Perkins first discovered his interest in glass work as a senior in high school in 1965. After school, Perkins frequently went to watch a glass artist make a large glass ship.

He soon after was able to take an unopened glass working kit from a teacher to start making the sculptures on his own.

While he did some glass work for science laboratories, he soon found a store willing to buy his pieces. He’d later begin traveling to craft shows to sell his glass work.

For about 15 years, Perkins kept the torch off as he focused his priorities on having a family. He would later come back to glass work since he called it his “first love.”

“It’s the art medium that I do well and enjoy,” he said.

The glass work typically involves heating glass and shaping into marbles, pendants and even sculptures.

Though it’s an intricate process, Perkins said he can now build a small ship in about 10 minutes and a large one in about an hour.

Recently, Perkins has looked to spread his love for glass making. Perkins works with a number of students to teach them the art of glass making.

One of those students, Harley MacIntyre, is even selling his glass pendants at the center.

“I just like it when I get to go on the torch and make the pendants,” MacIntyre said.

Perkins had often thought about starting a store to sell his pieces, and now that dream is a reality.

“It’s broader than just Dave’s place,” he said. “I want it to be more than just Dave’s glass shop.”

The LeRoy Center for the Creative Arts is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 111 E. Main Street, LeRoy.