Title

Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Bravo! - It's BLENKO At Its Best.

A Recent article listed the BLENKO BRAVO design as one of the most collectible. Its the only Blenko post 1970 that The Purple Moon www.thepurplemoon.com a boutique devoted to mid century design carries. If you love 50s 60s Blenko you'll want to own BRAVO! Its available now in the BLENKO GLASS Gift Shop or you may order on line www.blenkoglass.com (phone 304 743 9081). Don't miss out of this series.

Bayliss Design Team presents - The Bravo! Collection
Bravo! Collection is a celebration of Blenko’s successful history. These pieces are an encore that pays homage to memorable 50’s and 60’s designs, yet they also push the ideas and forms into the future. Optimistic, fun, with colors that POP, Bravo! also celebrates life NOW with hot new colors and cool new forms.Not only do the pieces look great, they work well too. Try pouring from the bird neck pitcher to see what we mean. Voluptuous and curved or svelte and stretched, form and function unite in this juicy, young line. Instead of simply being a decorative motif, the punches that produce the interesting contours of the vessels also create areas that the hand can easily grasp. These pieces really lend themselves to mixing or matching; never has orange, blue, and purple looked so good together. Bravo! Blenko loves Blenko, again! (from Blenko GLass Advertisement)

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bayliss's New Blenko Line

I'm having trouble with uploading photos today. http://www.blenkoglass.com/2006catalog/2008bellaboca.htm click on this link to see the new
Bayliss line. You may order on line or drive down to BLENKO GLASS in Milton, West Virginia.
Blenko Glass. Check out the Website. Blenko Glass located in Milton West Virginia. 304 743 9081.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Huntington Museum of Art


Click and visit the HMOA site - the museum has a large display of West Virginia and American made Glass.
hjh

Bill Blenko Vase SOLD OUT!

Rodney Wade the Blenko Plant Manager reports the
Bill Blenko Vase is sold out - and they will not be reproducing this item.
hjh

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Bill BLenko Vase


The special edition - limited number - BILL BLENKO VASE pictured here is available (supply is less than a dozen) by phone or online order from BLENKO GLASS.
This is a wonderful item to add to your BLENKO Collection - or it could be the beginning of a collection.
Another of the very special limited edition items available from BLENKO GLASS. Check out the Visitors Center / Gift Shop in Milton for unadvertised specials.
hjh

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Volunteering - Its a Way of Life for West Virginians

Thursday night my classmates and I will be taking a road trip to Hedgesville. WVU - School of Dentistry encourages community involvement. For us 2 full days at a Dental Clinic, is an exciting opportunity.
I'm copying the Martinsburg Newspaper story about the dental clinic.

Free dental clinic offered in Hedgesville
Any adult without insurance can choose from one of three services
By MATTHEW UMSTEAD (martinsburg@herald-mail.com)
MARTINSBURG, W.VA. — A two-day, free dental clinic for adults will be held FRIDAY AND SATURDAY at Hedgesville High School as part of an ongoing initiative to improve the oral health of Eastern Panhandle residents.
“The goal is to see at least 1,000 people in two days. The other goal is to get people out of pain,” Lisa Dunn, dental health programs director for West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Eastern Division, said in a news release.
“Dentists are coming from all over West Virginia. This is a huge, huge undertaking. It has taken a year to plan.”
Anyone 18 or older, including non-West Virginia residents, who do not have insurance or cannot afford to see a dentist, are eligible to receive one of three services — tooth extraction, restoration (such as cavity fillings) or cleaning — at the school on June 27 and 28, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, officials said.
Sponsored by the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, the clinic has been dubbed a Mission of Mercy (MOM) project, an all-volunteer service program that was launched in 2000 by a dentist in Virginia. The event in Hedgesville is the first to be held in West Virginia, according to organizers.
Healthy Smiles, a local oral health task force, is coordinating the project with direction from Dunn, Betty Russell, dentist Tom Leslie and his wife, Toni. Betty Russell is the wife of local oral surgeon W. Dean Russell.
“This is just one component of what we’re trying to accomplish,” Russell said of the MOM project’s relationship to the multi-pronged efforts of the task force, which organized two years ago.

