Reader Tidbits - Blenko Foot and Frogs!

Some whimsical pieces from the collection of reader Holly Shivel, who calls Blenko collecting 'a family affair'!

The Blenko Foot has a hollow back. I found it about two years ago at the Outlet and love the dark blue color. I saw the hands there but they were, for lack of better words, uber creepy! :) Holly wrote. The trio of bullfrogs! The stickers are on the other side. Like most collectors I like to have the stickers on the pieces!

1986 - Blenko - West Virginia Birthday

1985 West Virginia Birthday - Blenko Collectors Item


This item is perfect for floral arrangements - it has been described as the most functional of all the Birthday Collection. The color is vivid, the form very unique. HJH photos from blenko collectors - thanks

Ms Phyliss's Blenko Collection

http://www.blenkoproject.org/ see Ms. Phyliss's collection.

This collection along with many other pieces not shown on the http://www.blenkoproject.org/ website will be auctioned off next Saturday. If you are a Blenko collector, or really a collector of anything - this will be an auction - not to miss. Phyliss and Red Powers were known to buy high quality items, Phyliss was an artist, she loved art and often befriended other artist. Red spent his life working at Blenko. Together they had one of the finest BLENKO GLASS collections and a multitude of other collections.

The list is below. Phone the auction house - if you need to phone bid.
The Estate of Phyllis Powers, Teays Valley, WV.
Mountaineer Auctions is proud to offer to the public the Estate of Mrs. Phyllis Powers, Putnam County former business owner & long time resident. This auction contains an extensive collection of a retired 50year BLENKO employee along with quality glass, china, & furniture groupings to include…
many scarce & rare pieces including Artist Proofs - Yellow, green, & blue signed Wayne Husted Artist Proof 1 of 1 Blenko carafe; Extremely rare 2pc crackle & threaded center bowl with epergne vase center; Pink crackle #8434; Ruby decanter w/amber string thread; Approximately 70pcs Colonial Williamsburg – crystal air twist stems, vases, old fashions, tumblers, etc.; Crystal & amethyst vase signed Wayne Husted Artist Proof 1 of 2 Blenko; Graffiti pitchers; One of a kind 2pc crystal vase & bowl inscribed “Nancy Reagan on the Inauguration of Ronald Reagan Jan. 1986”; Crystal & blue vase #7723; Crystal State of WV decanter w/threaded top; Crystal free form candle holders #3015; Hurricane globes; Super amberina #6525 figural decanter w/smiley face stopper; Jack Daniels decanters, pitchers, & unusual large cowboy Hat; Crystal & green signed Husted water bottle; One of a kind amber & blue signed “Thanks Phyllis Wayne Husted 2/03” water bottle; Yellow & green double signed Wayne Husted water bottle #32/200; Amberina Sun Face water bottle signed Wayne Husted Artist Proof; Yellow & green signed Blenko 2004 Wayne Husted Artist Proof vase; Signed millennium vases; Powers/Donohoe/Husted pewter & crystal stem w/State of WV seal; Amber & Blue vase signed Richard Blenko 61; Green & cobalt Wayne Husted Artist Proof Blenko 2003 & Rick Blenko signed bird pitcher; Cobalt & teal signed Wayne Husted Artist Proof bird pitcher; Tall crystal & blue threaded vase; Ruby berry bowls; 2 & 3 light hanging chandeliers with hurricane globes; Crystal Colorado plate; Crystal cheese tray; Ruby & blue water bottle whimsy signed Wayne Husted; 4 Bicentennial crystal mugs; Crystal low candlesticks; Amber & blue Wayne Husted Artist Proof 2004 bird pitchers – signed; Amber paneled crackle table lamp; Amber square vase, jugs, over handle basket, etc.; Amethyst water bottle; Cobalt & crystal signed Husted Artist Proof pitcher; Crystal & red 2003 signed Wayne Husted Artist Proof water bottle; Amethyst signed Wayne Husted glass blower water bottle; Blue, green, & yellow signed Wayne Husted Artist Proof sunburst water bottle; Crystal heart vases; Amber Colonial Williamsburg flask; Crystal Milton WV covered bridge book ends; Amber & blue threaded ruffled bowl; Teal Jack Daniels bottle; Rhododendron footed cake plate & whimsy turned edge plate; Crystal & blue over handle threaded basket; Cobalt #6424 vase signed WH Blenko with iridescence; Cobalt threaded over handle basket; Cobalt pitcher w/Seal of the Governor of WV; Pink #8112M vase; Blenko stopper bowl; Crystal & Blue penguin; Pink crackle vase #C64B; 2 crystal USS Nitro For the City of Nitro May 27, 1984 mugs Crystal & amber large vase signed WH Blenko; Amber & teal vase signed WH Blenko & more…

