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.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Question for ya Hilary.   I'd like to see photos of large Blenko Glass candle holders,  also can these be purchased at the VC now?
Photos - please so when I find the candle holders I know they are Blenko.
Thank you
Howard Sowards
Formerly of St Albans, WV

Howard,  I'm not certain this is what you are searching for but these are available now and often at the VC and can be special order 304 743 9081.  HJH

Monday, July 30, 2012

Melon Vases

Anderson melon vases

Anderson designed Blenko #927 Bud vase in Turquoise (9") and Blenko #928 Melon vase in Ruby (5 1/2")


From Blog Friend Bruce in Texas

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Time

I woke thinking about
time -  how elusive it is -  how quickly or slowly  depending on the circumstances  time passes.

Blenko Glass  http://www.blenkoglass.com/  is having its 5th ( yes 5 years) Festival of Glass the first week of August.   See website for accurate info.
Blenko located in Milton, WVa is the oldest manufacturer of antique glass - rolled the old fashion way.  Blenko is the only USA manufacturer of this glass.
    Time seems to have a way of changing things doesn't it?   Current society  wants quick, fast and cheap!   I long for a time when we  again value quality -  we value handcrafted and we are willing to wait.
     Blenko isn't cheap,  it is handcrafted and it is quality hand blown art  glass.  It will last many lifetimes.  
Blenko was Green - long before Green was in. 
      Time moves so rapidly - I've been a Dentist for 3 years -  The Blenko Project is now more than seven years old -  this blog has been around way too long - and,  My Ms. B will be ten years old in October.   
       Two of my favorite quotes about time are below: 
The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.



Abraham Lincoln
    Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration.



Khalil Gibran

   While at the Festival of Glass -  think about the future and buy quality glass for yourself and your family to enjoy. *   We have but one life - live it well. 
*  It may just be a good investment. 

Photo : Variations - a limited edition collection designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko Glass. 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

China

Can anyone help our reader determine the pattern name  for this china she inherited from her grandma?  It was purchased in WV at a fine jewelery store ( no longer in business since 1950).  Reader wants to complete the set but needs a pattern name for a successful Replacements contact.      Its not Blenko - but the owner does collect Blenko and WV Glass.
Thank you
HJH

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Anderson 4-dent vases


 Anderson four dent vases

Anderson designed  Blenko #903-4 Four dent vase in Lime and Turquoise (5 1/4")

From Blog Friend Bruce in Texas

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Nice Article about Glass Festival from State Journal

Blenko Festival of Glass Set Aug 34
By JAMES E. CASTO
For The State Journal

MILTON — Blenko Glass Co. will celebrate its fifth annual Festival of Glass Aug. 3 and 4 at its factory and Visitor Center in Cabell County. Like previous editions of the annual festival, the event is expected to attract not just local fans of the iconic glassware but Blenko collectors from around the country.
Festival visitors will receive a free collectible medallion and have an opportunity to shop for limited edition glass pieces, take factory tours from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each day and participate in classes in the glass making process. Space in the classes is limited and early registration is urged. People interested in participating in a class should call 877-425-3656 to sign up.
Limited edition glass items to be offered for sale beginning at 8 a.m. Aug. 4 include an 18-inch dulcimer. Blenko mold maker Daniel Chapman designed the topaz-colored dulcimer, the third piece in the company's Appalachian Music Series. The edition is limited to 75 signed and numbered pieces.
Other limited edition pieces to be available are a turquoise apple with yellow swirls and a miniature water bottle with handle. The apples are being issued in 50 numbered pieces and the water bottle in 50 turquoise and 50 yellow pieces 
Company president Walter Blenko and vice president Andy Blenko will be on hand each day to sign pieces for purchasers.
Blenko Glass has been a family-owned and operated company since 1893 and has been located in Milton since 1921, attracted by the region's abundant supply of natural gas to fire its furnaces.
Originally Blenko made only sheet glass, but the Great Depression and the resultant downturn in demand for new or replacement glass forced the company to begin making the colorful hand-blown vases, pitchers and other glassware for which it has become internationally known.
Today Blenko is one of the last survivors of a once-thriving West Virginia glass industry.

