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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, April 30, 2017

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Seeking Martini Pitcher from 1958

Emily,  We do assist Collectors find new homes for their glass.
I don't know of a Martini Pitcher that is for sale.    Let's ask other Blenko Collectors for help.
If you own or have seen this martini pitcher, please let us know.
Hillary 

Hello,
I am looking to purchase a specific Blenko Martini Pitcher from 1958 (#5817) in a teal blue color (as seen on this page http://www.blenkocollectors.com/1958catalog/1958Catalogp15.jpg) and was hoping you would be able to help direct my search. 
Does the Blenko Project work with sellers and interested buyers? Or would you know of some places I should start looking in my search for this piece? 
I came across the sites Cherish and 1stdibs but did not have any luck finding this particular pitcher. Any directions you could give me would be greatly appreciated, or if you hear that someone might be selling this piece. 
I also see that you work with Blenko Collectors and have emailed them as well for any help. 
Thank you so much in advance for any help! I really loved looking through all the collections you have on display on your website. 
Best regards,
Emily
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Attention: Collectors of Fine Blenko, Fenton, Fiesta and RARE old Glass

Blenko Collectors and  Friends of Blenko.
Tammy Fowler is offering for sale the complete collection of Steve and Margie Bair's Blenko Glass.
Steve Bair was instrumental is founding and fostering The Blenko Glass Collectors Society.
Steve is thought to have one of the best collections in W.Va.
He focuses on Wayne Husted - most all his pieces are signed.  LIMITED TIME  Sat- Tues
( phone sales may be available with appropriate credit card).
 
We're suppose to get a disc of photos when this arrives we'll upload to the blog.
 
HJH
 
 This Sale is at TINY TIM"S GLASS SHOP   5206 Mac Corkle Ave Kanawha City Charleston, WVa.

DUE TO THE ENORMOUS COLLECTIONS OF GLASS  we are only allowing 10 people per hour to view and purchase.

100 Pieces of Signed and UNIQUE BLENKO
600  Fiesta
200  Fenton 
COOKIE JAR COLLECTION 
Sale Hours:   Sat 29  9-4
                       Sun 30   10-4
                       Mon  1st  11-4
                        Tues 2nd  11-4 
 
Trophy Antiques
Owned by Tammy Fowler

Antique store in Charleston, West Virginia
 424 Virginia St W, Charleston, WV 25302
 (304) 561-7731   Questions - Phone
 
 

Steve and Margie Blair - The Blenko project : Advocate for growth and ...

www.blenkoproject.org/blair
Steve and Margie Bair, Charleston, WV. Steve Bair is an artist; the colors, styles and choices of his collection are that of an artist.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Blenko Glass. Blenko Blog HEART OF GLASS

 Hillery,
I'm a new collector.  A grad student with a small amount  of money to direct toward this new passion.  What do you recommend I purchase?
Terrance Paxton
Terrance,
I always suggest you buy only the glass - you love and want to live with.  My other suggestion is to study Blenko. An ideal start is the book listed below.  It's out of print, but can be found on Ebay.
Good Luck!
Hillary     

 

Blenko Glass, 1930-1953 Paperback – September, 1987


Sunday, April 23, 2017

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Vintage Blenko Stoppers

Everyone has one or two Blenko decanter with missing stoppers. This shop is offering Blenko stoppers. My artist friend Carrie would suggest using the stoppers w/o the decanter - they are great conversation starters.. . .
A menagerie of Blenko stoppers, circa 1970, from blog reader Vintageshopgirl
(http://www.muddycreekantiques.com/).

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Glass-a-palooza May 12-14 Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass 's Dean Six is hosting the First Blenko Glass-a-palooza.  You'll want to return to the www.blenkoglass.com frequently for updates.
This is an event you'll want to bring the gkids, and yourself for a long weekend in Milton.


GLASS-A-PALOOZAMay 12, 13, 14, 2017

A weekend of fun and festivities on the campus of Blenko Glass. Join us as we create, explore and celebrate glass. Food on site, glass blowing classes, outdoor live music and more. Our goal is to mix glass activities with a fun outdoor event. Contact us to learn details for this First Ever Blenko Event.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Blenko Glass . Heart of Glass Blog. A Shorty Finley Creation

If you follow this blog - you know we appreciate the craftsmen - past -present - future.

Shorty Finley,  Jessie Carpenter, etc. from the 60-70s.

