Albert C. Drake Goldsmith and Silversmith
2248 State Road 46 East Nashville, IN( 812) 988-4675
RV Park & Campground
• Full Hookups
• Pool • Free Wi-Fi
• Playground
• Kamping Kabins
• Rec / Game Room
• Camping Store
• Nature Trail
www. browncountycampgrounds. com
Albert C. Drake Goldsmith and Silversmith
42 years of quality service in Brown County
New owners Open April – October
Minutes away from fine dining, art and craft shops, museums, live entertainment and theater.
2248 State Road 46 East Nashville, IN( 812) 988-4675
Touch of Silver, Gold & Old 87 E. Main St. • Nashville, IN 47448( 812) 988-6990 •( 800) 988-6994 Hours: 10am- 6pm • 7 days a week www. touchofsilvergoldandold. com
LAWRENCE FAMILY continued from 17
Because each design took years to master, they knew it would not make sense for all three of them to learn how to make every design. Instead, they each took an area of focus. Dick’ s expertise was in Christmas ornaments, Jim would specialize in animals, and John learned how to make pianos, motor bikes, and flowers.
Even after nearly 50 years of making glass, Jim said he learns something new every day.
“ Every time you get a custom order that you’ ve never done before you have to start all over,” he said.“ And while we now know how to make hundreds of designs, we still specialize. There are still things that John is better at and things that I have more experience with. It really works out well.”
Today, the Lawrences have two stores in Nashville, both filled with a wide assortment of intricate glass pieces of all shapes and sizes and subject matter. Pieces include Christmas ornaments, flowers, animals, and countless other designs. One of the most popular items today is John’ s delicately crafted hummingbird. At both stores, the Lawrences give visitors the chance to watch them skillfully transform pieces of glass into art, demonstrating how they craft each item in the store by hand.
“ It’ s a lot of fun to work in front of people,” Jim said.“ I get the chance to meet and talk to people from all over the world, which inspires my work.”
Jim said he is also inspired by the beauty of Brown County.
“ Brown County is the perfect place to live and work. There is a great balance of activity and tranquility,” he said.“ I get to spend the day talking with customers and then at the end of the day I get to drive out to my home in the beautiful and peaceful woods. It’ s like my sanctuary where I recharge my battery.”
After working with his dad and brother for nearly half a century, John said he feels blessed.
“ I’ ve gotten to spend more time with my dad and brother and get to know them in ways that most families don’ t get to,” John said.“ We’ ve been very lucky. We get to do what we love every day and make a living doing it.”
The shops are located at the corner of Franklin and Van Buren streets in Nashville. They are open daily and you can contact them at( 812) 988-2600 or visit < lawrencefamilyglassblowers. com >. •
26 Our Brown County • March / April 2015