Virginia Hot Glass Festival
Spring is around the corner and we’re impatient for the sunshine, warmer days, and many festivals which follow as a result. There is a myriad of unique things happening in our area throughout the year, like live music at local breweries or the upcoming Virginia Festival of the Book. One of the most enticing events is the Annual Virginia Hot Glass Festival.
Held just half an hour down the road in Staunton, VA, the weekend spectacular showcases rare talent and skill as craftsmen unite to exhibit during this one of a kind festival. Molten glass is blown, stretched, and twisted into bobbles, ornaments, glassware, and much more. Blending ancient techniques and modern advances, artists create pieces in a myriad of vibrant colors. Between demonstrations, browse booths filled with delicate works of art while tasting wine from the local winery, Barren Ridge Vineyards.
Along with glass work, there will be a guild of stone carvers carefully sculpting, and even some pyrotechnics in the form of a “fire-breathing dragon” engineered by Josh Ries from Art of Fire and a “flaming ray gun” made by artist Nate Avery. Now that’s something you don’t see every day!
This year’s festival takes place on Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 27th and Sunday, May 28th. If you can’t make this truly incredible festival, make an appointment to visit Sunspots Studio who hosts the annual event. There you can view a glass blowing demonstration any day of the week before 4 pm, or blow your own glass ornament!
Click here to see some of their gorgeous handiwork.
As always, come stay with us while you explore the wonderful world of glass blowing!
