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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, June 15, 2016

June 20th Happy Birthday West Virginia from Blenko Glass and Arlon Bayliss

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece & companion  pieces

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece 2016
"Patience’s Prize"
From the careful pursuit of brook trout in cool West Virginia streams to bobbing for bluegills in its countless lake’s and ponds, fishing brings peace and joy to old and young alike.
Designer, Arlon Bayliss is a keen fisherman; as are many of Blenko’s workers. Bayliss says, “Their skill and patience extend beyond glassmaking. We've shared a decade’s worth of West Virginia Pieces and fish tales to prove it!”
This year’s Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece, “Patience’s Prize” is a tall, fish-shaped, flattened vase with a flared tail opening in Spring Green cased with Jonquil. A dynamic curve in its body suggests a leaping fish.
Limited to a total of 153 numbered pieces.


Pre-Event Pieces 2016 
"The One That Got Away" and "The Other One That Got Away"
Two companions to this years West Virginia Birthday piece, “The One That Got Away” and “The Other One That got Away” were designed by Arlon Bayliss to continue our homage to fishing. “The One That Got Away" is blown in Jonquil with a mid-body fade, and “The Other One That Got Away" is patterned with a blue, green, opal white frit mix. 
 
 
The BLENKIO( GLASS  WVa Birthday Vase Collection started in 1980  each year more than 150 people line up - often arriving a week prior to the sale.  The vase is sold out within the hour.
Photos of the  2015 Blenko Glass Event - Most everyone has been in line for more than 12 hours.  More than l/2 spend the night discussing their Collections - catching up with one another -  Many WV Bday Collectors see one another only at this event. 
IF you are new to Collecting BLENKO GLASS -  we suggest you start with the BAYLISS designed Birthday Vases.   The Blenko Project   (the blenkoproject@aol.com) keeps a list of WV Birthday Vases seeking new home.  If you are missing one or two - or a dozen  we may be able to help. 
Eppie and John Boles - like my parents began collecting in 1980 and have the entire collection. 

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