With some luck you may  find an item signed by Jessie Carpenter or Shorty Finley or another craftsman from the past.

I'm not suggesting you start a search for signed by the craftsman - vintage Blenko.

But you might want to investigate the new crop of Blenko craftsmen.
Visit the factory, observe the workers,  ask at the gift shop if there are items made by their craftsmen and signed?   I have a few items signed by Randy, Dave, Brenda  and a lamp made by Charlie Harsbarger.  It brings me pleasure to know who created the items in my home.

Factory work is team work - but often a worker  or a SHOP will stand out, and be assertive enough to produce a few unique items that often are for sale. 

This photo is of an item Shorty Finley made after visiting the south west with Don Sheppard ( Blenko Designer).  This item and many others ( by Jessie Carpenter and Shorty Finley) were on display at the Huntington Museum of Art.  Later the items were offered for sale.

The owner of this item, is not in good health,  will be turning 75 soon and it will be sold as a part of the estate.

Visit Blenko Glass often.  If you can't frequently make the trip to Milton, visit the www.blenkoglass.com website,  the Blenko Facebook.   Buying only what you love, and USE THE GLASS,  80% of Blenko is made to be utilitarian.  Use your Blenko.



Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Blenko Glass. The Heart of Glass Blog. WVa Birthday Vase For Sale

Every year in June since 1980 The Blenko Glass Factory has offered a WVa Birthday Vase. www.blenkoproject.org/wv-birthday-pieces

This year the company will again offer a special WVa Birthday Vase.    The vase is made by Blenko Craftsman, usually designed by the DESIGNER employed at Blenko during the creation.

Most recently the Designer was Arlon Bayliss www.arlonbayliss.com - my favorite designer of the B-Day series.

This year Blenko is unveiling an awesome design created by a new ( To Blenko) designer.  The designer is a West Virginian educated in West Virginia.   We haven't seem drawings etc of the 2017 piece, however, we expect it to be exceptional.  We'll provide additional info as we receive. 

IF you don't collect this series.  Consider starting NOW !  You can begin by purchasing the 2017 vase at Blenko Glass in June.  www.blenkoglass.com for date and time.
You'll want to arrive early to ensure your ability to purchase this LIMITED Edition Signed by the artist and MR. Walter Blenko.
Note:New designer is Aaron Harvey. piece is meant to pay tribute to wv mountains Designer Harvey is a graduate of Concord University in Athens, WV. The Checkmate line was his first expansive line for Blenko. more on additions to Checkmate series later this yr
20 - WV Bday Vases Seeking New Home


We have knowledge of WVA Blenko Vases that are currently being offered for sale.
1980 - 1985.     1999   2000   20002  and all the Bayliss B-Day Vases.   If you need one or all of these to complete your collection - send an email and we'll connect you with the seller.

Happy Blenko Shopping! 

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. 4/15/2007

May is going to be a big month at Blenko Glass in Milton, W.Va.
If you haven't made reservations to attend please start making your plans.
Both weekends should be very nice.
These are opportunities to meet other Blenko collectors and perhaps add to your collection of Blenko.
Check www.blenkoglass.com for additional info.

If you need a list of local motels, and Blenko dealers shoot us an email.
Blenko Project
  





GLASS-A-PALOOZAMay 12 & 13

A weekend of fun and festivities on the campus of Blenko Glass. Join us as we create, explore and celebrate glass. Food on site, glass blowing classes, outdoor live music and more. Our goal is to mix glass activities with a fun outdoor event. Contact us to learn details for this First Ever Blenko Event.

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Blenko Glass in the Garden Show, Sale & Party-May 26 & 27, 2017

Sales and exhibits in the Blenko Glass Garden at lake side. Special Garden Party Friday evening, an advance fee applies for this event only. Special Garden Party Hat decorating contest w/ Blenko special made prizes Friday evening. All Saturday events open to the public at No charge. Exhibits, sales, garden ideas. Special Blenko products made for display in the garden will be offered for sale.

Wednesday, April 05, 2017

Blenko Glass. West Virginia BIRTHDAY VASE 2017


I have read your notes and understand you want to see photos of THE 2017 WVa Birthday Vase.

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com website will be posting information about this vase in the near future.

A new designer will be creating this 2017 WVa Birthday Vase.

If you do not collect the WVA Birthday Vase.  May I suggest you start collecting.

