With locations in the creative hubs of Black Mountain and Asheville’s River Arts District, the North Carolina Glass Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration and education of all forms of glass artistry. For a decade, the NC Glass Center has removed barriers to entry and provided thousands of aspiring and seasoned artists with access to high-quality instruction, materials and equipment, glass studio and gallery space, and welcoming community programs. 

Sustainability Forward in Black Mountain

In partnership with visionary community stakeholders and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA), the NC Glass Center established their Black Mountain facility in 2024 with the intention of aligning the infinite expression of glass artistry with sustainability. Leveraging collaborative enthusiasm, know-how and resources, including a $330,000 BCTDA grant, the NC Glass Center transformed an 89-year-old structure into a 5,500 square foot facility boasting studio space inclusive of:

• Flame Shop – used for intricate, small-scale work;
• Hot Shop – features two furnaces that reach temperatures of 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit;
• and Cold Shop – used for setting and finishing works.

In addition, gallery and community engagement spaces were prioritized, resulting in a 1,200 square foot space that welcomes patrons with an opportunity to participate in the creative process and support regional artists by taking home unique, made in WNC works.

Demonstrating a forward-thinking approach, the NC Glass Center sought to reduce their carbon emissions by 25% by 2025, and as such, were awarded a $100,000 Implementation Grant from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation to support the procurement of two electric furnaces that are typically more efficient at energy conversion and boast longer life spans than gas alternatives. These furnaces were then paired with the installation of solar panels thereby producing clean, affordable energy that quite literally powers creativity.

In addition, the center has converted to LED lighting which has a much longer lifespan and consumes less energy than conventional lighting, and implemented glass recycling initiatives to extend the usability of resources and ensure they are intentionally repurposed.

Collectively, the new Black Mountain facility preserves the heritage and architecture of the original space while blending modern technology and sustainable practices. 

A Focus on Inclusivity and Accessibility

With a strong belief in making the glass arts accessible to all, the NC Glass Center has developed a comprehensive range of programs for students of all ages to learn the science, skills, and craftsmanship of glass work. Their offerings include:

• Young Glass Innovators – a six-week afterschool program for students ages 12-18 that combines glassblowing with STEM curriculum.
• BIPOC Residency Collaboration – an evening of hands-on demonstration and collaboration with the NC Glass Center’s annual BIPOC resident.
• Girls in Glass: Empowering Young Women in STEAM – a program focused on mentorship and hands-on learning for middle school and high school students.
• Veterans Apprenticeships – a program that offers glassblowing with therapeutic applications in partnership with Veterans Affairs.

Sitting at the intersection of creativity, technology, and science, the Center showcases the talents of emerging and seasoned artisans, often hosting a diverse range exhibitions and artists-in-residence, including John Miguel Almaguer, Hayden Wilson, Kit Paulsen, Robert Burch, Hoseok Yun, Jason McDonald, and Kimberly Bañes Muth.

Through the cultivation of two unique spaces that not only openly celebrate equality and welcome a diaspora of creatives, the NC Glass Center also provides an accessible means for these individuals to collaborate, learn, educate, and pursue a livelihood in the arts.

Celebrating Creative Resilience

While not unscathed by the events of Hurricane Helene, the NC Glass Center was thankfully spared by the historic flooding in Asheville’s River Arts District and broader Western North Carolina, and both facilities are now open and ready for business.

The Black Mountain location (112 E State Street) will celebrate its official, albeit belated, grand opening on October 4 from 4—8 p.m. The event will feature live glass demonstrations, guided studio tours, interactive art stations for children and families, local food and live music, and a celebration of the creative resilience displayed by so many in WNC this year.

A Cornerstone of WNC Artistic Culture

The North Carolina Glass Center embodies its mission to blend creative access, the science of art, sustainability, and community. These foundational concepts underscore their prioritization of climate resilience and their curation of accessible spaces, programmatic offerings, and engagement experiences.

When your travels lead you to Asheville or Black Mountain, add the North Carolina Glass Center to your itinerary, experience the artistry the region is known for, and take home your one-of-a-kind, made in WNC glasswork.

Learn more and plan your visit at NCGlassCenter.org.

Headquartered in Asheville, NC, Pine Gate Renewables is a developer and owner-operator of utility scale solar and energy storage projects across the U.S. Through their Pine Gate Impact initiative, they are proud to support the North Carolina Glass Center.