Apr. 2021 - NE Leaf

Page 31

Maine

GlassMafia

3 GENERATIONS OF GLASS BLOWERS A FAMILY BUSINESS

Mike Miller learned how to create glass art from his father while they were following Rainbow Festivals. Mike’s dad, a glassblower known as “Capt,” bought a school bus in 1995, loaded his five kids into it and started teaching them the trade, while also selling glass pieces at different musical events.

Mike tells Leaf Nation, “I was blowing and selling glass before I knew how to read, and teaching people how to blow glass by age 13.” After converting his home garage into a glass studio, Mike and his girlfriend Hanna (@sirenglass), plus three other glassblowers now make pieces for the store and for online sales. Mike’s dad, who no longer blows glass due to health issues, is often at the studio watching Mike and his oldest son creating glass art with pride. For the past five years, Mike has organized glass blowing demonstrations at events such as the Community Bonfire. He’s a licensed Maine caregiver and operates the Maine Daze Smoke Shop in Portland. “It’s all about providing for my family and helping people. It’s our family business.”

@GLASSMAFIA

SHOWCASING THEIR SIGNATURE GLOW RIGS

STORY & PHOTOS by CHARLES TAGGART/KIND BUD PHOTOS @KINDBUD.PHOTOS for LEAF NATION

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