Fire on The Mountain
Glass Art by George Averbeck
George holding a Pluto Heart he made for Lowell Observatory's I Heart Pluto Festival. Afterwards he received a special request to make two for NASA; they adorn mission control rooms in Texas and Florida.
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Thousands of people over the years have watched George Averbeck working in his Fire on The Mountain studio in Flagstaff, Arizona. His work captures the extraordinary beauty of the southwest, balanced with George's humor, commitment to excellence, and dedication to making our community a wonderful place to live.
Born in Wisconsin, George fell in love with Arizona when he visited the Grand Canyon. He became a student at Northern Arizona University, originally working in metal and jewelry art, After he took a glass blowing class, though...he was hooked. He followed up his degree from NAU with study and work at the summer Vail Art Workshops in Colorado and the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. George has now been making art in Flagstaff for over 40 years. He and his assistants can often be found blowing glass at the Fire on the Mountain studio downtown. |
Custom Orders & Common Questions for George
Does George do custom work?
Yes! George can create anything from pendant lamp shades to the perfect personal set of wine glasses to a funerary urn for a loved one.
If you don't see what you're looking for in his online store, you can contact Arizona Handmade/Fire on the Mountain Galleries to place a custom order at 928-779-3790 or [email protected]. A staff member will discuss your idea with you and put you in touch with George.
Please note that in general there is a month-long lead time for any custom order, and George is not always taking custom orders. Please also remember that each hand-blown piece is an individual work of art and pieces which compose a set will vary slightly in size and shape.
If you don't see what you're looking for in his online store, you can contact Arizona Handmade/Fire on the Mountain Galleries to place a custom order at 928-779-3790 or [email protected]. A staff member will discuss your idea with you and put you in touch with George.
Please note that in general there is a month-long lead time for any custom order, and George is not always taking custom orders. Please also remember that each hand-blown piece is an individual work of art and pieces which compose a set will vary slightly in size and shape.
What kind of fixtures can I use with his pendant lamps?
George's pendant lights are designed for the NORA light fixtures #NRS99-P45 (halogen) or #NRS99-P55 (candelabra).
It recently came to our attention that NORA is DISCONTINUING those fixtures. We are looking for a comparable replacement. You can purchase the NORA fixtures from the gallery at this point, and so far customers have still been able to find the fixtures online, but please be sure you can obtain a light fixture prior to ordering or purchasing one of George's pendant lamp shades!
It recently came to our attention that NORA is DISCONTINUING those fixtures. We are looking for a comparable replacement. You can purchase the NORA fixtures from the gallery at this point, and so far customers have still been able to find the fixtures online, but please be sure you can obtain a light fixture prior to ordering or purchasing one of George's pendant lamp shades!
CAN I USE GEORGE'S GLASS FOR HOT LIQUIDS?
No. All of George's glass is food safe and can be used for room-temperature/cool liquids. Do not use George's glasses for hot liquids or put them in the microwave! Hand-washing is recommended.
CAN I WATCH GEORGE BLOW GLASS?
Yes - George often welcomes visitors into his studio to watch the fascinating process of blowing glass art! However, you must set up an appointment in advance. Please call us at 928-779-3790 or send us an email at [email protected] to make your request. You should contact us at least a week ahead to increase your chances of being scheduled.
Please note that there are periods of time when George's furnace is out and he is not blowing glass at all, so you may not always be able to schedule an appointment.
Please note that there are periods of time when George's furnace is out and he is not blowing glass at all, so you may not always be able to schedule an appointment.
Does George rent out space in his studio to other artists?
No, George does not rent out space to other artists or the use of his furnace at this time. Sometimes he does collaborate with other artists. If you are interested in blowing glass with George, please contact the gallery and we will put you in touch with him.
DOES GEORGE TEACH GLASS BLOWING CLASSES?
No, George does not teach glass blowing classes at this time. However, you can set up an appointment to watch George blow glass.
Every autumn George holds a Blow Your Own Ball (BYOB) workshop during which he will help you blow your own ornament. You can subscribe to our newsletter to be notified about the event or contact us in September to ask about signup!
Every autumn George holds a Blow Your Own Ball (BYOB) workshop during which he will help you blow your own ornament. You can subscribe to our newsletter to be notified about the event or contact us in September to ask about signup!
George has won numerous awards for his art including "Best in Show" at the Night Visions exhibit in 2009 and "Best in Show" at the Coconino Center for the Arts It's Elemental show in 2012. In 2018 his glass work was featured by the Museum of Northern Arizona in the joint exhibition, Confluence of Color, with fellow artist of the Colorado Plateau and long-time friend, Serena Supplee. Most recently his Pluto Group and Dark Sky series of vases were juried into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s Night Vision exhibition at Sky Harbor International Airport running through May 2024. His hand blown glass can be found in locally owned restaurants and businesses, in thousands of homes across the country, and has been the subject of articles appearing in local newspapers and magazines.
George's art is currently exhibited in several galleries throughout Arizona, including:
Here at Arizona Handmade/Fire on the Mountain Galleries
Sedona Arts Center
The Museum of Northern Arizona Shops
The Lowell Observatory Starry Sky Shop
Western National Parks Association Shop at Walnut Canyon National Monument
Fire on the Mountain Studio is located at 324 W Birch Ave. in Flagstaff, AZ.
Please contact us in advance if you would like to set up an appointment to meet George or watch him blow glass!
Here at Arizona Handmade/Fire on the Mountain Galleries
Sedona Arts Center
The Museum of Northern Arizona Shops
The Lowell Observatory Starry Sky Shop
Western National Parks Association Shop at Walnut Canyon National Monument
Fire on the Mountain Studio is located at 324 W Birch Ave. in Flagstaff, AZ.
Please contact us in advance if you would like to set up an appointment to meet George or watch him blow glass!
George in the Media - Recent Articles and features:
Read about George Averbeck's contributions to the protection of Flagstaff's Dark Skies in the October 2022 issue of Flagstaff Business News.
In 2019 George was filmed in the travel documentary series Seeing the USA with Brandy Yanchyk!
Click here to watch George make a moon ball!
Click here to watch George make a moon ball!