Born and raised in the Carolina mountains of Yancey County, Hayden Wilson grew up with glass everywhere. His father was a glass blower in a community of glass artists, so you could say the torch was passed on to him. And while still a young man, Hayden has already been at it for decades. The results are a glowing hot success.
With a BFA from UNC-Asheville and a lifetime of study and practice, Hayden has work all over the region in fine art and craft galleries, as well as private homes and businesses. He does everything from custom commissions to carafes and stemless glasses. The colors, textures, shapes, and forms combine in never-ending glass possibilities.
In an interview with WNC Magazine, Hayden said, “I’ve been fortunate on this artistic journey to have the freedom to experiment. I like being able to push outside my comfort zone, and part of that is not being afraid to fail.”
An integral part of that journey has been teaching a new generation the art and craft of blown glass. Hayden is currently Studio Manager for the Asheville Glass Center and the North Carolina Glass Center. He taught at the renowned Penland School of Craft in the Blue Ridge Mountains and at Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. He’s a well-known and admired member of Asheville’s thriving arts community.
And in 2017, Hayden bought Virgil’s Art Glass – the private studio of Virgil Jones, another hot glass local legend. Hayden is growing the studio in new ways with work ranging from the stylish utilitarian to one-of-a-kind sculpture.
Gallery of the Mountains is beyond pleased to offer some of Hayden’s blown glass to our guests. From a few select pouring and drinking vessels to Friendship Orbs and Fairy Balls, Hayden’s pieces offer delight and wonder to lucky buyers. Look inside a Fairy Ball, and you’ll see a world beyond the known – the fanciful strokes of colorful glass inside the glass are incredible! All thanks to Hayden Wilson.
