List of Glass Blowing Classes in North Carolina 2023 [Updated]
North Carolina, a state in the southeastern United States, is home to some of the top glass blowing schools and studios in the country.
Glass artists have been flocking to cities such as Asheville since the 1960s and the population of glass blowers and flameworkers has continued to grow ever since.
Asheville is not the only city in the state to offer glass blowing classes. Nearly every major city in North Carolina has a glass blowing studio, and many smaller towns offer classes as well.
Since North Carolina enjoys a healthy tourism industry, visitors have helped keep many of the glass blowing businesses alive and thriving.
With so many established studios and educational centers in North Carolina, it may be intimidating to decide which one is best for you.
Luckily, there is truly a glass class for everyone in North Carolina, from beginner workshops to intensive advanced courses. Below are the top classes being offered in North Carolina!
- Basic Lampwork Starter Kit for beginners. 2 hours of instructional video on DVD, plus full email...
- (Requires disposable propane or Mapp Gas canister. or bulk tank propane with hose.)
- Please use saftey lenses and adequate ventilation when lampworking.
1) Penland School of Craft
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking, sculpture, coldworking, fusing
- Classes: 1-8 week sessions, small group, beginner-advanced, weekdays
- Price: $1298-$6263
- Website: https://penland.org/workshops/glass/
- Telephone: (828) 765-2359
- Location: 67 Doras Trail Penland, North Carolina 28765
Penland School of Craft is one the top craft education centers in the country. The non profit school first opened in 1929, and has provided quality instruction in glass and other crafts ever since.
Penland School of Craft offers classes appropriate for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Because courses are intensive, Penland asks that students participating take their coursework seriously.
There are several classes available at Penland in 2022. Classes focus on the fundamentals of glass blowing, sculpture, design and problem solving, the use of various tools and materials, self-sufficiency in the studio and much more.
Skills learned at Penland will be useful throughout your career as a glass artist, regardless of what course you choose.
Penland School of Craft’s classes are much more expensive than others on this list, but are intended to provide a quality education for those who are serious about furthering their glass skills.
If you are ready to take your glass art to the next level, Penland’s courses would be ideal for you.
2) North Carolina Glass Center
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: short workshops, full day, half day, 4-8 week sessions, weekdays, weekends,
- Price: $50-$835
- Website: https://www.ncglasscenter.org/
- Telephone: (828) 505-3552
- Location: 140 Roberts St. Ste C Asheville, NC 28801
North Carolina Glass Center is a non profit, public access studio in Asheville. It offers affordable classes for children and adults.
Classes in both glass blowing and flameworking are offered at North Carolina Glass Center in several formats. Choose between single day make-your-own workshops, or multiple week classes.
If you are new to glass blowing, consider signing up for a 30 minute make-your-own session. This class allows you to complete a project in a short amount of time. This is perfect for children, families, and those wanting an overview of basic glass blowing techniques.
More in-depth 3 hour classes and 4-8 week course sessions are available for more serious glass blowers. These options take students through the fundamentals of glass blowing and allow for more exploration.
3) Firefly Hotglass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, studio rentals
- Classes: small group, single day,
- Price: Contact for pricing
- Website: http://fireflyhotglass.net/
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: 800 Taylor Street, Durham, NC
Firefly Hotglass is owned and operated by Paul Vernon and is the only public access glass blowing studio in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Firefly Hotglass offers both small group classes and studio rentals. Email Paul for more updated information on classes and rentals.
If you live in the Raleigh-Durham area and want to take a glass blowing class that is close to home, this is the location for you!
4) Hot Glass Alley
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: small group, private, demonstrations, single day
- Price: $95-$300
- Website: https://www.hotglassalley.com/
- Telephone: (980) 209-9284
- Location: 438 Atando Ave. Charlotte, NC 28206
Hot Glass Alley is owned by Jake Pfeifer and operated by him and his team of dedicated glass artists. Pfeifer earned his degree in glass art in 2010.
Hot Glass Alley is the only public access glass studio in Charlotte and offers a range of ways you can experience glass.
If you are brand new to glass blowing, consider attending an open demonstration. These are free and take place on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Children and adults alike can learn the basics of glass blowing in a 30 minute make-your-own session. Choose from a range of finished objects like paperweights, wine glasses, vases, and pumpkins.
Finally, if you are ready to take your glass art to the next level, you can sign up for private classes with one of Pfiefer’s team members. Private lessons teach the fundamentals of glass blowing and flameworking and encourage confidence in the studio.
5) STARworks Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, studio rentals
- Classes: small group, 1 hour, full day, demonstrations
- Price: $25-$215
- Website: https://www.starworksnc.org/glass
- Telephone: (910) 428-9001
- Location: 100 Russell Dr. Star, NC 27356
STARworks Glass Studio is a public access studio operated by Joe Grant. The studio first opened in 2008 and offers classes, demonstrations, and studio rentals.
Demonstrations take place on the 2nd Thursday of every month, and are a great way to experience glass blowing from a distance.
Workshops at STARworks are project-based and teach students how to make easy objects like flowers, eggs, and bowls.
If you want to learn the fundamentals of glass blowing, STARworks also offers a Fundamentals class, which teaches gathering, shaping, and color applications. Projects include paperweights, feathers, and other small objects.
Studio rentals are also available. Rates for rentals can be found on STARworks Glass Studio’s website.
6) Woodhaven Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, weekday, weekends
- Price: $120
- Website: https://woodhavenglass.com/
- Telephone: (828) 777-5770
- Location: 3634 Brevard Rd. Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791
Woodhaven Glass is owned and operated by Larry Zapf. Zapf has been blowing glass since the 1990s. He was educated by a series of mentors and at the Penland School of Craft.
Small group classes at Woodhaven teach all the fundamentals of glass blowing for beginner and intermediate students. Students must complete beginner courses before moving on to the intermediate level.
Projects include pumpkins, mushrooms, and other small objects.
Students who are brand new to glass blowing will appreciate the affordable price of classes and the helpful instruction of Larry Zapf.
7) Jonathan Michael Davis
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing, flameworking
- Classes: 1-2 day sessions, full day, small group
- Price: $25-$599
- Website: https://www.jonathanmichaeldavis.com/
- Telephone: (919) 200-1957
- Location: 409 Rock Rest Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312
Jonathan Michael Davis is a North Carolina native and glass artist who creates architectural lighting and sculptures and teaches classes. Davis started glass working in 2001 and has learned under top glass artists.
Beginner glass blowing classes with Jonathon Michael Davis teach students the basic skills required for blowing 5-10 easy projects. Projects include paperweights, marbles, ornaments, and jars.
Classes include all tools and materials, and students learn in individual workspaces. Davis offers 1 or 2 day classes to fit a variety of schedules and preferences.