Full Artice with photos: http://www.statejournal.com/story/19073500/2012/07/20/blenko-festival-of-glass-set-aug-3-4
Find more items like this at http://www.statejournal.com
Copyright 2012 WVSTATE

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Anderson Pitchers



Anderson Pitchers 

Blenko #967 Flat-sided Pitcher in Amber (12"), Blenko #905-H Cocktail Swish-it Pitcher in Amethyst (11"), Blenko #939-P in Chartreuse (14")

Blenko . Blenko Glass. In the Blenko of an Eye

Blenko Glass Martini Pitcher
      Judy  from Renick Virginia  wrote to ask why  'Blenko ruby' was so popular?
On occassion  a photo is better than a thousand words. 
      A light but rich red is often difficult to accomplish - no one does Ruby quiet like the men of Blenko Glass. hjh

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Blenko Glass Festival August
2012 Limited Edition Items




18" Dulcimer
  dulcimer2
The 3rd introduction in our Appalachian music series. This topaz Dulcimer was designed by our mold maker Daniel Chapman. Limited to 75 signed and numbered pieces.
Price: $75.00


4" Apple
 swirl apple
One of a kind turquoise apple with yellow swirls.
Limited to 50 numbered pieces.
Price: $58.00

 
6 ¼" Miniature Waterbottle w/Handle
 384 w/handle
Celebrating 75 years of stellar sales, this Limited Edition Mini Water Bottle with a handle is a throwback to the 1950's when it was first introduced. It is available in two 1950's colors. 50 Turquoise & 50 Yellow numbered and etched FOG 12 on bottom.
Price: $45.00

Pink Ice
pink ice
One of our favorite colors, back for a limited time only and available in several new styles. Limited quantities available. Get yours while supplies last


*All 2012 Limited Edition Iitems available Saturday, August 4th at 8:00am. No advance orders. No phone orders. Limit 1 per person of each color/style.

Online Exclusive
For customers who can't visit us  person, Blenko is offering two Limited Edition items that will go on sale Saturday, August 4th at 12 Noon Eastern time, 9am Pacific time at shop.blenko.com. Limit one per style/color per order. No phone orders. Shipping/Handling charges apply. No number requests.

384 Mini Water Bottle w/Handle, Turquoise & Yellow
384 w/handle
Limited to 50 numbered pieces in each color
$45.00
   and

18" Dulcimer
Limited to 50 numbered pieces
$75.00

1962-1971 catalogs uploaded

1962-1971 catalogs are now available on blenko project website.
http://www.blenkoproject.org/blenko-catalogs

Friday, July 20, 2012

Blenko Glass Class Schedule

Blenko 5th Annual Festival of Glass Event
August 3rd and 4th


Class Schedule
Friday, August 3rd
        8:30-11:30          Glass Workshop
        8:30-10:30         Blown Glass Candy Dish/Basket
        8:30-10:00        *Glass Flower (guest instructor Matt Urban)
        8:30-10:00          Dichroic Glass Jewelry (guest instructor Ernie Downey)
        9:00-TBD            Stained Glass Panel
        9:00-10:30        *Stamped Ornament
        9:00-11:00          Stepping Stone Mosaic
        9:00-11:00         *Mosaic Coaster
        10:00-11:30         Sm. Dalle Mosaic
        10:00-12:30         Dalle Chipping
        1:00-3:00           *Make your own Water Bottle
        1:00-3:00             Blown Glass Candy Dish/Basket
        1:00-2:30           *Blown Ornament (guest instructor Matt Urban)
        1:00-2:30            Stepping Stone Mosaic
        1:00-2:30            Sm. Spin Bowl
        1:00-2:30            Dichroic Glass Jewelry (guest instructor Ernie Downey)
        1:00-2:00          *Mosaic Nightlight
        1:00-2:30            Paperweight
*New Class for 2012


Saturday, August 4th
        8:30-11:30          Glass Workshop
        9:00-11:00          Blown Glass Candy Dish/Basket
        9:00-10:30        *Glass Flower (guest instructor Matt Urban)
        9:00-TBD            Stained Glass Panel
        9:00-10:30        *Stamped Ornament
        9:00-10:30          Sm. Dalle Mosaic
        9:00-11:30           Dalle Chipping
        9:00-11:00           Stepping Stone Mosaic
        9:00-11:00         *Mosaic Coaster
        1:00-2:00           *Mosaic Nightlight
        1:00-2:30             Dichroic Glass Jewelry (guest instructor Ernie Downey)
        1:00-2:30           *Blown Ornament (guest instructor Matt Urban)
        1:00-3:00           *Make your own Water Bottle
        1:00-3:00             Blown Glass Candy Dish/Basket
        1:00-2:30             Sm. Spin Bowl
        1:30-3:00             Paperweight