Since joining WVU’s Eastern Division in January 2007, Dunn has been leading educational outreach efforts with young children in the Eastern Panhandle. A 2003 survey by the West Virginia Bureau of Health indicated more than 10,000 Medicaid-eligible children in the Eastern Panhandle were not receiving adequate dental care.
Though the free clinic is being offered only to adults, Russell said the task force has not forgotten about children.
The establishment of a clinic specifically for children in need of dental care is the goal of Healthy Smiles of the Eastern Panhandle Inc., a nonprofit organization incorporated with the assistance of attorney Kenneth J. Barton Jr. in February 2008. W. Dean Russell, Shepherdstown-area dentist Anne Basham and others are listed as directors of the organization.
“We’re learning it’s not as easy to get to the children as we thought it would be,” Russell said. “We have to get to the parents first.”
For the adult clinic in June, people will be treated on first-come, first-served basis. After taking part in a MOM clinic in Roanoke, Va., last year, Dunn said the unfortunate part of the project was that more people came than could be served, leaving many turned away at the door.
“People start lining up in the middle of the night,” Dunn said. “One of the things we hope to achieve with this clinic is to demonstrate the enormousness of the need.”
Patients next month will go through registration, medical screening, an initial exam and an X-ray if necessary, then will receive treatment in various areas of the high school, officials said.
Russell expects dental professionals from Virginia and as far as Pennsylvania and North Carolina to be among about 600 volunteers who will have some role in making the clinic operational.
“We couldn’t do it without the help from Virginia,” Russell said.
The more than 100 professional volunteers include six dentists from the WVU School of Dentistry, 31 third-year dental students, three hygienists and seven assistants, according to Teresa E. McCabe, vice president of marketing & development for WVU Hospitals-East.
Nearly 500 other volunteers are being recruited by the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle Inc. to help run the event.
Gov. Joe Manchin’s wife, Gayle, is scheduled to volunteer, Dunn said.
“The Eastern Panhandle is the fastest-growing area. We haven’t been able to keep up with the same rate of dentists, leaving the tri-county area with an extremely low rate of dentists per capita,” Dunn said.
For more information
More information about volunteering and receiving patient services at the Mission of Mercy (MOM) clinic at Hedgesville High School is available online at http://www.healthysmileswv.org/
Medical questions about the MOM project should be directed to dental professionals Tom Leslie (mailto:%20ttleslie@earthlink.net or 304-258-2291) or Lisa Dunn (mailto:%20dunnli@rcbhsc.wvu.edu or 304-264-9202).
Nonmedical questions about the initiative should be directed to Trina Bartlett (mailto:%20uwepdci@comcast.net

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Himalayan Monk Lectures - Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri

Tomorrow' Heart of Glass' contributor RT leaves for a spiritual adventure that includes the Himalayan Mountains.
In Charleston - Free Public Lecture Series by Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri
First lecture is " Meditation as a Soulful Exercise In Concentration" Wednesday June 25 (7-9pm) University of Charleston Geary Auditorium.
The lectures continue June 26 Thursday - WVSU PA Williams Auditorium, Institute, WVa.
June 27 (7-9 pm) Charleston Civic Center Little Theater, Charleston, W.Va.
June 30 (7-9) Monday at Marshall University, Huntington, WV
Another session in Ashland Ky. on Wednesday July 2, (7-9) Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital
For more information : topics etc. www.WVself.org or phone 304 342 9605

Simple Pleasures

What brings pleasure into your life?
For me it seems to be the simple things . . . drinking my OJ from a tangerine Blenko Glass, walking Ms B on a night where the moon is full, finding myself with 'free' time on a Saturday or Sunday, doing the Crossword puzzle in the Sunday paper.Pleasure. . . can be found in many ways. For some of my friends its finding a great BLENKO item at the Visitors Center, or finding a vintage item of BLenko or West Virginia Glass at the Flea Market. Having a good bottle of wine, just relaxing, seeing a movie.
My webmajster Steve was kind enough to provide the follow comments from others about pleasure.

Good fellowship and friendship are lasting, rational and manly pleasures. William Wycherley

The important question is not, what will yield to man a few scattered pleasures, but what will render his life happy on the whole amount. Joseph Addison

One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other. Jane Austen

An artist is an artist only because of his exquisite sense of beauty, a sense which shows him intoxicating pleasures, but which at the same time implies and contains an equally exquisite sense of all deformities and all disproportion. Pierre Charles Baudleaire

Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains. Democritus

One declaims endlessly against the passions; one imputes all of man's suffering to them. One forgets that they are also the source of all his pleasures. Denis Diderot

The choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation. Benjamin Disraeli

Monday, June 23, 2008

Legendary Comedian George Carlin Dies

Legendary Comedian George Carlin Dies
AP
Posted: 2008-06-23 08:25:32
Filed Under: Movie News, TV News
LOS ANGELES (June 23) - George Carlin, the frenzied performer whose routine "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television" led to a key Supreme Court ruling on obscenity, has died.
Note: Life is often too short. . .
On June 3rd 2007 the Heart of Glass Blog stated:

