Mixed feelings on this studio, and I will try to describe my complete experience without too much bias to the last visit which was less than stellar.
First, I'm a somewhat frequent visitor to the studio. I've had the opportunity to speak with Jim at some length about his Northern Lights collection (and some of his interests prior to Icefire), as well as witness both Jim and Suzanne birthing pieces from hot glass in the studio. If you haven't had a chance to witness it, it's quite fascinating. I will also tell you, each artist clearly has their own style as once you've seen their other works, you can quickly gauge who the artist is in viewing any item in the gallery. It's amazing how quick/continuous the action seems/needs to be to before it cools. Based on the level of work, uniqueness, and in no small part the customer experience, I'm also a repeat customer who owns some of their work.
Last visit (today) I had the opportunity to take my family in here. Wasn't as great of an experience. We weren't greeted upon entry (we were the only customers in there) and were never asked if we were looking for anything or had any questions. If she was listening it probably would have been apparent from the dialogue between my wife and I, that we were customers, or that at least we had an interest/knowledge of the studio itself. Kicker was a couple minutes in, when I asked my son (who hadn't touched or even moved towards a piece) if he wanted to sit in the chair near the door (presumed to be staged there to be used). I was quickly alerted that "the chair slides". When I asked if that meant the chair was not to be sat in, which would have been fine--no problem with that being code for: I'm not comfortable with your/any child in that chair, she walked out to show (and tell me) that, "There is artwork behind the chair. See?"
I get it, you never know what kind of kids (and their behavior) are coming into the studio. Also get it, glass is very breakable--I'm sure there's been a couple occasions where things have been broken and prevention is the best option. That said, it should have been pretty apparent after a couple of minutes that the child in question here was clearly used to being in this kind of setting and that nothing was going to get touched. Even if you felt there was a risk, belittling us by making us aware "there is artwork behind the chair" was probably not the best route. It was very apparent to us (large orange bowls stick out), that there was artwork behind the chair, more apparent in fact, than her ability to see an interested/repeat customer.
One visit (good or bad) does not make a sample size to provide a fair rating. Icefire, located right off Gower and Hemlock (next to the Surfsand Resort) has some wonderful pieces, and they often auction off (or raffle) certain pieces throughout the year. If you're OK with minor flaws, you can get them at a discount, though I think the list value for clean pieces is fair/market. The original artists I'm familiar with (Jim/Suzanne), neither of which was there in my last visit, are both engaging and appear to care about the customers. Other staff, and I have experienced it on times other than just this last visit, may treat you a bit more like a nuisance by hushing you as you view the activity, choosing to package/ship items rather than engage you, or, perhaps, defend the most prominent display piece in the studio--a leather chair.
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