After nearly 30 years of business, The Glass Blowing Center, 114 Leonard Road in Washington Township, will be closing this month.

The center’s last day of business will be July 31, and, according to owner Elaine Doner, the reasons behind the closing are purely financial.

“Mainly it’s just due to the rising costs of utilities and business expenses,” Doner said.

The business is mostly known for its educational classes, Doner said, which are taught by her husband, Tom Doner.

Originally from New York, Tom got interested in glass blowing when they saw a man blowing glass near a flea market he frequented on Long Island; and, after many visits to him, the man told Tom to go to the library to learn more about the craft.

Tom went on to learn everything he knows on his own through books and videos, Elaine Doner said.

“Tom just enjoys teaching,” she said. “He enjoys spending time with the students. You have to have patience and learn how to teach. Not everyone is cut out to teach, and Tom is a great teacher.”

There also is a gift shop element to the business, where the Doners and other local artists showcase items for sale.

What will remain of the business, she said, is the educational element, as they plan to still host classes for those interested in learning the craft at their home studio, which is located next door to The Glass Blowing Center.

The couple would like to thank the community for its support over the past few decades, she said, and anyone still interested in taking a class can do so by calling 724-791-2100.