West Virginia Birthday Vase

Hilary

While catching up on reading at the beach, I read about the WVBD collection you donated to WVU. Then I started researching glass and blenko on the net, I've read a couple dozen sites from start to finish searching for info about the WVBD Vase, also I drove to Morgantown to see in person the WVBD vases you donated to WVU.

There I told they (WVBD vases) were in the Presidents Home and not available at this time for public view. After this I made another weekend trip to Blenko Glass where I discovered only a dozen or so are on display. Someone should tell them they need the entire collection on display.

Now I want my own. Suggestions for where I can find the older ones and

suggestions for how to become a member of the WVBD club.

Sue Vickers

Sue,

I'll pass your suggestion to Blenko.
Thank you for writing. Blenko continues to make each year on or about June 20th a special vase to celebrate West Virginia's Birthday. http://www.blenkoproject.org/ .

Phone Blenko at 304 743 9081 with questions, http://www.blenkoglass.com/ .

The exact date is listed on Blenko 's website and also in this blog we promote the event a month or two prior. You need only show up at least 12 hours prior to the announced time the gift shop will open. You'll pay under $160 and you'll receive a signed and number WVBD vase.

Often WVBD vases (older) are offered for sale via this blog, and on e-bay. A few weeks ago a reader offered the 'fish bowl' WVBD vase which was created and signed by Don Shepperd.

In our wonderful State www.wv.gov - Fenton, Festia, Blenko and now OSBURN MODERN GLASS all make a special item for the WVBD event. This was the first year OSBURN GLASS participated.

First Editon are usually - well the first 1-5 years are the most difficult to find, and the first year is often the only one many collect. OSBURN's WVBD vase sold for less than $90 it was made of glass that looked very much like granite - with cranberry, creme, and beige. Very

unique. You ask how to acquire. I'd phone Dave Osburn and ask if he has one or two remaining and then make a quick purchase. All WVBD pieces are signed and numbered.

Osburn Glass is Fax 304 743 9281 Phone 304 743 9280 - the address is 1000 Amos St. Milton, Blog reader Phani took the above photo of Dave's WVBD Vase. Everyone agreed this vase will beautiful in Phani's photo , is even more lovely when seen with the naked eye.

Happy Collecting! Buy made in West Virginia Glass when possible.