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Come celebrate the long history of glassblowing in western North Carolina. Watch artists at work, tour galleries, and see the amazing creations. (Pic above: Lexington Glassworks)
Lexington Glassworks (81 South Lexington): Our top place to watch glassblowers at work in Downtown Asheville. Owners and glassblowers Billy and Geoff love to demonstrate the entire process. They even have a special viewing area with benches and a bar with local beers on tap! The gallery is open every day with glassblowing each day except on Tuesdays. Admission is free. Their gallery is full of gorgeous creations in all price ranges. They are open late on many weekends with live music on the first Friday of each month, April-December. Read more about them.
Momentum Gallery (52 Broadway) features top contemporary artists from western NC and across the country. Read more.
Blue Spiral 1 (38 Biltmore Avenue) is the largest fine art gallery in downtown Asheville. See exceptional creations by 100+ artists on three floors.
First Friday Art Walks: Visit many galleries 5-8 PM in downtown Asheville for special openings and events. April-December
North Carolina Glass Center (140 Roberts Street, Asheville): Located just a couple of miles from downtown and Biltmore is the River Arts District, home to this non-profit glass teaching center. Stop by to watch demonstrations and sign up for a class. Book a 30-minute hands-on glass experience ($50-$80/person) to work one-on-one with an instructor to create their your own piece of glass. What a souvenir! Many area glassblowers use their studio, and you'll find their work in the gallery open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM.
Outside of Asheville: WNC Top Glass Stops
Jackson County Green Energy Park (50 miles southwest of Asheville): This fascinating arts complex in Dillsboro is powered by methane gas captured from the old town landfill. The fuel provides heat for blacksmith forges, metal foundries, pottery kilns, and glassblowing. Watch demonstrations most days and check out their gallery. Also, artsy downtown Dillsboro is nearby with many galleries!
Penland School of Crafts (50 miles northeast of Asheville) is a famous center for craft education tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains with 1-8-week workshops in a big variety of mediums, including glass. Their gallery of student work is very impressive, and you can explore the historic campus. Classrooms and most studios are closed to the public. Located near Spruce Pine.
Toe River Studio Tour includes 24 glass artists at studios and galleries in the Penland area. Read more.
Top 12 WNC Summer Art Festivals & Tours
Village Art & Craft Fair
Fantastic fair in Biltmore Village with 100 hand-selected artists from 16 states, representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and…
Art on Main, Hendersonville
Buy from juried fine artists with paintings, clay, metal, wood, fiber, jewelry, glass, and more. The main event is Sat & Sun, 10 AM-5 PM
Saluda Arts Festival
Outstanding festival with 100% hand-picked regional artists along Saluda's historic Main Street. See a big diversity of art media and enjoy music representing Americana, blues, folk and …
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley…
Toe River Summer Studio Tour
Drive scenic mountain roads to find 100 fine artists and crafts people in every medium at their studios for a free, self-guided cultural adventure in the Penland, Spruce Pine, and…
Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair
The streets around Burnsville’s town square are filled with 200 juried crafters displaying nearly every kind of handmade craft imaginable. Located 35 miles northeast of Asheville.
Front Street Arts & Crafts Show
Stroll downtown artsy Dillsboro and interact with more than 40 of the region's best artisans. Browse the many shops and galleries while experiencing some of the area's best restaurants.… More Information
Art on the Greene, July Fourth Weekend
Find a big variety of 40 artists working with metal, glass, pottery, wood, jewelry, and more in downtown Banner Elk. Many restaurants, shops, and things to do nearby. Benefits their historic… More Information
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Top art show! See and buy traditional and contemporary fine art and craft directly from Southern Highland Craft Guild members, with 100+ juried artists from mountain regions of nine states. Held…
Art in Autumn Fest
Art in Autumn turns 19 on the 19th! Fun outdoor arts and crafts festival in Weaverville that includes 100 juried artists, food, and live music. Parking is available at the Weaverville Primary…
