The fire never goes out at the North Carolina Glass Center! Visitors can see artists working in molten glass in the hot shop, sculpting with glass at a tabletop torch, or even try their own hand at making glass in one of NCGC’s classes. Open seven days a week, NCGC is a non-profit, public access glass studio and gallery located in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District. Dedicated to education, exploration, and collaboration in all forms of glass, they welcome any and all into their working studio so they can share their passion for glass.

Their educational programs provide thousands of aspiring glass art students with high quality, affordable instruction and include 30-minute workshops, weekend experiences, and multi-week offerings. Their low-cost shared studios help emerging artists launch their careers. Their furnaces, torches, and kilns enable established glass artists to pursue new and ambitious challenges. Their gallery showcases the finest work from undiscovered to established glass artists in Western North Carolina. With 98% of the work on view made in the studio by NCGC artists, your purchases help support the livelihood of locals. Their community outreach programs provide safe spaces for Veterans and low-income youth to learn the science and art of glass. These classes help participants express themselves in a positive, non-verbal manner while also building confidence and healthy coping skills.

Join them for one of their upcoming workshops or exhibition receptions. Signe Ballew is their featured artist for August and September. Her exhibition Residue will be on display August 10 – September 30 with an opening reception on Saturday, August 10 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Learn more about the North Carolina Glass Center at www.ncglasscenter.org or visit them at 140C Roberts Street, Asheville.