About Us
Barrio Glassworks is the realization of a family dream. After a serendipitous accident derailed their winter plans in 2012, the Raskin/Devlin family landed on the famous glassblowing island of Murano, Italy. Like so many others, Drew, Mary and Gary were transfixed as they watched master glassblowers at work, not realizing they were about to embark on the journey of their lives. Drew Raskin, an emerging multi-faceted artist, fell in love with the form and it was not long before his parents did too.
In the news: SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE
From Dream to Reality
Barrio Glassworks is the vision of Mary Devlin, who grew up in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego. As the family spent time with glassblowers in Seattle’s glass community, Mary was taken with the intricacy and collaborative spirit of the craft. She soon developed a passion all her own and in the heat of the moment took the next big steps to turn dream into reality.
Community
The community of artists the family met and worked with demonstrated that a glass studio is not only a breeding ground for beautiful works of art, but for cooperation and team effort. The founders of Barrio Glassworks are eager to share this collaborative and beautiful art form with neighbors, travelers and artists in residence.
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Barrio Glassworks is thrilled to be located in the historic Barrio Community of Carlsbad Village. We intend to honor the true meaning of the word Barrio (neighborhood in Spanish) by creating inclusive opportunities for education, entertainment, and outreach. Programming will include community events, artist residencies, live demonstrations, instruction, studio rentals and Make-Your-Own classes.
Talent from all corners of the globe will be welcome to practice their craft in beautiful Southern California. The immersive environment will allow those just getting their feet wet to work side by side with the masters...and vice versa. Whether you’re a novice, already on the way or a highly established artist, Barrio Glassworks hopes to host your inspiration.
Who’s Who
DREW RASKIN – STUDIO MANAGER
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Drew Raskin studied at California College of the Arts in Oakland, California. He has also studied with artists at Pilchuk Glass School, Penland School of Craft, The Museum of Glass in Corning, New York and multiple studios in Seattle, Washington.
GARY RASKIN – OWNER
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Gary Raskin brings over 35 years of entrepreneurship, business management, and retail experience to the venture. He began his business career as a CPA and earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He subsequently created an internationally awarded greeting card and stationery publishing company. Colors by Design was ground-breaking in its development of print-on-demand software for the retail paper industry. After retiring in 2015, Gary joined his glassblowing family by enrolling in Palomar College glass classes. Gary is also responsible for the unique design and layout of the Barrio Glassworks building. His vision and hard work have created an efficient and state-of-the-art work space.
MARY DEVLIN – OWNER + DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
Mary Devlin just wants to blow glass. She spent all the years leading up to the opening of Barrio Glassworks working in corporate jobs. She is beyond ecstatic to be able to spend every day in a glass studio sharing her passion with any interested soul.