George Carlin - Blenko Glass
Another Saturday night at Heniz Hall in Pittsburgh, Pa. George Carlin performed tonight. I know Carlin as 'Mister Conductor' on the PBS Children's show 'Shining Time Station'. Most everyone else in the audience knew him from HBO Specials. . . .the audience was mostly over 40 with a few dozen guys from a local fraternity. The audience loved Carlin.A philosopher some time ago said: "Doubt Everything" . . . TonightCarlin's theme was " Doubt Everything!" Perhaps all of life is a re-run? Carlin was 'not' Mister Conductor - he was raunchy -risque and very funny! We we were both embarrassed and entertained. It was great!As a West Virginia Glass Collector - I found interesting that perhaps Carlin owns a BIG SKY/ BLENKO piece - it was a gift from a fan - who was in the audience, she gave him the BIG SKY piece over 25 years ago- this night she was giving him white roses....but she had photos of herself, her gifts to Carlin, and the many Carlin performances she had attended over the years. She graciously shared her stories and photos with us allowing us to see she and Carlin age in the photo book.HEINZ HALL is so beautiful, if you haven't been to a show or to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony perform in Heinz Hall its worth the trip - just to see the Hall. The sound is superb. Visually the hall is a masterpiece.2004 Lifetime Achievement Award at 15th Annual American Comedy Awards. Carlin was ranked #2 on Comedy Central's 100 greatest stand ups off all time list. hjhhttp://www.pittsburghsymphony.org

Sunday, June 22, 2008

More West Virginia B -Day Celebration Photos

West Virginia Janis was kind enough to send photos from hertrip to Milton to purchase the WV BLENKO Birthday Vase. Photos and her comments below:


Richard Blenko standing by just in case you purchased something else
other than the birthday piece and wanted it signed. Additionally, he
answered questions for visitors.

The Blenko Visitors' Center was stunning on June 20, 2008-- West
Virginia Day. This picture was taken after the morning crowd thinned,
when the purchasing of the birthday piece was over.

(At least) One Blenko shopper decided to stock up on water bottles
after purchasing the Blenko 2008 birthday piece. These vessels are
ideal for parties. One idea is for each vessel to contain a different
liquid-- sweetened tea in light green, unsweetened tea in dark green,
water in clear, orange juice in the clear/yellow/orange, host's
choice in blue.............. And my how convenient the square shape
is for storing in the refrigerator.

This was the first person to unveil the Blenko 2008 Birthday piece to
the rest of us waiting in line! The artist calls the piece Sunrise/
Sunset and likens it to the mountain scenery in West Virginia. The
colors resemble a monarch butterfly; the shape a chrysalis........

This is the nice Milton resident who got blankets for people who were
cold camping out, waiting for the glorious event. When collectors in
line began commenting about the bold colors of the Birthday 2008
piece and whether they could incorporate it into their homes, this
woman reminded us, "Great art does not have to match the color of
your couch." May we all remember that quote!

Note Hillary's parents en route to their VW bug to pack it with their
latest Blenko acquistions.

Arlon Bayliss with fellow artist (and fiance) Mary Jo Anderson. To
the right, you see their "works in progress" for the 2008 line of
Blenko. The large cobalt piece in front of Mary Jo was inspired by
frets on the neck of a guitar. According to the couple, new designs
and finishes are on the horizon for Blenko. The piece they are
holding if, of course, the West Virginia Birthday 2008 piece glowing
in the ambient light. Notice Arlon's shirt is the color of the piece.

Start saving your money for some great additions to your collection!

Here we see the actual postcard that accompanied the Blenko Birthday
2008 Piece. I was struck with how organized this whole event was.
Arlon greeted you just inside the door and handed you a postcard with
his autograph and your number. Next, you walked to the register,
showed your card (the "golden ticket") and paid. The vase was
already signed by both Richard Blenko and Arlon Bayliss, dated,
numbered, bubble wrapped, and placed in an orange shopping bag (again
numbered xxx out of 145). Tissue in the colors of the piece peeked
out of the shopping bag.

Note: If you have photos or comments please send to THEBLENKOPROJECT@aol.com

Saturday, June 21, 2008

West Virginia Janis Comes To Milton - Her Photos!

Hillary

Not to fear, I returned with a vase! I met your wonderful parents, talked at length to Mr. Bayless, and saw the wonderful Blenko workers again. The waiting in line was fun. I arrived at 7am and was #104. Very nice people surrounded us. The overnighters were fabulous. One Milton woman ran home to get blankets for the cold campers and even opened up her home for people to use the bathroom. (They need to get a port-a-pottie next year)! The 2008 Birthday piece is even more beautiful than pictures do justice. Your website generated this turnaround interest. I hope you are patting yourself on the back.More from me later. I took over 600 pictures of my fabulous homecoming to WV. The Greenbrier bunker tour, interview with the Greenbrier's historian, Beckley exhibition coal mine tour, Tamarack Arts and Crafts Center visit, Blenko Birthday piece pursuit, and Huntington Museum tour-- all done in 3 days-- made me proud to be from West Virginia. I'm going to try to put together a blog or at least a FLICKR site to share the beauty of our state.Please strike while the iron is hot and generate some message traffic about the Blenko Collectors' Society and their meeting/Blenko piece!
West Virginia Janis
5:00 PM, June 20, 2008

Here is Mr. Bayless demonstrating the iridescence of his new Blenko
finish!
Here are your parents after their acquisition of the Blenko Birthday
2008 piece-- they are so proud of you (and their Blenko). Your mom is
delightful!


