community or a new product like a ring holder, the ability to move from an idea to a finished piece in a single day keeps the work fresh.

As Avalon Glassworks enters its 33rd year, Shannon and Jon continue to find joy in the "magic" of the equipment and the constant evolution of their craft. Their transition from scientists and designers to neighborhood staples has solidified Avalon Glassworks as a cornerstone of the West Seattle art scene.