Close to 60 Toe River Valley glass artists have joined forces to create Glass in the Mountains, an activity-rich, four day celebration that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the birth of the studio glass movement.  A dozen galleries as well as studios throughout Burnsville, Bakersville, Penland, and Spruce Pine will be hosting tours, unique glass exhibits, demonstrations, a book signing and even a special “goblets and glasses” wine tasting where locally made, handcrafted wine glasses will be available for sale.  The September 20 – 23 events kick off Thursday night, September 20 with glass blowing demonstrations and guided stargazing at the Energy Xchange, a one-time landfill converted into a one-of-a-kind incubator for glass and ceramic artists.  On Friday evening, September 21, visitors can look forward to a special “History of Glass in the Toe River Valley” reception at the Toe River Arts Council’s new art center in Spruce Pine. While many of the weekend long activities are free, a limited number of special VIP tickets are also available.  On Saturday evening, VIPs will be treated to a gala event held at the Burnsville Town Center. 
Guests will have to opportunity to mingle with the glass artists before settling in to locally crafted
appetizers and wine followed by a lecture and book signing by Joan Falconer Byrd, who
discusses her book, Harvey K. Littleton:  A Life in Glass.  The evening also includes a slide show of local artists’ work and a video that tells the fascinating story of the studio glass
movement.  To view the four day schedule as well as purchase VIP passes visit glassinthemountains.com.