I love this shot of the employees and the pieces of the Birthday 2008
Piece cake.

Here is a photo of the view from my spot #104
It felt a little like being in a Roald Dahl movie. This woman had the
last "golden" ticket, #145. She got the piece for a friend in Minnesota.

Note: We'll ask Janis to share other photos and we're interested in ALL OF WEST VIRGINIA! The West Virginia Bloggers are promoting West Virginia this Week! West Virginia Janis's comments are exactly the kind of response they want to receive. Thank you! This is a wonderful state, full of the most lovely, giving, kind, forgiving people on earth!

Anyone else with photos or comments on the day please write hjh

Friday, June 20, 2008

Blenko - West Virginia Birthday

Barry Copley of Charleston once again was number ONE in line. He is a new collector - this is only his third year of collecting Blenko, he has less than one hundred pieces and less than ten Birthday Pieces. He reports, He took early retirement from Coke, he is Singe, Under Fifty, and looking for other Birthday Pieces, and Vintage Blenko. He's intersted in Blenko Collectors Groups.
Today people came from Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, Washington DC, (anywhere else?) . . .These are the addresses listed by the first 75 people in line. More than 30 people spent the night at BLENKO in Milton and at day light over 66 people were in line. At 8am when the store opened the line was very long. Reports were more than 80 people LEFT WITHOUT A VASE! The Vases SOLD out within 15 minutes of the opening.
If you arrived after 7:30 am to BLENKO in Milton you were TOO LATE - more than one hundred and forty five people were in line with their check books ready.
The last two years have been very relaxed, often people have been able to purchase two vases, today it was much more NORMAL - you had to be there early and the vases sold out very quickly. I would expect next year to be even a bigger crowd. The Bayliss - Blenko Birthday pieces have been beautiful now too big, very well designed and the prices is very affordable.
People often double and triple their money immediately after buying the item.
I will be publishing photos of this day at Blenko the remainder of the month. IF you took photos or have a BLENKO BIRTHDAY story please write:
Did anyone see WVJANIS? Was she lucky enough to get a Birthday Piece? I hope so - I told her to go at 8am - UGH - now I am feeling terrible if she didn't get a vase.
Thank you
Hillary

Thursday, June 19, 2008

June 20th - Happy 145th Birthday West Virginia!


JUNE 20th

8am

BLENKO GLASS Co

The 2008 WV Birthday Piece, Designed by A. Bayliss and R. Blenko - On Sale one day only!

Blenko WV Birthday Sale Starts at 8 am - Line is Now Forming!


Only the 'dogs' are still home. . .everyone else is preparing for trip to BLENKO - the long wait in line. Some are in line before NOON TODAY so they might get a # below 10 - others don't come before midnight. Some come at 6am. I think as long as you plan to arrive at BLENKO GLASS in Milton, WV by 8am - you should be safe. I would not plan to arrive any later - and you might want to go earlier. My own parents get there a couple hours before the store opens. Note: To be honest since the sale moved to Milton - its been less hectic and one didn't need to go so early - but Diana the store asst manager - said she heard "Many people were coming from out of state - and she expected to sell out within the first hour" - usually its the first 90 minutes. Photo of Nana and 2 rescue bichons (Small Paws Rescue).

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

WVU Foundation Outstanding Philanthropy Awards

WVU Foundation honors philanthropists
On Friday June 6, I had the privilege to speak about the BLENKO PROJECT to the WOODBURN SOCIETY CIRCLE. At my table was Dr. Joglinder Nath a Senior Professor of Genetics and Dr Jeffrey Neely, Associate Dean for Clinical Services at WVUSOM.

The evening was extremely well planned, the food, the music, everything was outstanding. Special Awards were given to Ed Maier who is from Charleston, it seems I knew his Mom (or at least she often bought the 'items I sold' while I was a student at Robbins Elementary and her home is a round the corner from my own), the other special recipients were Ben and Jo Statler and Ed Suder.
Dr. Scott Remick Director of The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center gave a talk about the Impact of Philantrophy on the Cancer Center. He was a very informative and inspirational speaker.
I'm going to attempt to post the photograph of the honorees and a brief bio. To learn more about The Woodburn Society Circle or WVU Foundation go to http://www.wvuf.org/
Thank you

The West Virginia University Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2008 Outstanding Philanthropy awards.