http://www.auctionzip.com/WV-Auctioneers/5073.html Mountaineer Auction Gallery Clendenin, West Virginia.

Blenko Man - Museum of American Glass

Blenko Man at the Museum of American Glass in Weston, WVa.

Blenko Man, a sculpture assembled from colorful Blenko glass vases and other glass forms, was dedicated on October 19, 2007 during the grand re-opening celebration of the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia. The near life-sized cowboy resides in a sidewalk display window of the museum’s new location in Weston.
Blenko Man is the idea and gift of Rock Wilson, of Pennsboro, WV who has been collecting Blenko Glass Co. glass for almost 20 years and was drawn to Blenko because “Blenko glass is fun and I love the odd forms, vibrant colors and fantastic size….some pieces are 3 to 4 feet tall.”
Because Blenko made vases shaped like heads and ashtrays shaped like hands and feet, Wilson thought that a man could be created. As a friend and business associate of Dean Six, founder and director of the museum, he wanted to contribute to the museum yet wasn’t sure how to put it together. Then last fall, fate intervened when internationally recognized sculptor John Zidek moved to Pennsboro and a partnership was born.
John Zidek has exhibited at Art Expo NY and has pieces in the collections of such well known people as Kenny Rogers, Waylon Jennings and Ross Johnson, former CEO of Nabisco. In addition he was an invited Artist at Planetfest 1997-NASA Celebration of Rover Landing on Mars and has a large installation at the Fox Cities Children’s Museum in Wisconsin. He has worked with several materials, but currently is focused on copper wire sculpture which works so well for Blenko Man. Thus Zidek took on the project eagerly.
Mr. Wilson provided 18 glass objects from his personal collection noting that it was hard to give up the piece that forms the right arm as it is signed by Richard Blenko, fourth generation president of the firm. In selecting the glass to be used, Wilson tried to include as much variety as possible in color, size and shape as well as age including pieces from the 1960’s until the present time. A problem arose when he had only one hand and one foot, but the Blenko factory graciously made a special production run of hands and feet that were originally made in the 1970’s. (The hand represents the company’s outline logo indicating that the products are handmade.) The only minor glitch was that the glass molds are only for left hands and feet, yet the Blenko Man proudly lifts aloft his right left hand.
A western theme was selected to use the glass cactus, steer heads and cowboy hat available in Wilson’s collection. Originally the cowboy hat was to be of clear glass, but his two year old son made a move that caused a shift to a rare ruby colored one instead. The hats are currently in production in clear and topaz.
Adding to the western style, Blenko Man sits surrounded by sand and cactus creating a little bit of desert in West Virginia.
Showcased inside the museum is beautiful American made glass arranged by form and or by company. It is amazing to see how many glass houses once operated in the region of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Once a thriving industry, there are only a few handmade glass companies still in business and one is Blenko which began in 1893. Located in Milton, WV its colored glass for stained glass windows and architecture has long been widely used. And the lovely shapes and colors of its decorative and utilitarian wares can be found in homes throughout the country.
The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is open year round noon to 4:30pm daily except Wednesday, Sunday and major holidays. 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 nearly 7,000 pieces of glass on permanent display. More information can be found at http://wvmag.bglances.com/. Questions about programs or the museum can be directed to 304-269-5006.

