Discover Asheville’s artistic charm with a private glassblowing experience paired with delicious local bites. Dive into creativity and flavor on this one-of-a-kind adventure hosted by the North Carolina Glass Center.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves mostly standing and light movement
Wildlife
History
Asheville has a rich history as a hub for arts and crafts dating back to the early 20th century, influencing its creative culture today.
Conservation
The North Carolina Glass Center promotes sustainable art practices by recycling glass and encouraging eco-friendly studio operations.
North Carolina Glass Center
Discover Asheville’s artistic charm with a private glassblowing experience paired with delicious local bites. Dive into creativity and flavor on this one-of-a-kind adventure hosted by the North Carolina Glass Center.
North Carolina Glass Center is a hands-on glass art studio based in Black Mountain, North Carolina, offering workshops and multi-week classes in both Black Mountain and Asheville. The center focuses on hot glassblowing, flameworking, and fused glass, providing experiences for beginners, hobbyists, and aspiring artists. Classes range from brief 30-minute make-your-own sessions to immersive eight-week courses and three-hour workshops. Instructors guide participants through safety, studio terminology, and step-by-step techniques to create paperweights, ornaments, cups, marbles, pendants, icicles, miniature sculptures, fused tiles, and small blown forms.
The studio’s schedule includes short experiences such as 30- and 50-minute make-your-own sessions, 60-minute specialty projects like donut pendants, 3-hour introductory workshops, and structured 8-week courses including Hot Shop 101, Hot Shop 201, and Flame Shop 101: Intro to Boro. Wesley Thurston leads the flameworking boro course. Sessions emphasize safety, individualized instruction, and clear demonstrations so participants complete tangible keepsakes. Materials, tools, and kiln-firing or annealing when required are provided by the studio. The center caters to solo visitors, families, small groups, and students seeking technical progression from introductory classes to intermediate skill-building. Booking information, schedules, and specific class prerequisites are available through the studio’s listings. North Carolina Glass Center’s combination of brief hands-on options and longer technical courses makes it a practical destination for first-time makers and committed learners interested in glass art.
Location
Black Mountain, NC
Studio in Black Mountain and Asheville
Class Lengths
30 min–8 weeks
Short sessions to multi-week courses
Hands-on Formats
Make-your-own to courses
Hot shop, flame shop, fusing
Named Instructor
Wesley Thurston
Leads Intro to Boro course
Choose from 30-minute make-your-own sessions to 3-hour workshops and 8-week courses — check listings and book a spot today.
Wear Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes
Glassblowing involves standing for periods near hot equipment, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes will keep you safe and comfortable during the workshop.
Stay Hydrated
Working near furnaces can be warm, especially in warmer months; bring water and drink regularly to stay refreshed.
Bring a Light Jacket
Evenings in Asheville can be cool, especially in spring and fall, so a light layer is advisable for comfort.
Book in Advance
This private experience is popular and has limited availability, so early reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet while working safely near hot equipment in the studio.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the warm workshop sessions.
summer
Light jacket
Comfortable layering option for cool mornings and evenings.
spring
Camera or smartphone
Capture your glass art creations and the beautiful Asheville surroundings.