The awards honor those donors who display exceptional generosity, commitment, leadership and proven records of outstanding civic and charitable devotion to the University.

This year's recipients are Ben and Jo Statler, Outstanding Philanthropists; Eric Suder, Outstanding Volunteer Philanthropist; and the Maier Foundation, Outstanding Philanthropic Organization.

"We congratulate this year's honorees for their willingness to give in so many ways from financial support to innovative philanthropic ideas," said R. Wayne King, president and CEO of the WVU Foundation. "The day-to-day excellence at WVU is possible as a result of their caring and commitment."

The awards were first given in 2005 to mark the WVU Foundation's 50th anniversary.

Ben and Jo Statler

The Statlers, both natives of Monongalia County, are being honored for their commitment and generosity to WVU.

Last fall, the couple announced its intention to donate $25 million to WVU, the single largest gift ever to the University.

The first $5 million will go to the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program at WVU's Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. It will provide funding for a mobile mammography unit named "Bonnie's Bus," after Jo Statler's mother, Bonnie Wells Wilson, who died of breast cancer in 1987. The gift also will be used to fund two professorships dedicated to cancer research.

The remaining $20 million will fund other health care, engineering and athletics programs and initiatives.

Ben Statler earned his degree in mining engineering from WVU in 1973 while working the night shift at a local mine. Before their children were born, Jo Statler worked for the WVU School of Dentistry.

Ben Statler spent much of his career with Consolidation Coal Company, working his way up to become senior vice president of mining for CONSOL in 1996. He formed his own mining company in 1999. In July 2003, Benjamin M. Statler, LLC and Questor Management acquired the assets of U.S. Steel Mining Company and founded PinnOak Resources, LLC. He served as president and chief executive officer of PinnOak until he sold the company in July 2007.

Eric Suder

Eric Suder, a native of Buckhannon, is being honored for his financial support of WVU and leadership as a volunteer.

A 1967 graduate of the University, Suder founded Estech Systems, Inc. in 1987 and currently serves as CEO of the highly successful and nationally-known Texas-based telecommunications company.

Suder has demonstrated a deep personal commitment to philanthropy. In 2003, he established the Suder Scholars program at WVU, aimed at helping students with significant financial need.

Later, he helped with the development of the Foundation's Augusta Scholarship program by providing ideas and feedback. Once the program was established, Suder created a challenge grant that encouraged others to give to the scholarship. The challenge grant was met and surpassed. Because of this, all gifts to the Augusta Scholarship fund are now placed in the principle, increasing the scholarship in perpetuity.

Suder also has funded scholarship programs at the University of Texas. In 2005, he created the ESI Disaster Relief Fund to help those impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami and the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

The Maier Foundation

Ed Maier

The Maier Foundation has been a faithful contributor to WVU for several years, especially in the areas of law and medicine.

Philanthropist William J. Maier Jr., a native of Clarksburg, established the Foundation in 1958 as the Sarah and Pauline Maier Scholarship Foundation in honor of his mother and wife. Renamed the Maier Foundation in 2003, it is a private, nonprofit, charitable corporation located in Charleston whose primary focus is on the furtherance of higher education in West Virginia. Ed Maier, the son of William J. Maier Jr., is president of the foundation.

In 2007, the Maier Foundation's funding of the William J. Maier Jr. Chair of Law surpassed $2 million, enabling WVU to elevate the chair to a deanship. In addition, the Maier Foundation has endowed the Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. Chair of Law and the Warren Point Chair of Internal Medicine in the WVU School of Medicine's Charleston Division.

The Maier Foundation also has established major scholarship endowments and provided $2 million toward construction of a medical education building for the Charleston Division of the WVU Medical Center and $5.4 million for the Maier Village student housing complex there.

West Virginia University Foundation, Inc. One Waterfront Place - 7th Floor - P.O. Box 1650 - Morgantown, WV 26507-1650
PHONE: 304-284-4000 - FAX: 304-284-4001 1-800-847-3856 EMAIL: wvuf@wvuf.org


Blog Readers Want to Get Together?

I'll be in Morgantown - but for those making the Milton trip, this does seem like a great time to meet for coffee, lunch, WVaJanis is driving up and would like to hear from you'all.