Note: Thank you to Dean Six of the Museum of American Glass for providing this information.

1985 West Virginia Birthday - Blenko

This one is often described as a 'shell' or 'clam' it's blue and gold of course for the state colors. The 1985 is not as difficult to find - I think perhaps because people fail to see the beauty of this piece. Another Don Shepard design. Photo from Blenko Collectors see Blenko Collectors Four web site for additonal photos and lots of info about BLENKO.

Clayton Lunsford - Blenko The People

For me the 'best' thing about BLENKO GLASS has always been the 'people' who work there. The ladies in the office, the gift shop, and the wonderful men in the shops.When I see a piece of BLENKO GLASS while I admire the color, style, and beauty - I also think - who was the chemist, signer, the blower, what team worked on this item.

BLENKO - The People is our attempt to allow you to learn about the men and women who are a part of BLENKO, past and present.

Richard Blenko, CEO and 4th Generation BLENKO, graciously contributed this Memorial commemoration of Clayton Lunsford.Clayton Lunsford came to work at blenko around 1939 and went to WWII; several Blenko employees lost their lives during the war but Clayton came back to Blenko to work post War. He was about 5' 9 inches tall and weighed about 150 lbs and very well groomed. He was an extremely talented glass finisher and in spite of some health problems late in his career, continued tot be a fine glass blower. . He was of that class of individual who was always on time, at work and performing well day after day for 40 years. Most people do not realize how demanding it is to work in the heat of a glass factory. Clayton was always smiling and like those pre and just post war employees, very intelligent and had a great work ethic, that is impossible to find these days. I always remember he dressed well, had an air of cologne and was telling stories. He was in that group of employees that Blenko built their reputation on finely made glass and easy to work with in a demanding environment.He was master of blown Williamsburg stemware. He tirelessly waited for his wife, Mildred our office manager every day and every day for many years I spoke with him on the shop floor. He had two sons that I knew growing up in Milton and like their father, fine people. It is important that we remember these fine West Virginia craftsman and not forget them or forget their great skills. Their greatest legacy is that of fine people.

*Photo graciously provided by www.blenkocollectors.com

1984 West Virginia Birthday - BLENKO GLASS

This beautiful bowl in an apricot color with Don Sheperd's interpertation of the State Flower in the base is simple, yet it compliments Wedgewood Runneymede

China beautifully.

Another of the 13 most difficult to find. Hjh

Reader Tidbits - Photos of Chihuly in St Louis

Photos of Chihuly Glass in St Louis - From Ravi

who in another life could have been a professional photographer.

HJH

Reader Writes - Question about Myers'

Greetings,
I'm hopeful that you can help me with some info on a Joel Philip Myers vase that I have. It's an abstract female-form in crystal with applied tangerine arms and breasts. The thick rim is crimped to give the appearance of a tall hair-do. All I know about it is that it's a Joel Myers design, and I saw one in crystal with green arms and breasts in a photo from the Blenko Museum. Do you know it's number, and if it is referred to by anything other than that number? Since I haven't been able to find much on this piece, I'm assuming it might be relatively uncommon. Any guidance is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike



Mike - I know this item


I own it in Ruby, Let me look for the photo and number
I'm thinking its a 7047 Joel Philip Myers but need to confirm.

in the mean time perhaps a collector will come on line


and answer these questions before I get back to you!


If NOT look for the answer some time next week - along with my Lady's photo.

Reader's Question - Safe Ebay Sellers?

Several readers have written to ask if we can recommend EBAY Sellers of Blenko.
As a student with no money - I can't recommend. I did ask Tammy Kosla the President of BLenko Collectors and she gave me the following list.
dandkcollectibles
redglasshound
glasslanding plus she has a website http://glasslanding.com/
Note: My Mom has purchased for me many items from danddkcollectibles - Dream and Keith Wood know Blenko, and are knowledgeable sellers.
If you know of other sellers or vendors - pass along the info.

