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Summer of Glass VIP Weekend Tours

See additional Summer of Glass tours below.

Summer of Glass VIP Weekends are certain to be a ‘glass-lovers’ dream trip! These packaged itineraries are not only a fantastic way to experience some of the best art glass in the nation, but also include your ticket to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains; the splendor of Biltmore Estate; local Southern hospitality; the flavors of Asheville’s foodie culture; and a fun-filled weekend to remember.

Summer of Glass VIP Weekends Dates

Book online now! August 17-19 | September 7-9

Exclusive Summer of Glass VIP Weekend packages include:

Welcome at the NC Glass Center with glass blowing demonstration
Private visit to the North Carolina and the Studio Glass Movement exhibition, with a welcome and overview from the curator
Reservations at a premier partner restaurant featuring glass art
Guided tour of Asheville galleries with glass exhibitions; meet the owners/directors and hear their perspectives.
Ticket to Chihuly Nights at Biltmore
Guided day-long tour to four professional glass artists’ private studios; lunch and transportation included. This is an opportunity that doesn’t come around often!
- June: Robert Stephan; Carl Powell; Alex Bernstein; Courtney Dodd & Nick Fruin.
- July: John Littleton & Kate Vogel; Rick & Valerie Beck; Mark Peiser; Dean Allison.
- August: Hayden Wilson; Pablo Soto; Alex Bernstein; Robert Stephan.
- September: Robert Levin; Billy & Kate Bernstein; Kenny Pieper; Jeff & Yaffa Todd.
Glass Collector Home visit offered in two of the four VIP weekends (June and August only)*
Private brunch at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery with guest glass artist
A hands-on glass-making experience at the NC Glass Center
Ticket to return and tour Chihuly at Biltmore during the daytime
A swag bag for each participant, with gifts and Asheville art-insider information.

*June and August VIP weekends include a Collector Home visit. July and September VIP weekends include studios in the beautiful Toe River Valley near Penland School of Craft.

Click here for rates and full VIP Weekend itineraries!

Book online now! August 17-19 | September 7-9

Please note: Accommodations are NOT included in Summer of Glass VIP Weekends. Click here to search hotel rates and availability for your desired travel dates.

Additional Summer of Glass Tours

Summer of Glass on the Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour

Enjoy Asheville’s Summer of Glass event 7-days-a-week while using the Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour. The Hop-On/Hop-Off tour features information on the region-wide event and highlights exhibit locations that are within close proximity to our Hop-On/Hop-Off … read more

Art Tour, Glass Studios #2 - full day, June 22

The June 22nd tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover five premier artists in this glass-centric region of the country. Sherry Masters, your guide and local art insider, will take you to glass studios into the mountains surrounding Asheville to … read more

Art Tour, Glass Studios #3 - Full Day July 20th

Interested in Glass? Then this is the tour for you! Go with Art Connections and spend a fascinating day meeting some of the top glass artists in the nation...all right here in western NC. This tour will feature glass artists working in hot glass, … read more

Glass Studio Guided Tour

If you want to meet the maker in the Valley known as the birthplace of studio glass, then climb on board with Robin Warden, art consultant and curator of the 2012 "History of Glass" and the 2018 "Sphere of Influence" exhibits. She'll lead groups … read more