For full descriptions of classes and fees, visit http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=jwq8btcab&v=001OlZyvMDk6bjcjclyTuMREats7Lp5ACevqRGMgli_4aPzTmV6q3g-MGwfOoMu585XhjFzkJbl_TSPWwHtpYBBCiVRq0LTvTyQHyV4Ds2cmAbM_b2vOXW4mA%3D%3D

Testimonials for Blenko project website

Hello,
Most people here have been associated with blenko blog for several years. If you are willing to share your experiences with blenkoproject, please send them via email to blenko project ( theblenkoproject@aol.com ) .
Selected testimonials will appear on the blenko project website. http://www.blenkoproject.org/testimonials-1
Thanks
V

EMAIL:  TheBlenkoProject@aol.com

Thursday, July 19, 2012

1975-2010 catalogs uploaded

1975 to 2010 catalogs with blenkoproject watermarks are now up on blenko project website.
http://www.blenkoproject.org/blenko-catalogs

V

5th Festival of Glass at Belnko

Blenko 5th Annual Festival of Glass Event
August 3rd and 4th

The 5th annual Festival of Glass event will be held at the Blenko Glass factory on Friday, August 3rd & Saturday, August 4th. Free parking will be available, everyone who attends will receive a FREE Collectible medallion and visitors will have the rare opportunity to view our skilled artisans at work and participate in a variety of classes related to the glass making process (fees apply).


Events

Glassblowing Demonstrations
Friday &a; Saturday
8:00am - 3:15pm
Signing Events
Walter Blenko
President
Friday &; Saturday
8:30am - 10:00am,
Noon - 1:30pm

Andy Blenko
Vice President
Friday
10:00am - Noon,
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Saturday
8:30am - 10:00am
1:30pm - 3:00pm

Guided Factory Tours
Friday & Saturday
9:00am, 10:30am,
12:30pm; 2:00pm

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Glass Manager Job Opening in Columbus OH


"What began as a traveling hot shop over 20 years ago has become a 10,000 square feet non-profit glass art studio, with over 100 members, a gallery, and a mission dedicated to teaching and education."

Job Title: Facilities Manager
Compensation: $20,000 to $26,000 plus up to $9000 studio credit annually based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include, health insurance stipend, paid vacation, and sick days.
Structure:  Facilities Manager is a part-time 30 hours per week salaried position that reports directly to the Executive Director. This position also works closely with administrative and education staff, plus Board of Trustees Committees. Flexible hours with some nights and weekends.
General Duties: Facilities Manger is responsible for the overall vision, direction, and upkeep of the glass facilities at Glass Axis, including Hot Shop, Cold Shops, Warm Shops, and Metal Shop. This includes maintaining all equipment, co-steering the educational programs, creating custom and production artworks, and organizing and facilitating community projects. Great attitude, collaborative spirit, and self-motivation are essential.
Responsibilities:
Maintenance and Repair: Maintain, repair, and purchase ALL glass studio equipment with the help of Executive Director, Office Manager, Interns, Volunteers and the occasional mechanical professional. Oversee and maintain glass quality and janitorial efforts.
Supervise: Instructors, Interns, Volunteers, and Contractors.
Reports: Create weekly and monthly reports for Executive Director and Office Manager. Work with Executive Director and Board of Trustees to plan annual goals, fundraising efforts, and 8-year Strategic plans.
Budgets: Work with Executive Director to create and maintain annual budgets for each Studio and special projects.
Create: Create and/or support production, product line, and custom commissions as needed.
Curriculum: Work with Executive Director to develop and maintain course curriculum based on audience needs, budget, and enrollment trends. Schedule and evaluate all classes. Directly supervise and evaluate instructors. Propose new classes. Recruit and invite Master and Visiting Artists; organize logistics and assist Visiting Artist events. Teach classes as needed (one to three per week).
Class, Studio, and Production Supplies: Order all glass supplies and tools. Oversee class and production set-up as needed. Keep studios stocked with supplies needed for member artists. Maintain good vendor relationships. Actively seek donations for glass supplies and equipment.
Support: Work with Executive Director to plan and implement meeting with Member Artists and Instructors. Attend Board and Committee Meetings as needed. Troubleshoot problems that Members, Instructors, and Students may have. Oversee health and safety of all studios and classes. Support Glass Axis with special events. Represent Glass Axis in the glass community locally, nationally, and internationally.
Other: Serve as an ambassador for Glass Axis programs in the community. Other duties as assigned.