BLENKO PHOTOS

Send your photos of glass (Blenko or other WV Glass) for sharing on the Blog.
If you want to share your favorite 'glass shopping place' or you own a glass shopping place and you want us to know about your shop. Send photos and
tell us about your GLASS.
HJH

1983 - West Virginia Birthday - BLENKO

Blenko Glass - 1983 - West Virginia Birthday. Item signed and numbered. Sold at Diamond Department Store

Charleston, West Virginia in June of 83.

This item designed by Don Sheperd shows the beautiful West Virginia blue sky with mountains of gold in the bottom.

The Blenko silver label of hands is sometimes found on these - sometimes not as the ladies who purchased these bowls used them to hold fruit, flowers, as center pieces or sometimes as a display piece on a side table.

This bowl can be found in limited supply (less than #150 were made in 83) and has been sold for between $l, OOO and $350. You may be 'lucky' enough to find one at a 'tag sale' for less. Often times the seller doesn't have knowledge - if you as a buyer KNOW the item - and check to make certain its signed / numbered/ and it is indeed a WV Birthday you may be able to get a great bargain. I recently heard about a buyer who picked this item up in South Charleston for $350 - which I consider a great bargain. HJH

The 2008 WV Birthday BLENKO will be sold at BLENKO GLASS Milton, WV in June. The cost will be under $200, it will be a signed, limited edition, collectors item. Plan to start you collection of WV Birthday with 2008, or give this item to a newly wed. What a great wedding gift! HJH

1982 - Blenko Glass - WV Birthday

1982 - Blenko Glass - WV Birthday

A photo of the 1982 Blenko Glass - West Virginia Birthday

This was designed by Don Shepard who was at the time the Blenko Glass designer.

The item is crystal with a swirl of cobalt blue at the top (to represent the water in WV)- it has the mountains in the bottom to represent the mountains of West Virginia

Many people think this simple piece is one of the most lovely. hjh

Reader Info - Tidbits

We ask for photos of the Blenko Zodiac from the 70s and this reader was kind enough to send photos of her collection which includes a couple.
Thank you.

Readers Info - Tidbits

Ram Grung an engineer from Maryland who frequently makes comments and has began to collect Blenko is on extended vacation with family in Solan, Himachal Pradesh which is near to Shimla a tourist place . Ram reports he is surrounded by mountains in this part of India and they often get snow. I'll have to check with the Blenko Collectors Society - Ram may be our
most distant Blenko Collector.

West Virginia Birthday - Blenko 1981

1981 Blenko Glass - West Virginia Birthday.

This photo is of the West Virginia Birthday Piece 1981. This item was designed by Don Sheperd, who was the Blenko Glass designer. It is shaped somewhat like a ginger jar - the vase has "mountains" in the bottom to represent the WV Mountains.

This piece is very difficult to find - actually, most of the early 80-90 are difficult to find. All Blenko - Birthday Pieces (are less than #200 each in number of produced) keep the photo, and during your weekend travels or trips out of town, be looking for these early pieces. We've heard of people paying up to $1,800 and as little as $200 for West Virginia Birthday - Blenko.

It's a great collection - If you haven't started collection Birthday - Blenko. The 2008 will be sold is June at Blenko Glass Visitors Center. I'll post a photo of this beautiful item sometime in late May. As always the 2008 will be limited number and the lines are long plan to arrive several hours before the Blenko Visitors Center opens.

RE: West Virginia Birthday - Blenko
One piece is made for each year of statehood starting in 1980. The pieces are an extremely limited production of how many years West Virginia has been a state. Example- 1980 only 117 pieces were produced. All are signed and numbered. West Virginia was the 35th state of the union and was incorporated June 20, 1863.

hjh

Blenko GLass - WV BIrthday Collection 1980

This is a photo of the FIRST in a collection (the 2008 will be sold in JUNE at BLENKO GLASS) of Blenko- West Virginia BIRTHDAY.

