By now, North Carolina’s reputation as an arts destination is well known, but did you know that it played a significant role in the history of the Studio Glass Movement in America? Since Harvey Littleton first moved to the area in the late 1970s, Western North Carolina has cultivated a thriving community of glass makers and supporting organizations. Today, we speak to Candace Reilly, who has been an active member of the arts community in Asheville for almost a decade and currently serves as Executive Director of Asheville’s largest public-access glass studio and gallery, the North Carolina (NC) Glass Center. As an advocate with a fervent commitment to nurturing creative talent, Candace believes that integrated arts education is critical for a more enriched and socially cohesive community. In today's episode, she gives us a glimpse into the history of glass and how the NC Glass Center is not only upholding traditions but democratizing the future of studio glass practice for an ever-expanding community of glass artists! Tune in for all this and more in another fascinating installment of the Artsville Podcast.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Candace’s background and her role at the NC Glass Center.
• Insight into the history of glass and glass artists in North Carolina.
• How you can learn about glass at the NC Glass Center.
• What to expect from the Dale Chihuly exhibition at Biltmore Estate.
• The explosive growth that led to NC Glass Center’s second location in Black Mountain.
• Different ways that NC Glass Center generates income (and how you can support them!)
• Where you can find the NC Glass Center online and how to contact them.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

North Carolina (NC) Glass Center — https://www.ncglasscenter.org/

“Glass on the Go" — https://www.ncglasscenter.org/mobile-unit

NC Glass Center on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/ncglasscenter/

NC Glass Center on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/NorthCarolinaGlassCenter/

Chihuly at Biltmore — https://www.biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/chihuly-at-biltmore/

Art Connections — https://www.arttoursasheville.com/

Mountain BizWorks — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/

Craft Your Commerce — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/craft-your-commerce/

Ferguson Family YMCA — https://ymcawnc.org/locations/centers/ferguson

‘Community Art, Friendship, and Healing: Artsville’s Partnership with the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler’ — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/community-art-friendship-and-healing-artsvilles-partnership-with-the-ferguson-family-ymca-in-candler/

Artsville Podcast —