Video
Live Webcam
Testimonials



Custom Glass
Collections
Vases
Bowls
Stemware
Candleholders
Perfume Bottles
Ornaments
Platters
Lighting
Candlesticks
Animals
Sculpture
Hardware
Garden Acces.
Drinkware
Flowers
Seasonal/Holiday
Paperweights
Clearance



201 Redcross Street Wilmington, NC. 28401

Phone/Fax:
910-399-7614

Open 7 Days
10 am - 5 pm

Making Art: Hot Glass

Written by Katie Freeman
Monday, 30 November 2009

Read the article online:
Focus on the Coast

Step into Burchetta Glassblowing Studio and Gallery's 6,000 square foot warehouse, shimmering with hues of blue, raspberry and grass-green glass, and you've entered the exquisite world of John Burchetta and his assistant for twenty-eight years, Elizabeth Miele.

For over a year, this studio has been creating innovative works of art. Burchetta's artistic bend came early while helping his father with stonework and watching him build copper weather vanes from scraps.

This downtown attraction welcomes the public to view live glass demonstrations or tour the premises. Classes and workshops are offered, ranging from jewelry to bowls. "A customer may design their own piece, use all the materials and tools and we take the glass out of the furnace for them," Burchetta explains. "You can't beat that experience once they see their finished product." Theme events, such as "Beer Mug Blast" and "Valentine's Hearts of Glass," incorporate team building and are available typically using the blowing molten glass or casting techniques.

While numerous ovens roar hot and shelves of glass art objects gleam, this former New Yorker follows his passion. Burchetta innocently discovered his talent in his last semester of college when a glassblowing elective prompted a change in majors, "It was like being hit by lightning," he recalls. With a degree in glass design from the University of Kansas, Burchetta attended Rhode Island School of Design and Massachusetts College of Art where he sought the knowledge of master glassblowers, "Even today I believe creating glass art is a constant evolution."

New York drew him home where he successfully established himself working wholesale trade shows. His unique designs attracted accounts with high-end stores like Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. "My inspiration comes from many places," Burchetta said. "I don't question the muse, but rather keep open to the inspiration." Some examples of said muse are items found in nature, architecture and animals.

Burchetta quickly became the second largest producer of art glass dealing with galleries nationwide including Wilmington. An influx of foreign competitors convinced Burchetta to concentrate on existing accounts while engaging in custom work for architects, interior designers, and customers.

Accepting the mayor's invitation as an event attraction re-introduced Burchetta to Wilmington and within twenty-four hours, a decision to relocate was sealed. "The natural beauty of Wilmington is such an inspiration to our work," Burchetta said. "And I am a water dog, loving the beach, fishing and boating." Many of Burchetta's designs reflect the coast, such as shells, seahorses and starfish.

Hotglass Inc. is considered a leader in custom glass art design. "Customers may have a lamp shade made to match their countertops or a set of glasses designed according to their color and design specifications," Burchetta said. "These fine touches enhance one's living space, providing a sense of everlasting beauty." From practical everyday items, like stemware, vases and platters to holiday items, like ornaments, snowmen and penguins, Burchetta's art delights the masses.

Tourist trade, classes and an active website keeps Hotglass, Inc busy. "For the past thirty years, I've blown four-hundred pounds of glass a day," he said. "And I believe it is the contagious joy in our work that brings people back."