Mr. WH Blenko recalls the concept for this collection began in New York, he was having lunch after a trade show with Diamond Department Store (Charleston, WV) buyer and GM. She suggested Blenko produce an item to honor West Virginia's Birthday that would be sold exclusively at the Diamond - and would be limited - signed and numbered. "It would be nice it could sit in the center of the table and hold fruit or a compote" she said to Mr. Blenko.

Don Shepard was the Blenko Designer at this time. Working in crystal glass he created several prototypes and the above bowl with four feet was chosen. This bowl is difficult to find, as it is now over 27 years old and less than 120 were made. It is the first in the Blenko- WV Collection. HJH Note: (1) While I said it is difficult and expensive to acquire this bowl. Sometimes, the careful glass collector will find one in an estate sale or yard sale for less than $200 (where the seller doesn't know value). This item when purchased at the Diamond in 1980 cost less than $50.

(2) BLENKO GLASS, Milton, West Virginia will be selling the 2008 in June at Milton -store opens early this day- the cost will be less than $200 exact cost will be posted when we know. This is a great item to give for a wedding gift, or a one of a 'kind' special gift for a loved one.

West Virginia Master Gardeners State Conference

Gardeners and Glass Collectors have a great deal in common!

West Virginia Master Gardeners State Conference

John XXIII
April 4-5
Charleston, West Virginia

Native Plants is the theme. Nearly 250 men and women, all highly skilled trained master gardener volunteers who have completed a series of classes sponsored by WVU.

A State Master Gardener will be named. Lectures on a variety of tops - the days are planned from 8 am until 8 pm wit little free time. While I'm not certain when I began to admire beautiful gardens or feel joy in the presence of 'daises' as my own family as always loved to ' play in the soil'. Being surrounded with flowers and colored glass from an early, one grows to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Recently Damon Crane, author, photographer and the curator of BLENKO MUSEUM LINK mentioned his love of gardening led him to discover Blenko - - while looking for something to display and photo his plants. This year my parents plan to have BLENKO brick at the auction - for Master Gardeners from the State along with photos of my Dad's Blenko brick garden beds. Many of the 'Gardeners' in this group enjoy colorful glass in which to display their spring and summer flowers.

Eckart Tolle (Oprah Book Club) A New Earth -Awakening To Your Life Purpose had this to say about flowers.

* " As the conscious of human beings developed flowers were most likely the first thing they came to value that had no utilitarian purpose for them, that is to say , was not linked to their survival.

Flowers provide inspiration to countless artist, poets and mystics. Jesus tells us to contemplate the flowers and learn from them how to live.

The Buddha is said to have give a "Silent Sermon" once during which he held up a flower a gazed at it. After a while, one of those present a Monk called Mahakasyapas, began to smile (that is to say, Realization) was handed down by twenty -eight successive masters and much later became the origin of Zen."

Seeing Beauty in a flower could awaken humans, however briefly to the beauty that is an essential part of their own innermost being, their true nature.

* Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth _ Awakening To Your Life Purpose.

LIVE PASSIONATELY!

"Remember that what you have now was once among the things you only hoped for" Epicurus (c.341-270BC)

Collecting Blenko has become 'easier' with the use of Internet - a click of the mouse and you can view Blenko in over 50 states...I was sad the first time I saw a duplicate of my 'prize' Blenko listed on EBAY.

The one important things I have learned from listening to 'COLLECTORS' is go slow, educate your self, and to know your seller.

A while back, a I was gifted with the book GOOD KARMA -How to Find and Keep It JoanDOliver. The following passage from this book - is very appropriate for collectors...

' Slow down and pay attention - don't gobble up things and experiences without noticing

or appreciating them. It's like being served a Delicious, beautiful meal and wolfing it down,

in stead of savoring each dish.'