For those of you making the Pilgrimage to Milton on 6/20 for the 2008 birthday piece: I propose that the "die hard" BLENKOPROJECT.org bloggers get together at Tudor's Biscuit World for breakfast/lunch in Milton whatever time we get away from the visitor's center. We could meet each other face to face before going our separate ways. Tudor's Biscuit World even have a buy-one/get one special! Join a Blenko friend an save!!!!!!http://eol.entertainment.com/?locKey=12004414120RED00949110EPC00497999PRD00000001&partner=ls03&zipCode=25541It is my understand that poor Hillary will be slaving away at the dental clinic at WVU that morning and will not be joining those of us in line. If we meet for Breakfast, we can get a couple of pictures for our LEADER in absentia. (If anyone has a better suggestion, I'm open). I don't want to drive hundreds of miles to make this pilgrimage and not put any names with faces.It is my understanding that Chuck from the Purple Moon in Charleston has been interested in getting people together. Chuck, will a biscuit do? If not, we're up for suggestions either 6/19 pm or 6/20 after shopping. If any other events are going on, please post them on this blog ASAP! My bags are packed!Rumor has it there will be a SMALL spirit award for the person in line whose outfit most represents the spirit of the 2008 BLENKO Birthday piece!!!

June 20th Celebration at BLENKO!


On June 20th (friday 8am) West Virginia will be celebrating - at BLENKO GLASS the WV Birthday glass will be sold.
Also many other items will be marked down, and their are many items 'one or two of a kind' located on display shelves in the visitors center. This is a wonderful day or weekend to visit BLENKO GLASS to start or continue the WV Birthday Collection or to add to your collection of Blenko or perhaps start early Holiday Shopping.
Upstairs the 'Blenko Ladies will be serving a cake made especially for this day and drinks. hjh

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Welcome Your Comments on Art, Work , Life, & Collecting!

An artist is somebody who produces things that people don't need to have. Andy Warhol
"I suppose I have a really loose interpretation of 'work', because I think that just being alive is o much work at something you don't always want to do. The machinery is always going, Even when you sleep. " Andy Warhol


We have too many people who live without working. We have too many more who work without living. At some point in our 'career' we must choose between living to work and working to live…" - Dean Charles R. Brown

Sol, sent this quote a few weeks ago. I must say so far - 'I love work'
. . . . but like the idea of retiring early, very early.

Having hobbies make retirement much more interesting, actually collecting can make all life more interesting. IF you haven't started a collection of BLENKO or other West Virginia This is your 'lucky week'

the WV Birthday /Blenko will be sold on Friday June 20th at BLENKO GLASS Milton, West Virginia. A limited edit on - only 145 pieces.

Store opens at 8 am.

Buying BLENKO On Line

Blenko Glass has an online website http://www.blenkoglass.com/ which is the #1 source of Blenko on line.
Do you have a favorite on line source for Blenko? Are you willing to share, if so
let us know where you purchase.
The following is a list of on line shopping sites for Blenko .
Check them out, and send us any other sites you use.
http://www.20thobsession.com/
http://www.glasslanding.comw/
ww.hiandlomodern.com
http://www.pachucoscadavers.com/
http://www.planetglass.net/
http://www.retroglass.com/
http://www.vetrocollections.com/
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/

Monday, June 16, 2008

2004 WV Birthday Collection BLENKO


June 2o 2004. This was designed 'in house' at Blenko. Sold at The Clay Center in Charleston, West Virginia. thank you ICTVD for the info.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Father's Day



Happy Father's Day to the special men in my life my Dad, Popaw, & Uncles Gale, Barry, & Skip.
Father's Day is a celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide and typically involves gift-giving to fathers and family-oriented activities. In 2008, it will be celebrated on June 15th in most countries.
In West Virginia, it was first celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, who is believed to have suggested the service to the pastor, is believed to have been inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the United States from Italy. Another possible inspiration for the service was Mothers' Day, which had been celebrated for the first time two months prior in Grafton, West Virginia, a town about 15 miles (24 km) away.
Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, as a single parent reared his six children in Spokane, Washington. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis's efforts to establish Mother's Day. Although she initially suggested June 5, the anniversary of her father's death, she did not provide the organizers with enough time to make arrangements, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA.
Unofficial support from such figures as William Jennings Bryan was immediate and widespread. President Woodrow Wilson was personally feted by his family in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon.
In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting male-oriented gifts such as electronics, tools and greeting cards. Schools and other children's programs commonly have activities to make Father's Day gifts.
According to IBISWorld, a publisher of business research, Americans are expected to spend $11 billion on gifts for Father's Day in 2008. This is about $7 billion less than the amount spent on Moms for Mother's Day, which is more steeped in traditional gifts, some of which tend to be more expensive than Father's Day gifts. In economic terms, the average per capita spending on Father's Day is expected to be in the range of $27.60 in 2008, down slightly from $28.97 in 2007, which is indicative of consumer spending while the US is in the midst of a sluggish and unpredictable economy.


NOTE: Thanks to Eon for the above info re: Father's Day.
The Blenko steer is one of many items from Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com

Thought for Today and for life. . .


People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."-Mother Teresa

Friday, June 13, 2008

Fear of Friday 13th? paraskevidekatriaphobia ...

