Photo of Hot Shop's glass studio in action. Image sourced from Hot Shops.
By Kaydon Webber
Hot Shops Sparks Community in Omaha
July 29th, 2026
Located one block north of Charles Schwab Field in downtown Omaha, Hot Shops Arts Center, or Hot Shops, is an arts organization that has forged many talented artists through its creative community. Hot Shops shares its knowledge of glassblowing, metalworking, and ceramics with artists and art enthusiasts throughout the community, giving people a behind-the-scenes look at how these molten works of art are created. Founding partner of Hot Shops, Tim Barry, says, “The beauty of the building is we’ve created this critical mass… It’s a place you have to experience.”
With many studios throughout the building, Hot Shops has also ballooned in interest, with more than 50 applying and wishing to join the organization. By offering classes in a variety of fire-based art forms, Hot Shops works with schools and organizations to make these artistic disciplines more accessible to the Omaha community. Barry says, “You know the message with the kids is nothing makes itself. Everything starts as an idea.”
Like a gem hidden in stone, Hot Shops not only endures but thrives because of a passionate community and an organization willing to open its doors. “The greatest thing you can give somebody who’s creative is a space to create,” Barry says.
Hot Shops continues to ignite inspiration throughout the Omaha community. More information about Hot Shops can be found at hotshopsartcenter.org.