EBAY - and other quick fixes are nice - but nothing is as nice, as a weekend 'glass hunt' with friends and family. hjh

Blenko Identification

A photo of BLENKO (aka Miss B) with an architectural Brick (made by BLENKO GLASS).

BLENKO IDENTIFICATION -A number of people write they bought glass labled Blenko and - after some investigation found it was not BLENKO. Know what you are buying, IF you purchase from BLENKO GLASS, Milton, WV this won't be a problem. I recommend buying only from BLENKO or a dealer you KNOW. Also if you join the BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY a small group of very friendly folk, who love BLENKO and WV Glass, who share freely their knowledge and experiences, your learning curve will rapidly improve. The annual meeting is in August (more about this later) - but consider joining - if you have questions I can answer write to theblenkoproject@aol.com and if I can't answer your question about the group (also they have an online site BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY ) I'll put you in contact with people who can. The cost is about $50 per year and the benefits are numerous. This is a real bargain.

BLENKO GLASS - WV Birthday Collection

The West Virginia Birthday - Blenko Glass Item will be sold again on June 20th at BLENKO GLASS in Milton, West Virginia.

The design has not be unveiled - so it remains a secret until early June - then BLENKO will allow photos to be shown. I'm suggesting you mark the date on your calendar and make plans to be in line early - these one of a kind vases sell out within 2 hours of the store opening - and the line starts forming sometime before 6 am.

If you don't know about the WV Birthday Pieces check out http://www.blenkoproject.org/ or the Blenko Collectors sites.

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Pieces
One piece is made for each year of statehood starting in 1980. The pieces are an extremely limited production of how many years West Virginia has been a state. Example- 1980 only 117 pieces were produced. All are signed and numbered. West Virginia was the 35th state of the union and was incorporated June 20, 1863.

Happy Birthday !

Today is April 1st - known as April's Fool Day!
We won't try to 'fool ya' BLENKO Visitors Center has reduced prices on three tables with prices that are less than 60% of retail.
Today is also the 'birthday' of my Dad. John - who was born on April Fools Day.
Let me today say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dad, Uncle Remmas and everyone born in April! All you Aries birthday people.
Blenko Glass for a very long time in the 70s made sun catchers with zodiac signs - if anyone has a collection or even ONE I'd like to post a photo. HJH

The Ram March 21 to April 20
TraditionalAries Traits: Adventurous and energetic Pioneering and courageous Enthusiastic and confident Dynamic and quick-witted
On the dark side...Selfish and quick-tempered Impulsive and impatient Foolhardy and daredevil

A Rare Hare - Blenko Glass

This is a photo of a PINK RABBIT! If you follow the Blog - a while back, a reader 'wished' for a PINK RABBIT to gift her grandchild.

Blenko wasn't making Pink Rabbits - but the wonderful Rodney Wade, and Randy Rider were listening and a PINK RABBIT appeared - actually there were 3 Pink Rabbits.

Our reader bought this one for her grandchild and was kind enough to pass along a photo!

BLENKO GLASS Milton, West Virginia. I strongly recommend you visit the BLENKO GLASS Visitors Center (gift shop) everyday you will find one of a kind items - unusual items - not in the catalogue items - like this Pink Bunny! HJH

Luxor Hotel - last words on Vegas

If you like Egyptian - and what lady doesn't....the LUXOR is your kinda place, its 14 years old - so by VEGAS standards definitely not 'HOT and NEW'!

However, my Mom and I were treated very well, our room was large almost l,000 sq feet and (except for the lack of coffee maker - about which my Mom daily complained) 2 queen beds, a sitting area, a soaker spa style tub, separate shower, large TV. It was an exceptional bargain for the week!

