After more than two decades at the furnace, Shannon and Jon Felix, owners of the iconic West Seattle studio Avalon Glassworks, have decided to seek a buyer for their business. The couple, both 56, reached the decision after realizing that the "one day" they had been waiting for to pursue other interests had finally arrived.

Located on SW Avalon Way, the studio has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene, specializing in Northwest-inspired blown-glass art such as decorative vases, ornaments, and their signature glass floats. The business recently celebrated its 33rd anniversary, having been founded in 1993 before the Felixes took ownership in 2003.

Their partnership brought a unique blend of Shannon’s graphic design background and Jon’s scientific expertise in glass chemistry—a skill set honed during his time at Dale Chihuly’s Boathouse.

A Legacy in Molten Glass
Avalon Glassworks is perhaps best known for its role in the annual West Seattle Glass Float Hunt, where 100 of their hand-blown floats, stamped with a heart and "WS," are hidden throughout the neighborhood. Beyond community events, the studio operates as both a working hot shop and a retail gallery.

The sale of the business is structured to offer flexibility to potential buyers: 80,000for the equipment and space or150,000 for the entire brand, including its goodwill, inventory, and active operations. The shop features brand-new equipment, including a furnace installed between 2024 and 2025.

Trading the Furnace for the Sound
The decision to retire is driven by a desire to enjoy life while still young and active. The couple is well-known in the community for being avid kayakers, and they look forward to spending more time on the water and visiting family in California.

"The conversation of 'we should do that one day,' we realized one day is happening and we're missing it".

The Next Chapter
While they are retiring from the rigors of full-time retail and production, the Felixes don't plan on leaving West Seattle anytime soon. Shannon has even expressed a willingness to stay on as an advisor to help the new owners adapt.

As for their personal future, Shannon says she is already keeping a list of potential "hobby businesses" to keep her occupied in retirement, humorously noting she wants something to keep her "out of the bars". For now, the hunt is on for a successor who can carry the torch—and the blowpipe—for one of West Seattle's most beloved artistic legacies