Join us as we celebrate the Summer of Glass here in Asheville at our gallery in Biltmore Village! To honor the long-standing traditions of glass blowing, we will be hosting Southern Highland Craft Guild glass members Greg Magruder, Amanda Taylor, Rob Levin  Scott Summerfield, Warner Whitfield & Beatriz Kelemen, Mike Hatch, Laurie Young and Christian Arnold. From 10:00am to 12:00pm, these talented makers will be at the gallery talking about their processes and work. Mimosas, coffee and pastries will be provided as well as live entertainment. Visitors have the opportunity to win complimentary tickets to the ongoing July Craft Fair at the US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville that day!

Greg Magruder:
I have always had a great appreciation for the Blue Ridge Mountains. I grew up in Asheville N C and decided many years ago to stay here. I became interested in stained glass as a young man and started producing panels twenty plus years ago. My works encompasses the views found from the wonderful hikes and overlooks throughout Western North Carolina. I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity to use my skills to produce and replicate these beautiful sites to share with everyone in the form of my glass panels

Amanda Taylor:
My work explores the expressive possibilities of glass through variation in color, texture, light, and atmosphere. By drawing inspiration from places that I have visited or live within , I use my glass work as a way to creatively interpret the ever present beauty touches my soul. I use light, color, and form to create a sense of place in my work. My hope is that the work will spark a fond memory, and bring a sense of wonder and joy within each viewer.

Rob Levin:
I was originally attracted to hot glass because of its liquid qualities and sense of immediacy. I have always tried to capture some of the elegance, fluidity, gesture, and whimsy which I feel are inherent properties of glass. I formulate many of my own glass colors, and often use layers of different colors within each piece to create subtle shading or contrast. The approaches I use are eclectic and personal at the same time -- sort of a blend of Late Venetian and Early Neurotic.

Scott Summerfield:
I create a variety of blown glass works ranging from functional home décor to abstract sculptures. My intent with both bodies of work is to beautify one’s space. A delicate balance of beauty and tension are what makes my work unique and curious. My strengths lie in the bold color, crisp lines, and symmetrical balance.

Warner Whitfield & Beatriz Kelemen:
Our designs are influenced by diving in the shallow clear waters of Florida and the Caribbean. Combined with our dance instructing careers many of our designs and compositions, particularly those involving the Latticino technique, are reminiscent in feeling of underwater coral reefs and the rhythm of the dance. Our works is sculpted from solid molten glass created without the aid of molds or forms.

Mike Hatch:
I have worked with glass for over thirty years, drawn to the process of shaping molten glass with breath, gravity, and simple tools. I rely on five thousand years of traditions, techniques and forms for inspiration. I use a variety of techniques including sculpting, blowing, cane drawing, and painting with glass enamels.

Christian Arnold:
After spending years apprenticed to my father Rainer learning the exacting discipline of scientific glass blowing, I began to explore more creatively. Earning a Masters Degree in Glass at RMIT, I quickly carved a niche within the rarified world of master flameworkers. I collaborate with my wife Laurie Young, as well as individually. We produce a range of work from small items such as jewelry and perfume bottles to large scale sculpture. The combination of cast work with flameworking is both original and unique.

Laurie Young:
I have been working with glass for many years, transitioning from flat (stained) glass work, to fusing to casting to the torch. Specializing in large scale Pate de Verre and casting work, I also have a keen interest in torchwork. After graduating with Honours from Monash University Glass department Chris and I formed Nudibranch Art Glass. Working both collaboratively and individually, we produce a range of work from small items such as jewelry and perfume bottles to large scale sculpture. The combination of cast work with flameworking is both original and unique.