Tending the flame

Founded by the children and grandchildren of Harvey K. Littleton, the founder of the American Studio Glass Movement, Hearth Glass and Gallery aims to continue his legacy by increasing education and access to glassblowing within Western North Carolina. We are tending the flame, carrying on the tradition of blown glass for future generations.

  • Hearth offers glassblowing classes taught by local artists.

    Offered Thursday-Saturday 10-6pm—Contact us for other availability!

  • As the testing studio for Spruce Pine Batch Company, we offer studio rental to experienced and aspiring glassblowers alike.

  • Hearth is proud to have a fully public gallery showing the work of nearly two dozen different local glass artists.

    Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm

About

Learn more about the history of glassblowing, our studio artists and the founding of Hearth.

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Studio

Visit our studio page to discover information about classes, details about hot/cold shop rental and more.

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Shop

Visit our online shop and see the beautiful artwork we are carrying in our gallery.

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Our History

Hearth Glass and Gallery, established in 2022 by Keikichi Littleton, continues a proud legacy in glassworking, tracing back to her grandfather, Harvey K. Littleton, a renowned figure in the Studio Glass Movement in the United States. This initiative in the Toe River Valley is not just a nod to familial heritage; it's a vibrant hub for both budding and experienced glass artists. By offering education and resources, Hearth Glass and Gallery fosters an environment where creativity in glass art is not only cultivated but also celebrated and marketed. In essence, it's a place where the flame of Harvey K. Littleton's legacy is meticulously tended to, ensuring that the art and craft of glassblowing are passed down through generations and continue to thrive.

 FAQs

  • Hearth Glass & Gallery is an open-access studio. We will have daily glass blowing demonstrations and classes. The public is invited to watch the artists at work, 10-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Classes are offered Thursday-Saturday. Special demos will take place on weekends and will be announced ahead of time.

  • Individual and group classes, up to 6 people, can be booked in person, over the phone or online— our booking platform can be found under our “Classes” page.

  • Our walk-in-classes are scheduled for one person only. During this time, the “student” will work one-on-one with an instructor to create their object of choice (vase, ornament, or drinking glass). Friends or families who would like to experience glass blowing together should schedule a group class— these can be booked online for up to 6 people, or booked over the phone/in person for up to 10 people.

  • 10+ and by teacher discretion for all workshops that take place in our Hot Shop.

  • Yes, but children must be accompanied by a credit card at all times ;)

    Please keep in mind that we are a glass gallery, no running, jumping, yelling, screaming, cartwheels, handstands, tag, pushing, or spinning as all pieces are fragile and must be handled with care. Parents will be responsible for any damages (to both the children and the art).

    All pets are also welcome, as long as they are leashed and well behaved.

  • No, all work is available for pick up the next day after 12pm. Hand blown glass needs to be slowly cooled to relieve the stress created from heating to prevent thermal shock. We are able to ship your work for an additional charge.

  • Hearth Glass will ship all orders on Thursday’s . If your order is in stock it will ship out on the Thursday following your purchase date. If the item that you ordered is not in stock please allow 2-4 weeks for production and shipping. We do not ship to P.O. Boxes. If you need to have an item shipped next day please call and discuss your order with us.

  • All sales are final. However, we do accept exchanges for items of equal or greater value within 60 days of purchase. We are not responsible for the cost of shipping on returns or exchanges. All returned items must be in salable condition. Customers are responsible for packing all returned glass according to FEDEX, UPS or USPS shipping guidelines. Hearth Glass & Gallery is not responsible for any broken or damaged glass shipped by the customer.

  • No, at this time we do not offer glass repair, however, we are happy to help you create a one of a kind replacement.

  • Yes, Hearth and many of the artists who rent at our studio do custom work. We are happy to discuss any and all projects you want created.

    Please allow up to 8 weeks for your custom order to be ready. This does not include shipping time. All sales are final, an exchange or store credit will be issued for returned items.

  • If your question is not listed, feel free to reach out to us anytime during business hours by phone call, or after hours through our contact page, email or social media.