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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.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Who is Everette 'Shorty' Finley?




























Hillary







You often write about Shorty Finley. Who is Shorty Finley and why is he more important than other Blenko employees?







Tanya







Tanya,

In the history of Blenko Glass - perhaps a dozen excellent glass workers stand out. To my knowledge only 3 are living. Everette " Shorty" Finley is one of the three.


There are people who collect only " Shorty Finley" glass. My Mom doesn't collect Blenko, but will purchase anything with Shorty's signature. She owns several dozen pieces.


I'm going to post a few of the special items, Shorty also made tableware, the large hour glass tables, the JPMyers lady, and was often ask by the designers to make items they designed for Galleries.


Shorty a widower for the last decade, lives alone in Milton, he has 2 sons and a good number of grandchildren. If you visit Milton, Shorty can often be found in the 2nd booth of the Go Mart - having his coffee and discussing with his friends - ways to improve

Milton and the world.







Google: Shorty Finley.







6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you agree Randy Rider and Dave Osburn and Mark Davis will
become Blenko legends?
Sarah Wright
East Bank

Anonymous said...

NO NO NO
Randy can only finish can't blow glass, Dave is a good blower ok finisher, Mark is the only one who can blow and finish. I know this will make some people mad but it is true, I worked with all three of them, just stating the facts.
Shorty could do anything with glass him and Jessie Carpenter. They will forget more than these guys will ever learn.

Anonymous said...

Randy designs glass - Perfume bottles for the place in Princeton. He has been a part of the design team for a long time.
Randy will certainly take his place along side former foreman, glass finisher, in house designers.
Randy is charismatic, talented, a real showman.
Mark Davis and Dave Osburn are also very talented.
Many of the older Blenko employees are.
Blenko unlike Fenton does not allow the workers to take credit for their designs and skills.
Alice H.

Anonymous said...

This is not factory glass, this is art glass.
Extremely nice.

Anonymous said...

Alice
Do you live in Chillicotte Ohio?
I met an Alice at a Blenko
group sale last summer ( Westerville).
Pat White

Anonymous said...

In the Milton gift shop I've found pieces of glass signed by Randy Rider, Charlie Harsbarger, Shorty Finley and others.
The VC is always the best place to treasure hunt Blenko.
Angie