Art can be defined in many ways, with exhibits displaying works ranging from clay to paint and sketches. One Campustown shop is hoping to grow perception of art to new areas by offering quality glass pipes with artistic flair.

Created nearly eight years ago, High Class Glass has remained Campustown-focused through a revolving door of locations, finally settling at its current Lincoln Way address.

Purchased from its former owner after he graduated college, Brandon Long changed the original title of “Singer Station” in order to reflect the shop’s insistence on quality.

But the roots of the station still remain with Long’s continued support of charity. Originally named after the Australian philosopher Peter Singer, who stressed giving over profiting, Long wanted community to stay relevant within his shop.

“The old owner was a philosophy major who enjoyed the works of Singer, and his philosophy was ‘keep yourself comfortable, and any excess you have give to the needy,” Long said. “So we’ve keep that going by created canned food drives in November and donating them to youth and shelter services.”

Above all, Long purchased the shop in order to fill a niche he felt was not meant in the Ames area. Stressing American handmade glass smoking products, Long wants customers to be able to feel proud of their purchased work of art.

“Working with local artists gives you a chance to gain something unique that an average smoke shop wouldn’t have, which is cool for the customer because they then have a piece that has a story,” Long said. “No two are ever alike when buying local.”

Demoing for customers the strength of their glass product by literally throwing pieces to the ground, the process of buying a pipe or other smoking process is handled much in the same as purchasing a new painting.

“We tell customers how a product is made,” Long said. “For example, some of the colors that are used is a process that in itself takes years of practice. It may be a bit more expensive but that’s what you’re paying for — an artist’s time.”

Because of relaxed laws regarding smoking usage in various states, Long sees the world of glass-blown pipe art as being more widely accepted. Citing 12-inch pieces that can sell for as much as $110,000, High Class Glass’ own inventory ranges from blacklight activated pipes, team-branded pieces and even a Pokemon-themed pipe.

“Over the last 10 years, many of the laws that prohibited people from making glass products and shipping them around the world have softened,” Long said. “This makes it much easier to gain more artists’ pieces.”

Long understands that misconceptions about his business still remain but doesn’t see Campustown as an issue.

“There’s misconceptions about the art we sell and what it’s used for, but we don’t really have any problems in town as long as we follow a set of rules,” Long said.

Describing himself as a “relaxed store owner,” Long finds it better to be open rather than the “paranoid shop owner who’s in it for a quick buck.”

“People come to our place because we like to sell art and place pieces with people who appreciate them,” Long said.

Hoping he can stay in Campustown as long as possible, Long enjoys interacting with the many varieties of customers he sees on a regular basis.

“Different types, different walks of life every day ranging from the fresh out of high school 19 to 20 and the 40 to 50 hippie crowd trying to rediscover youth,” Long said. “Ultimately I like to share my passion with others and practice the good ol’ quality before price.’”

Open Monday through Sunday until 8 p.m., with weekend hours in effect, Long welcomes customers of all backgrounds and knowledge levels. Customers must be 18 or older in order to purchase from High Class Glass.