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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, May 24, 2015

Sunday feature - Brenda Ellis

Sunday feature - Brenda Ellis

Readers:
I want to introduce you to  a Blenko Employee and Her ( yes HER) work.  We ask her to send a brief bio and some photos of her work to share with you.
Hillary



Dear Hillary,

Thank you for your interest in my pieces - I'm honored.


I was born in Huntington but grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  As a little girl, I can still remember the magical, yet calming effect of sunlight pouring through the stained glass windows at our church.  So for as long as I can remember, I've been facinated with color and glass.
At seventeen, I moved back to Huntington to attend Marshall University.  In the photography lab at Marshall,  I spent many hours in the darkroom experimenting with exposure and contrast to distinguish my photographs from the other students.  Five of these prints were chosen during my freshman year to be displayed at the Huntington Museum of Art.

I've always enjoyed creating objects with my hands - whether it is designing original needlepoint canvases to reflect my choices in color, pattern and texture to constructing elaborate murals and stained glass mobiles.

Nearly two years ago I began working at Blenko as the quality control inspector.  I was immediately drawn to the challenge of transforming molten glass into pieces of usable and decorative items with the same basic tools that were used thousands of years ago.  Working at Blenko Glass has given me the opportunity to hone this skill and pursue my passion of creating unique and colorful pieces of art glass.  For over 120 years Blenko Glass has rightfully earned the respect and admiration of glass lovers throughout the world and I'm proud to be a part of this small company that provides an invaluable contribution to West Virginian culture.



I will send photographs of some of my favorite pieces, but if you would like a certain picture, please let me know.

Once again, thank you.
Brenda Ellis


We've ask Brenda for more photos - which we'll publish here - when they arrive.   If you visit the Blenko Glass Visitors Center - gift shop ask if
Brenda Ellis' paper weights and other objects of art are available for purchase.
Happy Shopping!   Remember when you purchase Blenko Glass.  Each items is handcrafted for you by the talented men and women working under the dynamic Randy Rider with the goal of making quality one of a kind items for You.
Buy Made in USA when possible.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

BEATIFUL. is this the first female to work in the shops?

Anonymous said...

Brenda! Your work is amazing. I have several pieces and admire them all. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I love them! Can we see more pictures?

Anonymous said...

I think she is the first woman to make glass there. I would love to see her work!

Unknown said...

Everyone Loves BLENKO
Please post more of the new female at Blenko!

Unknown said...

Everyone Loves BLENKO
Please post more of the new female at Blenko!

Dr.BOB said...

I frequently check out the FACEBOOK of Blenko, last week they had a permanent link to the WaterBottle Blog. I also weekly read the WaterBottle Blog.
Great blog with lots of information.
My question is to Hillery and perhaps Blenko.
Why is there no link to this Blog from Blenko Facebook?
I've read this blog for at least 3 years and it has been around for longer than three years?
We discovered the blog and Blenko from an article WVU News Magazine did in 2012.
I buy a lot of vintage glass, and have started to search for vintage Blenko in the last 2 years. Husted's work attracts me.
I also do the Blenko Collectors Facebook. I don't belong but read weekly.
Blenko should promote all these auxiliary sites.

Anonymous said...

Bob
Blenko is blenko.
Hilery. More photos of this lady's work?

Darlene Purser said...

Can we see more pictures please?

Tammy Stewart said...

They are soooooo beautiful!! I would like to buy a few of her pieces for my daughters... to show them that ladies can do this too, and do it so well!! When will you be getting more and how do I order them? Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Can someone get in touch with brenda to have her to another feature?