Submit cover letter, resume, portfolio, and three professional references to Eva Ball, Executive Director, via email at eva@glassaxis.org or via post at 1341 Norton Avenue-B, Columbus, OH 43212.
This position will remain open until filled. The first set of applications will be reviewed on August 6 and the second set on September 1, 2012. No phone calls please.
Glass Axis does not discriminate in hiring, membership, and provisional services with regard to race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or presence of sensory, mental, or physical disability.

Visit
http://glassaxis.org/facilities-manager-opening    for additional information

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Blenko Glass Festival of Glass

Information is now available at http://www.blenkoglass.com/.
You'll want to make plans to attend this weekend of glass making activities.

Glass created just for this weekend is offered.
HJH
Note:   The Colors of Blenko coming soon to :  http://www.blenkoproject.org/ .

1976 to 1979 catalogs added

1976 to 1979 catalogs added to blenko project website.
More coming soon.
V

Center PA Festival of Arts

Center PA festival of arts celebrated its 45th anniversary this year from July 12-15 (http://www.arts-festival.com/). It is a 4-day event that brings about 125,000 people to state college PA. Various artists use this as an opportunity to showcase their art, glass makers being one of them. Below are pictures from this year's festival of arts.

I also met a glass worker from Dayton Ohio whose art work reminded me of Blenko; Thomas Chapman, who runs Shiloh Hotglass (937-277-4592). He was kind enough to extend invitation to visit his work shop, and said he may consider making custom pieces. Below are 2 videos of Thomas Chapman at work at his residence.

Part 2# http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6490VdSo98

Thanks,
V

Below are some pictures from Festival of Arts, others can be found here https://picasaweb.google.com/103730108399998493227/PAFestivalOfArts?authkey=Gv1sRgCOK2hoXg6_H7eA






Pepper Grinders



Creations of Thomas Chapman, Shiloh Hotglass

Bird Feeders






Monday, July 16, 2012

Anderson designed Blenko #991 Optic Pitcher in Amber (13"), Blenko #976 in Lime (18")

http://www.blenkoproject.org/
This photo from our Texas friend Bruce S.  Over the years Bruce S and his family continue to share photos from their very large collection of  of Blenko Glass. 
Anderson was Blenko's first official designer -  to learn more about Anderson and other Blenko designers  go to http://www.blenkoproject.org/ Blenko Project website.
In lime and amber -  Bruce didn't include a story with this photo.  When you buy glass - if there is a story - add this to your notebook.   Most all Blenko - all the great finds - come with a story - about the maker, the transaction or just the process of obtaining the vase. hjh

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Ref: Issues with blenko project website

Hello,

I am the person who is helping Hillary with blenko project website. Some of you have complained that "There is something seriously wrong with the website" or "Website is not working". I cannot use this information or such remarks for any thing.

Please post here what specific issues are there with the website, so I can address them one-by-one.

Thanks
V

Blenko project: www.blenkoproject.org

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Myers Pitchers

HIllary,
Myers designed pitchers. On the left is an Olive Green Blenko # 645(10") and on the right is a Turquoise  Blenko #6415 (12 1/2"). Both of these I picked up as mis-lists on Ebay last fall. They make a striking pair with their optic panel sides.
Enjoy,
Bruce

Monday, July 09, 2012

Early Studio Glass Publications

From Blog Friend Tony Patti -
Early Studio Glass Publications - Toledo Museum of Art (TMA)
http://www.toledomuseum.org/glass-pavilion/glass-at-tma/early-studio-glass-publications/
The Toledo Museum of Art has made available for free download
four early studio glass publications in PDF format from 1966, 1968, 1970, and 1972.
Even though these are 40 - 46 years old, I still found them inspiring.
They range in size from 16 pages to 67 pages each.

Friday, July 06, 2012

Can you ID this Glass?



Can you help this Blog reader ID her glass?

