Schneider, a professional glassblower with roughly 24 years of experience, is the founder and CEO of J. Schneider Studios in Spicewood. The company produces hand-blown glass pieces as well as custom-made metal fabrication and contemporary lighting for both local developers and individual homeowners. His work, some of which can be found at developments such as The Reserve at Lake Travis, includes floating staircases, hand-blown chandeliers, custom tables, metal railings and furniture.
After working 80 hours a week in the construction industry for over 20 years, Schneider said he is excited to be doing what he loves every day.
“That’s what motivates me. I don’t want to do anything else,” Schneider said.
Today, Schneider said he is sharing his love of glassblowing and fine art with his surrounding Lake Travis community. In April, the business relocated to a 3,000-square-foot expanded studio space off Hwy. 71 in Spicewood and increased the number of employees.
Schneider said his new gallery reminds him of his favorite graduate school memories. He said he remembers when he and his friends rented warehouses and rundown businesses to host impromptu art shows.
Named Gallery 71, Schneider’s new space will host glassblowing classes and community events, such as wine tastings, art showcases and private parties, with several events already lined up for the fall. The space will also be used to bring up-and-coming artists to the Hill Country region.
Currently, Gallery 71 features paintings by Kevin Greer, an Austin-based abstract painter.
A launch party is set for Sept. 10 to unveil Schneider’s new company, Hej Howdy, which he will run with his business partner who is based in Denmark.
Hej Howdy has been over a year in the making and will feature Schneider’s new product line of contemporary lighting pieces made from hand-blown glass. Schneider told Community Impact Newspaper that he is finalizing his new table lamps, which embody colorful oyster shells with a light resembling a pearl. He said the pieces have been entered into international competitions.
With new products, events and expansions on the horizon, Schneider said he is excited to continue to build upon this unique and specialized craft. He said glassblowing challenges and demands technical skill, but “there’s nothing truly like it.”
“There’s so many layers of glass and glassblowing and glass casting that if you had three lifetimes of nothing but blowing glass, you would never even reach close to the end,” he said.
Upcoming events
J. Schneider Studio’s new gallery space, called Gallery 71, hosts several events this fall. More information can be found on the company’s website.
Sept. 10 | Hej Howdy Launch Party
Jeff Schneider unveils his new product line, Hej Howdy, with a launch party. 6-10 p.m.
Oct. 8 | Pop-up gallery
J. Schneider Studio hosts a weekend pop-up gallery featuring pieces curated by artists. 6-11 p.m.
Oct. 15 | Oktoberfest at Gallery 71
The studio hosts an Oktoberfest event that will also feature a collection of local art pieces.
J. Schneider Studio
2211 Hwy. 71, Spicewood
512-487-5199 | www.jschneiderstudio.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-noon, by appointment only Sat., closed Sun.
