Meet Candace Reilly - Exploring NC’s Storied Contemporary Glass Movement

North Carolina's vibrant arts scene has long been celebrated, but its pivotal role in the history of the Studio Glass Movement in America often flies under the radar. Since Harvey Littleton's arrival in the late 1970s, Western North Carolina has flourished as a hub for glassmakers and enthusiasts alike. With our latest podcast episode, we delve into this rich history and the contemporary glass landscape with Candace Reilly, Executive Director of Asheville's popular North Carolina Glass Center.

With nearly a decade of dedicated involvement in Asheville's arts community, Candace brings a wealth of insight to her role. At the NC Glass Center, she spearheads initiatives to both preserve tradition and propel the studio glass practice into the future. Central to her vision is the belief in the transformative power of integrated arts education, fostering not only creative expression but also social cohesion within the community.

In our conversation, Candace sheds light on various facets of the NC Glass Center's mission and impact. From its humble beginnings to its current stature as Asheville's premier public-access glass studio and gallery, the center has been instrumental in nurturing local talent and attracting artists from across the globe.

One highlight of our discussion is the exploration of North Carolina's deep-rooted connection to glass artistry. As Candace recounts, the state's landscape and resources have provided an ideal environment for artists to thrive, contributing to a rich tapestry of innovation and tradition. Candace shares the collaborative enthusiasm that artists have for sharing their work by passing on their knowledge,

“Artists have an overwhelming sense of generosity when they're in the studio. They want to show you how amazing the work is and how you can stretch a piece of cane that started as a glob of hot glass on the end of the pole into needle-thin pieces.” — Candace Reilly [0:25:08]

Moreover, Candace offers insights into the NC Glass Center's educational offerings, providing accessible avenues for individuals to explore the art of glassmaking. Whether through workshops, classes, or artist residencies, the center ensures that learning opportunities are available to all, fostering a culture of inclusivity and creativity.  This is highlighted in her statement:

“Our programming continues to grow and artists keep coming with needs, and we want to grow to take care of all of that. We want to make sure that everyone who walks in our door, especially our artists, are getting what they need from the resources that we provide.” — Candace Reilly [0:19:36]

As the conversation unfolds, Candace highlights the NC Glass Center's remarkable growth, including the recent expansion to a second location in Black Mountain. This expansion reflects not only the center's success but also the growing demand for immersive glass experiences in the region.

Crucially, Candace emphasizes the diverse revenue streams that sustain the NC Glass Center's operations, from studio rentals to gallery sales and philanthropic support. She invites listeners to join in supporting the center's mission, ensuring its continued vitality and impact on the local arts community.

For those eager to learn more or engage with the NC Glass Center, Candace provides valuable pointers on how to connect online and in person. From virtual exhibitions to hands-on experiences, there are myriad ways to experience the center's dynamic offerings and contribute to its vibrant community.

Our conversation with Candace Reilly offers a compelling glimpse into the past, present, and future of North Carolina's studio glass legacy. Through the NC Glass Center's dedication to education, innovation, and inclusivity, the spirit of creativity continues to thrive, enriching lives and shaping the cultural landscape of Asheville and beyond. Tune in to the Artsville Podcast for this captivating exploration and more!