The staff- beginning with the front desk - who allowed me due to my Moms age an early check in - represented the Hotel and Las Vegas in a very grand and generous manner. I'd return to the LUXOR. However, I think if you go to Vegas more than once staying each time in a new place would be for me a great adventure - I don't gamble - and I do love the thought of traveling and where besides Vegas can one go from New York to Paris to having a gondola ride in the rivers at the Venetian.

VIVA LAS VEGAS.....I wish I'd gone sooner, and I will return.

RE: BLENKO IN LAS VEGAS - I must report I saw NO BLENKO in the shops - WE DID SEE West Virginia Glass in the Bellagio Buffet Dining Room - squares of Wismach (see photo).

The Bellagio is also the home of some gorgeous Dale Chihuly glass sculptures. (photos below)

Elton John - The Red Piano at Caesars Palace

Elton John's finely honed stage presence, a winning factor in targeting his tunes straight into the heart of America, is excess incarnate. In The Red Piano, the showy costumes are replaced by incredible video imagery and stage props, yet the end result is unmistakably classic Elton John. The show was conceptualised and designed by the acclaimed photographer and David LaChapelle. The larger-than-life set is complete with Elton's iconic red grand piano, dripping inflatable ice creams neon vegas signs and videos including two that feature Justin Timberlake as a young Elton John during "Rocket Man" and Pamela Anderson performing a pole dance during "The Bitch is Back."

The theme throughout is love, symbolised by the colour red and played out through state-of-the art effects and high-end imagery. During the show, audiences will be treated to live performances of the phenomenal back catalogue of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, including hits such as Rocket Man and Candle in the Wind.

Beach balls were dropped into the audiance, confetti flew, and a few lucky VIP even got to get up on stage and boogie around the piano! We had to settle for dancing in our seats, but we had a fantastic time!

The Red Piano is a visual extravaganza, a collage of all the outrageous and beautiful images Elton has been responsible for in his career. Bette Midler will be takeing over Caesar's Colloseum stage at the begining of April, but Elton will be back again for a short stint in June, so book your tickets now!

Las Vegas Side Trips - Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona averages 4.7 million visitors annually. Over 3 million will visit the South Rim. Nearly 750,000 will enjoy the North Rim. And 500,000 will visit the newly discovered West Rim. Also, 500,000 will fly over magnificent Grand Canyon on an Air Tour from Las Vegas.

The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is more than a pleasuring ground for those that explore the roads, hike the trails, or float the currents of the turbulent Colorado River.
This canyon is a gift that transcends what we experience. Its beauty and size humbles us. Its timelessness provokes a comparison to our short existence. In its vast spaces we may find solace from our hectic lives.

Hoover Dam

It is worth the price of an airfare to Vegas to see the Hoover Dam We did the four hour Guided Discovery Tour Line Trip.


The 'Hard Hat Tour' which is a hands on underground tour, has been closed since 9/11 but will start again in July - returning for this tour is a new goal for me.


Hoover Dam facts and my photos of the Damn are below....your comments are welcome.


Hoover Dam, also known as Boulder Dam, is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Arizona and Nevada. When completed in 1935, it was both the world's largest electric power producing facility and the world's largest concrete structure. It was surpassed in both respects by the Grand Coulee Dam in 1945. It is currently the world's 34th largest hydroelectric generating station.
The dam, located 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Las Vegas, is named after Herbert Hoover, who played an instrumental role in its construction, first as Secretary of Commerce and then later as President of the United States. Construction began in 1931 and was completed in 1935, more than two years ahead of schedule. The dam and the power plant are operated by the Bureau of Reclamation of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, Hoover Dam was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985.

Thank you to my friends Jigna, Jessica, Ravi and Joanna R. for recommending the Hoover Dam experiance.

The Rat Pack is Back in Vegas!

The Dali Lama is often given credit for saying: " If you can recognize illusion as illusion it dissolves. The recognition of illusion is also its ending."

