Western North Carolina is a haven for glassblowing
November 21, 2024
Glass act: The mountains are home to a thriving community of artists and makers
by Vanessa Infanzon
The glassblower holds a metal rod and tweezers to demonstrate how to shape the gather — the molten glass — from the furnace at the North Carolina Glass Center in Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD). Prior to Hurricane Helene, the center regularly offered classes such as this one, a 30-minute “Make Your Own” experience led by a glass artist where visitors make an ornament, cup, paperweight or other small object. The classes — which are expected to resume this month — typically sell out on weekends, according to Candace Reilly, executive director of the center since 2023.
The North Carolina Glass Center was founded as a nonprofit in 2015 by Rick Eckerd (whose father founded the former Eckerd pharmacy chain) and Tom Oreck (of Oreck Corporation, the manufacturer of vacuum cleaners and air purifiers). Both still serve on the organization’s board of directors. The center is in the process of opening a second location, a 5,500-square-foot studio in Black Mountain. Eventually, the new center will house a hot shop, flame shop, kiln room for glass casting and cold shop for finishing work.
Todd Phillips, a glassblowing hobbyist and former owner of Quoizel Lighting in Charleston, South Carolina, donated the building in Black Mountain to the North Carolina Glass Center. “He really wanted to see us succeed,” Reilly says. “Black Mountain will serve as our primary location for our artists to rent studio equipment. We’ll be able to expand our advanced workshops. We will have visiting artists come in and teach skills that our artists have been wanting to learn at a low cost.”
At both centers, guests will be able to visit the gallery and shop for glass art such as bowls, cups, jewelry, pendant lights and wall sculptures representing the work of more than 70 artists. When the Black Mountain center is fully open, more community classes will be offered at the RAD location.
A glassblowing legacy
Since the 1960s, glass artists have flocked to western North Carolina because of support from places such as the North Carolina Glass Center, which is funded by corporate sponsorships, grants, donations and revenue from product sales and classes. Artists can rent studio space and collaborate with other glassblowers. “Western North Carolina is a goldmine of glass artists,” Reilly says. “I don’t think you’ll find another area in the United States that has as many glass artists per capita. Young and old glass artists continue to move here for all the rich resources.”
Some of the recent growth may be attributed to Biltmore Estate’s partnership with multimedia contemporary artist Dale Chihuly and the 2018 exhibit, Chihuly at Biltmore. The connection to Chihuly was a natural one: The Seattle-based artist studied under Harvey K. Littleton, known as the father of studio glass, who retired to western North Carolina in the 1970s. “Dale Chihuly came out a number of times and worked with Harvey and other artists in this area,” Reilly explains.
The public popularity of the first exhibit prompted a second one: Chihuly at Biltmore is on display through Feb. 2 in Biltmore’s indoor exhibit hall, Amherst at Deerpark. “Playing with Fire,” a 12-minute film about Chihuly and his art, lays the groundwork for what’s ahead: Chihuly’s iconic works, Chandeliers, Drawings, Mille Fiori, Neon and Towers are arranged throughout several rooms. Highlights include pedestal works and large-scale installations, from the spiky Icicle Chandeliers and Towers to the immersive Persian Ceiling. A visual timeline reviews significant moments in Chihuly’s career, including co-founding Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, in 1971, and designing and installing 14 Chandeliers over canals and piazzas for his 1996 exhibit, Chihuly Over Venice.
Ahead of this exhibition, the North Carolina Glass Center introduced Biltmore staff to the glass-artist community in western North Carolina. It’s led to a deeper recognition of how special this area is to the craft. Biltmore purchased works from local artists to be sold in shops around Biltmore Estate. “They did research and got to know the artists,” Reilly says. “There’s a better appreciation for the history and tradition here.” SP
IF YOU’RE GOING: Chihuly at Biltmore in Asheville is on view through Feb. 2. The North Carolina Glass Center is located at 140-C Roberts St., Asheville. At press time, the center was gearing up for its annual Winter Market, scheduled to run through Dec. 23. Glass Center hours may be limited while hurricane cleanup continues — call or check online before planning a visit.
