39th Annual Glass Arts Society Conference kicks off in Corning

CORNING, N.Y. -- It's three days full of demos, lectures and social events. And it's all about glass.

This weekend marks Corning's sixth time as a host city for the annual Glass Arts Society Conference and officials say it's great to be back.

"It's a unique experience for us to come into a community that really understands glass the way this community does," said Pamela Figenshow Koss, Executive Director of the Glass Arts Society.

The Corning community is excited not only about the economic impact of the conference, but for the chance to bring so many Gaffers together.

"It's just a great opportunity to mingle with like-minded people who really love the same thing you do, which is glass. And that's one of the reasons Corning is such a wonderful place for this," said Marshall Hyde, a Co-Chairman of the Conference.

Those attending the conference are looking forward to all of the events planned for them this weekend, but also for a chance to explore the City of Corning.

"You get to meet a lot of different artists, you get to see a lot of great lectures, see where the history of glass is coming from, the history of color. Just learn from the people that have been there before and see what's out there. It really inspires you to make a lot more work." said Jessica Amarnek, an art student from Pennsylvania attending the conference.

And organizers hope the city can also inspire visitors make more trips to Corning in the future.

"I hope they'll want to come back. There are classes at the studio, teaching opportunities, the museum all around us to come visit and having come here once I hope they come back again and again," said Hyde.

The conference activities take place all over the city through Saturday.