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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, February 01, 2009

Everette SHORTY Finley

Photos- Shorty and I on a day when his health is good, and a photo of the 'LADY' -factoid - Shorty says, he made all the "Lady'Blenko vases . So if you have a Blenko 'lady', ya might want to ask Shorty to sign her, if it wasn't signed by the designer, the one I own is signed by both WHB and Shorty. hjh


Everette " Shorty" Finley may not be the Best finisher / blower Blenko Glass to work at Blenko glass, but he was certainly one of the most colorful. His work was always excellent, and he is one of two Blenko craftsmen I collect. Shorty is gregarious, he never sees a stranger, his loves of working with glass is the first thing one notices, he also wants to share his love, he wants you to "TRY" working with glass, he feels if you attempt you'll have an appreciation for the 'skill' and you will develop an understanding of the cost associated with glass making. Shorty didn't have a lot of formal education, but he is a very bright man.

He was a hard working man his entire life. Blenko Glass, and his family were and are today the loves of his life. Shorty would rather talk about or if the opportunity arises go over to Blenko than do anything else. Most days he gets up before 4am goes to the local Gas Station for coffee a biscuit and some conversation then out to his farm to feed the livestock then back home to rest and nap, he goes back to the farm in the afternoon. On warm days he works at the farm 6-8 hours a day. Breaking only to hunt or fish on the farm. The joys in his life include short trips with his sons or grandchildren and his friend Boyd. Shorty also enjoys going out for 'chicken dinners' at the KFC with friends.
For a little more than 7 days now Shorty has had a flu, he's staying in. If you live in Milton, give him a call or send a card . If you don't have his address send the card c/o Blenko Glass Company. I know from the experience with my own grandparents after age 65 everyone enjoys receiving cards! Thanks for listening.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Card is in the mail.
Sue M.

DrAnnu said...

The great gift anyone can give another is 'presence'
Shorty, WV Glass, Blenko, all things in your life
are gifted by your 'presence.'
Thank you for raising my awareness.

Anonymous said...

Are you for sure he made all these?
Sue M.

bridgett said...

OK I also must have this naked lady?
How much does she cost? Looked on ebay w/o luck.
Anyone have one?
Can we say naked here? She is naked isn't she?

Heart of Glass said...

Bridgett
They are available. Costly (for me as a student) but available.
I saw one in blue on Damon Crain's website
also ebay and then
check out Blenko Gallery or write letters and ask these vendor to look for you.
hjh

Heart of Glass said...

Sue
I know Shorty said this - Let me post the question to Randy Rider, Dave Osburn and Don Lemley and get back to you.
I'll send emails to them and Tammy Kosla today.
One of these 4 should know the answer.
HJH