Watching Glass Artists At work on Murano Island?

I have no specific information, but since there have been no responses, I can add a couple bits of info. You are correct about the "shows". Basically they seek you out, get you to come into the workshop, chairs or benches set up, and basically you watch a routine that includes a small vase and a horse. You are then moved to the showroom and encouraged to buy many things that they can ship home for you. I understand this is not what you want. I have to admit that I do not even recall (at least I was not impressed by the fact) even any other work going on as production in the workshop. My only suggestions are: Maybe find a smaller store with a working shop that may spend more time with you as opposed to the big sales showrooms. You may run into issues though of artists not wanting visitors (or sharing secrets) and I think some type of purchase, more than beads, would be expected or at least polite. Look at a class. I found this place in a quick search: http://www.abatezanetti.com/ they seem to offer the visitor more in depth opportunities, I am sure for a price, but for what your interest is, it may be a great investment. I know nothing about them, just the product of a search.

Last time we were in Venice, a local told us that the majority of "Murano" glass sold there is actually made in the Czech Republic. If you're going to be buying and want the genuine article, make sure it bears the official trademark. You can find more info - and see what the trademark looks like - here: http://www.muranoglass.com/

Hank - go early in the morning, because the furnaces usually shut down before noon to avoid the heat of the day. they get hot enough on their own. In general avoid spots that have someone trying to steer you to a demonstration. Production shops usually have more than one furnace and work area. The spots set up for viewing will most times have limited views of other areas and for liability reasons they aren't going to let you in the real wokrshop. wander around, if you see a sign that points to a furnace stroll in. Don't see what you want stroll back out. You may get lucky. The last time we were on Murano we happened upon a team of three folks making the the ess curved arms for traditional Venetian chandeliers. We sat and watched for quite a while as they cranked out arm after arm free handed. It is fun to see the hierarchy in the shop. some workers can only tend to the glass in the furnace and then pass it off to another who does another step. Then it gets handed off to another craftsman to shape. If you have never seen it, you should try to find a copy of the DVD, Chihuly Over Venice. It is a fascinating record of Chihuly's installations for the Venice Biennale and the fabrication of the glass.

Yes - we got roped into one of those guys out front...'come in' see something really quick then off to the crazy prices at the shop (mind you - we bought a pic frame for 25euro - saw the same thing on Rialto bridge for 18)...we wandered a little more and found one where I think there must have been a sign, just one guy, churning out horses and penguins and dolphins - watched him for maybe 10min - he had a little tip jar set up - much more interesting then the first one we did...

Hank,
Sorry I can't tell you the name of the fornace or the exact location but when we were walking from the Glass Museum towards the vaporetto stop (sorry, close as I can remember) there was a fornace that was open to the public, - you could lean in the window and watch upwards of a dozen men working the glass. Each seemed to be working on a different project. This was not prettied up - but was a real factory. Very interesting, and if I remember, there wasn't even a store attached! Walk the streets, maybe you can find it.

Hank, you can ask your hotelier for help, as well as the staff at the glass museum. Do visit early in the morning because being near the furnace for a long period of time can get uncomfortably hot.