Of course I have no 'fears'. . . but for those who do, I recommend a) a friendly shrink, or b) my friend Chris' blog -

This is not my blog.: paraskevidekatriaphobia ...

Cathy Gallina's Website - Shop for Blenko


Have a favorite place where you purchase BLENKO or other West Virginia Glass? Are you willing to share the info? If so, send an email or link and we'll tell all our friends.

Cathy Gallina a member of the Blenko Collectors Society has a website where she and her husband sell BLENKO and other fine quality glass . If you click on the link it will take you to the site and home page.
I ask Cathy to write a brief statement about her website:
http://www.glasslanding.com/ A great website for buying Blenko glass at reasonable prices. As collectors ourselves, we believe collecting Blenko is about the love for the glass, so glasslanding offers glass from all designers and years. All the items have a description about the piece and describe the condition. It's a easy basic website to maneuver. To purchase simply send us an email and we will email you with an invoice. We also offer Higgins, Erickson, Murano and Scandinavian glass. Glasslanding has moved so additions will be up shortly. We welcome inquires about finding certain pieces valuable to collectors so check us out!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Vintage Blenko


It seems pretty clear that the vintage Blenko market has developed significantly lately with collectors more than any time before willing and able to pay for what is now known to be the very best and rarest of Blenko's 1950's & 1960's production. Probably the most visible evidence of this is on a website that most Blenko collectors have in their "favorites", http://www.vmglasshouse.com/ . Personally I have never before seen so many rare and amazing pieces gathered in one place and for sale. For example, look at these things that many of us will either never see again or have an opportunity to own:
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/specialitem5928.htm
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/specialitem5615.htm
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/specialitem557.htm
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/specialitem552.htm
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/specialitem556.htm
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/feature.htm

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

To Collect or Not To Collect - Is this an Option?


" The most discouraging feature of mania for BLENKO GLASS - collecting is, that it grows by what it feeds on and becomes the more insatiable the more it is gratified." *



I saw this William Matthews quote about book collecting - I'm altering it a bit for us - it fits so well - next Friday is June 20th. West Virginia 's Birthday. If you aren't lucky enough to get one of the Birthday Pieces - the Blenko Glass Company will be offering many other very special items. Mr. Richard Blenko will be there to sign glass. This is a very special occasion. Any item signed, and most especially an item signed by Richard BLENKO is increased greatly in value. Given the opportunity to stand in line and have your glass signed, opt to do this. If you have have camera take photos and keep the visual documentation with your glass.
* At least for me the more glass I have the more I want, the more unique and beautiful Blenko glass I visit the more I want to own, I hope this is true for each of you - and that you are purchasing this beautiful glass while its still being handcrafted in West Virginia.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

2003 BLENKO BIRTHDAY


June 20, 2003. Blenko West Virginia Birthday. This one is shaped like a 'moonshine or whiskey bottle' I heard this description from a Cabin Creek lady. Several people in line to purchase were not Birthday Collectors, they were folk who saw the photo...liked the jug and wanted to purchase.

It's blue with gold handle. hjh

Monday, June 09, 2008

BLENKO - Take me everywhere. . .


While attending a cocktail party on Saturday night I thought about BLENKO GLASS and how nice BLENKO looks at almost any event. Blenko Glass has been 'everywhere' from US Presidential Inauguration's to local baby showers - if you aren't collecting and using BLENKO www.blenkoglass.com ask yourself WHY NOT?

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Car Show Today in Huntington!


Those of you who read this blog regularly know that along with Blenko Glass and WVU, another passion of mine is antique automobiles. Alas, no collection of those yet, but its always fun to look at other peoples - and today you can!

The Tri-State Street Rods Club annual family car show is today (Sunday, June 8) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ritter Park.

Vehicle registration is $10, and admission is free to the public. Concessions and restrooms will be available.

The charitable event is sponsored this year by Mountaineer Expedite Trucking Co. Charleston. All proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army.

There will be antique cars and trucks, coupes, sedans, convertibles, street rods and customized vehicles. Live music will be performed by The Blown Head Gaskets, a local group playing music from the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

What a great way to spend a warm summer day!

*Event information from The Herald-Dispatch

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Photos

Winslow Anderson


John Nickerson




















Wayne Husted with a Collection he designed for Blenko.


Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Vintage Modern Glasshouse

Vintage Modern glasshouse Offering the largest single-dealer selection of vintage mid-20th Century glass on the internet since 2003, doing business since 1998.

Specializing in exceptional free-blown vintage glass exclusively from the modernist period (1920's - 1970's) our inventory includes many prime examples from America , Italy and Scandinavia . Our emphasis is on exotic and rare sculptural forms that exemplify the intersection of art, craft and design.

