Asher Holman, artist
When Asher Holman opened Small Batch Glass in Asheville’s River Arts District in February 2023, it marked the realization of a long-held goal. After years of working for other studios and independent artists, the glassblower was ready to build a business that reflected both his artistic vision and his approach to connecting with the public through craft.
Located on Craven Street, Small Batch Glass functions as both a working hot shop and a gallery. Visitors can watch molten glass being transformed into finished pieces while browsing hand-blown drinkware, lighting, sculptures and decorative objects. The studio’s open-production model gives customers a direct connection to the making process, something Holman believes has become an important part of the business’ identity.
Holman’s own path to professional glassblowing began in San Francisco, where he first encountered the medium at age 16 through Public Glass, a nonprofit arts organization. He later earned a studio art degree with a focus in glass from Centre College in Kentucky, studying under renowned glass artist Stephen Rolf Powell. Additional training opportunities took him to Pilchuck Glass School in Washington and to Murano, Italy, before a job opportunity brought him to Asheville in 2017.
After spending six years working for established studios, Holman began laying the groundwork for his own venture in 2022. The following year, Small Batch Glass opened its doors, giving him a dedicated space to create work and interact directly with customers. Small Batch Glass offers hands-on glassblowing experiences that allow participants to work alongside a professional artist and create their own piece of glass art.
“Our sessions provide an inside look into the world of glass artistry, allowing you to learn what it takes to create pieces from this incredibly hot and challenging material,” Holman said. “These experiences are memorable and foster a newfound appreciation for the art of glassblowing.”
The workshops serve both an educational purpose and a business one, creating an additional revenue stream while introducing new audiences to the craft.
“As a proud member of the Asheville glass community, we believe it’s crucial to educate people at any experience level about the art of glass,” Holman says. “This education benefits the glass community in many ways, such as supporting artists from all over and creating wider connections between people and glass. By starting these experiences, we are sparking new conversations around glass and spreading its importance to a broader audience.”
Small Batch Glass is located at 46 Craven Street, Asheville. Learn more at SmallBatchGlassBlowing.com.