Very few people have the entire collection - it started in 1980.  
Start with this new designer 2017  and collect from this point forward.


We now of 10 complete collections. 
If you own a complete collection please email theblenkoproject@aol.com.  If you have interest in selling your collection we can put you in contact with interested buyers.

We will be posting photos of 14 early Blenko WVA Birthday Vases belonging to an estate.
These are for sale,  the prices range from 1200 to 550.
So not cheap but if you need only one or two to complete - perhaps worth the investment.

Questions?  Email theblenkoproject@aol.com .
This Bday vase is difficult to find in good condition.  It is  very large and often chipped.
The colors are exceptional, it is one of my favorite WV Bday Vases. 

Sunday, April 02, 2017

GLASS ART SOCIETY

We started attending the GAS in 2007.  If you have the time and energy make this one of your vacation experiences for 2017 and beyond. 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL GLASS ART CONFERENCE BRINGS EXCITING EVENTS,
ACCLAIMED ARTISTS TO CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART IN JUNE
— The 46th Annual Glass Art Society Conference invites public to enjoy demonstrations, gallery hop and more —
March 13, 2017 - The Chrysler Museum of Art and the Perry Glass Studio will host the 46th Annual Glass Art Society (GAS) conference from June 1–3, welcoming international leaders in the contemporary glass community to Hampton Roads for a weekend of innovative performances.
The 2017 conference, “Reflections from the Edge: Glass, Art, and Performance,” invites attendees to experience technical glass demonstrations; lectures on science and art; regionwide exhibitions; and special events. Several events are open to the public, including free demonstrations on the pre-conference Day of Glass, a gallery hop in the NEON Arts District, the Goblet Grab, an International Student Exhibition and live and silent auctions.
The conference features presentations from industry leaders in a variety of glass disciplines, including demonstrations of new techniques in hot glass, coldworking and flameworking.
Artist Mark Dion will deliver the keynote address, “Adventures in the Culture of Nature,” on Thursday, June 1. Dion’s work explores the ways in which public institutions and dominant ideologies shape understanding of history, knowledge and the natural world. His work is held in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Gallery in London and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, among others. He is a mentor at Columbia University in New York and co-director of Mildred’s Lane, an innovative art education and residency program in Beach Lake, Pa.
Two artists will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the development of glass worldwide. Joyce J. Scott will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Exceptional Achievement and Contributions to the Studio Glass Field. Scott constructs sophisticated bead sculptures incorporating glass, clay, fabric and found objects that address social topics, including racism, violence and gender inequality. In her home city of Baltimore, Scott is an active leader promoting creative spaces for the community. In 2016, she received a prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius Award,” a five-year grant intended to provide recipients with flexibility to pursue their work.
Wayne Strattman will receive the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award for Outstanding Service to the Glass Art Society. Strattman is the owner of the Boston-based Strattman Design, a world leader in building museum displays, custom sculpture and innovative lighting products. Through his involvement in GAS, he initiated and endowed the Strattman Critical Dialogue Lecture Series, co-funded the Technology Advancing Glass (TAG) grant program and started and helped to maintain neon exhibitions at GAS conferences since 1997.
The Chrysler Museum of Art’s glass collection is encyclopedic, containing more than 10,000 works from every era of glassmaking. In 2011, the Museum opened its Glass Studio, which quickly earned acclaim for its monthly Third Thursday theatrical glass performances. The Museum’s selection as host of the 2017 conference further cements the Chrysler’s reputation as a destination for artists and patrons. The Chrysler Museum was selected after an international competition for the honor of hosting the conference. It also marks a return to the region where the country’s first glassmaking took place in Jamestown.
The 2017 GAS conference is co-chaired by Diane Wright, the Carolyn and Richard Barry Curator of Glass; Charlotte Potter, Manager and Programming Director of the Perry Glass Studio; and community volunteers Virginia Hitch and Colin McKinnon. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences on social media with the tag #GASNorfolk. To register to attend and for more information, click here.

