Who wouldn’t want to blow glass with these guys?

Although David Walker and Josh Poll started out just pursuing their passion, Zen Glass Studio and Gallery has grown into an integral part of the arts community in St. Petersburg, Florida.

“We’re 100% connected to our community,” Walker said. “If it wasn’t for the arts community in St. Petersburg, we wouldn’t be able to be here, especially with the promotions and markets and galleries and all those things. That has really built a community here and allowed artists like us to thrive.”

Zen Glass attracts customers and students to the area with beautiful art and exciting classes and workshops. Glass blowers with any skill level are welcome to come learn a new skill or develop a favorite hobby.

“People really respond positively to the workshops,” Poll said. “They take their pieces home and tell their friends and family about them, and then their friends and family come in.”

Word of mouth keeps people coming in the door, but Zen Glass isn’t a selfish endeavor. They found a unique way to give back through Operation Zen, a service program that encourages veterans to learn to express themselves in an artistic manner.

Retired Marine Chris Stowe founded Operation Zen with the support of Walker and Poll after he discovered the power of art therapy in dealing with health issues like post-traumatic stress. Now the program offers that outlet to other active duty military and veterans through glass blowing lessons.

“Operation Zen came about out of necessity,” Walker said. “Just because we weren’t in the military doesn’t mean we don’t have a duty to our country as well.”

With their strong commitment to creating art and helping others, Walker and Poll are undoubtedly making a difference in St. Petersburg.

Grow Financial is proud to serve members of the community like Zen Glass Studio and Gallery. Interested in learning more or taking a class? Check them out at zenglass.com.

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