The grand opening of Waxen Art will take place Monday, June 15 on the upper level of Redmond Town Center (next to Game Stop).

A Redmond Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 4 p.m. that day. From 5-9 p.m., customers of all ages are invited to learn about candle and glass making. Kids can make selected candles for $5 during the event; candle prices will normally start at $15. Adults can enjoy wine and appetizers.

Owner Matt Yoo opened a Waxen Art store in Kent in December 2007 but will close that location at the end of May to focus on the Redmond store.

“Our store in Kent was not as successful as I’d hoped, even though people rave about it,” Yoo explained. “I feel it is a great concept, but it needs to be in the right location.”

Yoo also owns a medical staffing business but has been an entrepreneur for more than 12 years and said he loved the concept of a “make your own candle” studio after seeing one called Waxen Moon near Lake Tahoe.

“The owner of Waxen Moon agreed to train me to help get my store open,” he said. “I added fused glass classes a few months ago in Kent and it has been a huge success and I know it will do great in Redmond.”

The candle-making process utilizes pre-made colored wax chunks so the process is “fun, clean and safe for all ages, four and up,” said Yoo. Customers can choose their own shapes, colors and scents. Waxen Art will also sell ready-made candles. Their candles in the shape of wine or martini glasses are available at several Woodinville and Redmond wineries including Brian Carter Cellars and Northwest Totem Cellars.

Fused glass projects at Waxen Arts can be personally designed by customers and will be fired in a kiln within 72 hours.

In-store birthday parties or showers can also be scheduled for groups of up to 30 people. A portable version of candle-making activities is available to schools, churches or businesses.

For information, visit www.waxenart.com, e-mail matt@waxenart.com or call (206) 579-5434.