Our primary focus is the production of the Blenko Glass Company of West Virginia , circa 1947-74 whose work perfectly embodies the qualities of free-blown glass with an enormous range of the highest caliber of original and unusual designs. Known for hiring designers who later became leading names in the Studio Glass movement, Blenko was a great innovator and is deeply relevant to the history of glass and American culture.



Blenko open top cone stopper decanter, design #5937 in Persian Blue by Wayne Husted, designed 1959, made 2 years only, 22.75in.H x 5in.D, Signed $995

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Quality over Time = Blenko Glass


"Over time, quality work will lead to an audience for your work. "Nicholas Sparks
This speaks to BLENKO GLASS's commitment to quality for almost 100 years.

The sands of time were eroded by the river of constant change! Many glass manufacturers have closed their doors in the 100 years Blenko has been producing handcrafted antique and table ware. At Blenko they believe in 'quality'
this belief in providing high quality remains in tack and visible in each production line. One of the best places to learn about BLENKO GLASS is the Blenko Museum Website, http://www.blenkomuseum.org/the website states: The Blenko Museum's mission is to organize and facilitate the public exhibition of Blenko glass and to advance scholarly interest by preserving and promoting the history of the Blenko Glass Company. Which is a great adjunct to the goal of BlENKO PROJECT , which wants to preserve the history of BLENKO,raise awareness of WV Glass making history, and focus on the individual factory glass craftsmen. The Blenko Museum has been most helpful to our work on BLENKO PROJECT during these four years. Bill Pratt and Damon Crane (New York and Seattle) have collected, shown, and educated the public about BLENKO for many years.

Free-blown glass is made entirely by hand using blowpipes, molds - usually of hand-carved wood - and shaping tools. The work is performed by skilled workers, each performing a specialized task. The process is not mechanized but takes place in a factory (production) setting as opposed to a studio. Blenko continues to use this method of production.

Damon Crane states: "BLENKO GLASS whose work perfectly embodies the qualities of free-blown glass with an enormous range of the highest caliber of original and unusual designs. Known for hiring designers who later became leading names in the Studio Glass movement, Blenko was a great innovator and is deeply relevant to the history of glass and American culture. "Note: D Crane prefers the vintage Blenko.

June 20th West Virginia Birthday.

Blenko Glass in Milton, W.Va. 304 743 9081 will once again on June 20th continue the 28 year tradition of producing a one of a kind item to be sold in limited edition (#145 this year)
IN HONOR OF WEST Virginia's Statehood. West Virginia celebrates June 20th as its Birthday! And BLENKO MAKES THE "West Virginia BIRTHDAY glass" in honor of this occasion. If you haven't started a BIRTHDAY COLLECTION - let me say its very difficult almost impossible to find the entire collection. HOWEVER, the 2007 or 2008 make a great starting point. START now to collect BLENKO. This is the last remaining Antique Glass Manufacturer in the United States.

Monday, June 02, 2008

2002 WVa Birthday - BLENKO COLLECTION


June 20, 2002. Stone and Thomas Department Store. Color of this one is not the usual shade of blue - the arms are gold. I've been told this was designed in house by Dave Osburn and Rodney Wade, but no confirmation of this. hjh

Monday Mornings At Blenko



" Many years ago in a period commonly known as Next Friday Afternoon, there lived a King who was very Gloomy on Tuesday mornings because he was so Sad thinking about how Unhappy he had been on Monday and how completely Mournful he would be on Wednesday"
Where did this come from?

Monday Mornings are one of the very best times to shop the BLENKO GLASS Visitors Center Gift Shop. On Monday Mornings - Diana always makes new 'markdowns' and sets out new items from the factory. Looking for something unusual, a bit different, from the 'usual' Blenko Line - then stop by the Gift Shop on a Monday Morning. One of the best days to find that unique gift item at Blenko. HJH

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Fish . . . and more Fish...If Today Were a Fish, I'd Throw It Back.






Fish - - Blenko http://www.blenko.com/ has a large selection of glass FISH. For years Blenko has made various sizes, style FISH.

Long ago - Mark Twain said: " When you fish for love, bait with your heart, not your brain.
Henry David Thoreau is given credit for :" Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after."
In Grade school Ms. Dumany made me memorize : A Chinese Proverb - " Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime."
Another Chinese Proverb - " All cats love fish but fear to wet their paws."

For the BLENKO GLASS designers and craftsmen - I think the location of BLENKO in Milton, on the water make the FISH and DUCKS a natural part of the Blenko line. The men are inspired daily by the natural setting surrounding Blenko Glass. If you haven't taken your family to BLENKO - June is a great month to go - observe the glass making process, feed the ducks, enjoy the glass garden, observe the beautiful lake and grounds. Blenko Glass, Milton, West Virginia an educational and fun day trip. hjh
Note: Have an unusual Blenko Fish - send a photo.