Public Events:Free, unless otherwise noted
“Play Me, I’m Yours” by Luke JerramMay 23–June 4, Downtown Norfolk and the NEON Arts DistrictLocated on streets in downtown Norfolk, pianos invite passersby to play and enjoy. The pianos will be decorated by local artists and community groups, encouraging an opportunity for people to connect. For more information, see www.StreetPianosNorfolk.com. 
Day of GlassWednesday, May 31, NEON Arts DistrictDay of Glass showcases one-of-a-kind, live glassmaking demonstrations:
11 a.m. Chrysler Museum Curator of Exhibitions Seth Feman leads a gallery talk exploring the exhibition Pilchuck Prints1 p.m.    The Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio Team (at the Glass Studio, 745 Duke St.)
2 p.m.    The Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Roadshow, a new, updated mobile hot shop
(in the Glass Studio Parking lot, 745 Duke St.)
3 p.m.    Tidewater Community College’s Three-Ring Circus
(in the parking lot east of 128 Granby St., near Glass Wheel Studio).
4 p.m.    The Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio Team (at Work│Release, 759 Granby St.)
22nd Annual Goblet GrabFriday, June 2, 12:30 p.m. at Norfolk Waterside Marriott, 235 E. Main St.The Goblet Grab, a longstanding GAS Conference tradition, invites artists to donate a handcrafted goblet, mug, tumbler or drinking glass. Participants position themselves near the vessel they hope to get their hands on first in order to add it to their collection. Prices for the artworks at this fast-paced event range from $50–$200. Proceeds support the GAS Special Project Community Partnership Fund.
First Friday and Gallery HopFriday, June 2, 6–11 p.m. throughout Downtown Norfolk, the NEON Arts District and Olde Towne PortsmouthThe public is invited to take a self-guided tour of special exhibitions in downtown Norfolk featuring artists from the Washington Glass School, the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio Assistantship Program, the Virginia Glass Guild and the Glass Art Society. Ride the ferry to historic Olde Towne Portsmouth and visit the Visual Art Center at Tidewater Community College and Portsmouth Cultural Art Center. In addition, pianos will beckon players on the sidewalks around the city as part of artist Luke Jerram’s “Play Me, I’m Yours” installation.
Live and Silent AuctionsPreviews: Friday, June 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 3, 1:30–5 p.m.Silent Auction: First table closes Saturday, June 3 at 5:15 p.m.Live Auction: Saturday, June 3, 6–7 p.m.The silent and live auctions present a perfect opportunity to take home amazing work created by GAS presenters and members—some of the world’s leading artists in the medium—while supporting the organization at the same time. Phone bids are welcome. The auction catalog and bidding instructions at www.glassart.org.

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART
The recently expanded Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, is one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums, with a nationally recognized collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one of the great glass collections in America. The core of this collection was given to the Museum by Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., an avid art collector who donated thousands of objects from his private collection to the Museum in 1971. In the years since Chrysler’s death in 1988, the Museum has dramatically extended its campus and developed new ties with the Norfolk community. It now has rapidly growing collections, especially in American art, photography, and contemporary art, including glass. The Chrysler also mounts an ambitious schedule of visiting exhibitions and educational programs and events each season.
In 2011, the Chrysler opened a full-service glass studio with a 560-pound capacity furnace, a full hot shop, a flameworking studio, nine annealing ovens, a flat-glass shop, and a coldworking shop. In addition, the Chrysler administers two Federal-period historic houses in downtown Norfolk: the Moses Myers House and the Willoughby-Baylor House.
The Chrysler Museum of Art, One Memorial Place, Norfolk, and Perry Glass Studio, adjacent to the Museum at 745 Duke St., are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The Historic Houses on E. Freemason Street are open weekends. General admission is free. For more information on exhibitions, events, and programs, visit www.chrysler.org or call (757) 664-6200.

ABOUT THE GLASS ART SOCIETY
The Glass Art Society, headquartered in Seattle, is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1971 to encourage excellence, to advance education, to promote the appreciation and development of the glass arts, and to support the worldwide community of artists who work with glass. It holds an annual conference, publishes the Glass Art Society Journal and provides online versions of GASnews and the Glass Art Society Online Member Directory featuring member profiles with image gallery, bio and more.
GAS strives to stimulate communication among artists, educators, students, collectors, gallery and museum personnel, art critics, manufacturers and all others interested in and involved with the production, technology and aesthetics of glass. We are dedicated to creating greater public awareness and appreciation of the glass arts. For more information on the Glass Art Society, visit www.glassart.org.
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For more information, interview assistance, or a high-resolution image suitable for publication, please contact Amber Kennedy at The Meridian Group at (757) 340-7425 or amber@themeridiangroup.com . For more information on the Glass Art Society, contact Erika Enomoto at (206) 382-1305 or