The lamp is 40 inches tall from bottom to top of shade.  I don't see any Blenko markings, but I did include the Certificate of Authenticity. 
KE

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Happy 4th of July from Heart of Glass!

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

West Virginia University - Blenko Glass

There is no better combination that the WVU symbol on Blenko Glass.  If you are a Mountaineer  -  consider purchasing Blenko now   -  Its time for the pre  pre game cook outs to begin.
Go Mountaineers!
    Blenko Glass.  Blenko for all your gift giving. 

August - Blenko Festival of Glass

This is the big event for Blenko Glass collectors -  a great weekend for parents and grandparents - its a well planned event.  Classes for all ages,  activities for the kids,  bring a lunch or purchase food from vendors.   Eat near the Blenko Glass Garden and pond. 
   The cost of this weekend is minimal  and depends upon the activities you choose.
Many unique glass items are being made for this event.  In years past -  each shop made onre or two limited edition items to be sold. . . . Return here or /& check out http://www.blenkoglass.com/  for
additional information.
    This is the Blenko Glass Summer Event you'll want to attend.   

Monday, July 02, 2012

CMOG Summer Family Programs

We get a good number of emails asking about glassmaking lessons, each year Blenko ( august - Festival of Glass) offers someglasses.  
 CMOG - always has something going on - consider taking the kids,  the gran-kids for a road trip.
HJH



Summer Kids' Activities at the Museum

 Little Gather
9:30am - 10:30am for groups
11am - 12pm for families
Wednesdays in July and August
Little Gather introduces little ones to the Museum through storytelling, magic shows, music, and lots of fun.
The first Little Gather event is July 11, and features Russian Duo. Little ones are invited to experience cross-cultural music and even use Russian instruments on stage.


Glass Camp: Surprising Discoveries in Art and Science

9am - 12pm
July 9 - 13
Kids, ages 9-11, can venture into the worlds of glass and scientific discoveries at Glass Camp. From ancient glass to contemporary technological innovations, campers will find surprising features in glass all week.
Become a Designer
You Design It; We Make It!

Watch your designs come to life in glass through our You Design It; We Make It! program. Available each day at select Hot Glass Shows and Flameworking Demos throughout the summer.



For a complete list of Summer Family Programs visit http://www.cmog.org/programs/family

For the Full Corning Museum schedule vist http://www.cmog.org/visit/calendar

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Studio Glass Dynasty Showcased in Weston


Studio Glass Dynasty Showcased


Weston, WV –To mark the 50th Anniversary of the studio/contemporary glass movement in the United States, The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia (MAG) is hosting an exhibition, “The Lotton Legacy, Three Generations of American Glass.” The Lotton Art Glass Studio is considered one of the top studios in the world and the Lotton’s glass has been called the Tiffany of tomorrow. The exhibit runs July 1 to August 18, 2012.

MAG is proud to be one of 165 museums and other organizations across the country planning exhibits and lectures. These events celebrate the 50 year milestone recognizing the many important artists who have become involved in the movement in the years since 1962 when Harvey Littleton and Dominick Labino first experimented with making glass outside of the factory setting in Toledo, Ohio workshops.

The Lottons are a remarkable family headed by patriarch Charles Lotton a self-taught glass artist who began his career in the early 1970’s. He has been joined in his Crete, Illinois studio by his son Daniel and grandson Timothy as well as by non-family glass artist Scott Bayless. Another son, David, and his sons Jeremiah and Joshua, share a studio in Lowell, Indiana. Charles’ youngest son, John, and nephew, Jerry Heer, have retired from glassmaking. How remarkable it is that these eight men of one family have created such beautiful objects and each with their own unique style.

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day noon to 4:00pm.  The balance of the year the museum is open daily noon to 4:00pm and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Admission is free. It is easily accessible off I-79 exit 99 onto US 33 West for two miles to Main Avenue. A left turn onto Main and the museum is on the left at 230 Main Avenue. Begun in 1992, the museum relocated to its present location in 2007 and occupies 12,000 square feet with over 12,000 pieces of glass on permanent display. The museum is home to the National Marble Museum and The American Flint Glass Workers Union Archives.  The museum holds an annual marble festival and numerous special exhibits throughout the year.  More information can be found at http://magwv.com/. Questions about programs or the museum can be  directed to 304-269-5006.