The Rat Pack Is Back - This show was a blast! - the illusion was not broken. The group performed at the Copa room of the Plaza Hotel and Casino in historical downtown Vegas We opted for the Dinner - ticket, to have the old Las Vegas show experience. If you like music from the Big Band era this is the show for you. Not only are the performers vocal impersinations spot on, but the show is full of classic jokes and gags that will make you feel you are really watching Frank, Dean and Sammy.

( No Visible BLENKO GLASS at the Plaza, however, during the era of Sinatra, Martin and Davis art deco styled BLENKO GLASS could be found in the finest department stores.)

Blenko in Columbus OH

We spent Friday eating and shopping in Columbus, Ohio before an early Saturday morning flight to Las Vegas. My own family loves Columbus. For more than 30 years we’ve stayed at the Clairmont, a small family owned hotel on High Street in German Village - Columbus, Ohio (recently Clairmont was bought by a large Corporation - more about this at another time).


My family has a routine - we visit FRANKLIN ART GLASS located in German Village, KATZINGER’S DELI also in German Village and BOOK LOFT. We walk around German Village admiring the Glass and the Gardens then on to the Art Galleries on the Short North then eat at TASTE OF THAI or Indian Resturant in Kenny Mall, we also shopp the Eddie Baurer Outlet Store before leaving Columbus.
Columbus Ohio is a short drive from Huntington and Charleston also has great theater and makes for a great weekend roadtrip. I haven’t been but I understand the SEARS AND PENNYS OUTLETS are located in Columbus.


The Blenko Glass website lists four locations in Columbus that sell BLENKO GLASS.
This Morning I ask the Manager of the COLUMBUS AIRPORT about BLENKO GLASS he proudly pointed out 2 pieces of "BLENKO GLASS" in his space - I took the above photos - we’ll have to wait for Tim Alonzo or Tammie Kosla my Blenko experts to comfirm they are BLENKO, but you will agree it is beautiful glass.
When you read this, we are in VEGAS searching for BLENKO, Rest, Relaxation and
perhaps some great shopping.
Note: Written Saturday March 22

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

Bellagio Hotel - Chihuly Glass

Where will we be staying ? At the Bellagio Hotel , with a view of the 'fountain'?
I'll let you decide if we chose this hotel with the Chihuly Glass in the foyer and
the Blenko Glass in the gift shop and Cirque du Soleil.
Photos etc to appear after Saturday.

http://www.bellagio.com/
Cirque Du Soleil Store

Suspend the disbelief of “O” by Cirque du Soleil®

The Search for BLENKO in Las Vegas...starts Saturday!

What does handmade - handcrafted West Virginia Glass (Blenko) have in common with the Las Vegas strip?
Well both are unique, exciting, and . . . . . well I'll finish this post at the end of my mini vacation to Vegas.
One goal is to find ' Blenko' in Vegas. If you know of a collection, or a shop that sells Blenko in Vegas. Share this information with the Blog...after all I want to check out Bett's shop, and have some free time.
HJH

Baskets, Eggs, Bunnys, THINK BLENKO!

Easter Baskets - Easter Gifts - Collectibles!

Blenko Glass, Milton, West Virginia.

The Visitors Center is open daily - unadvertised 'specials' are on many tables.

Clearance glass at prices you will not believe.

IF you are a DISCOUNT SHOPPER or someone who likes to visits FACTORY OUTLETS Blenko Glass Visitors Center Gift Shop is a place you'll want to add to your list of SPECIAL PLACES. HJH

EASTER fill the basket with West Virginia Glass!

OK I'm becoming like the commerical for BLENKO....but it's almost EASTER and the very nicest gifts are BLENKO GLASS.

At Blenko you can purchase a glass Easter Basket for your table - then fill it with BLENKO Glass eggs, or you might purchase a Glass Easter Bunny for your favorite niece or nephew.

Blenko Easter Baskets are a long term purchase. Mine is over a decade old, I brought it to my college dorm room in 2002 - and since then it comes out of storage each April. The original cost was probably $25-30. My BLENKO GLASS Easter basket ( I have the bunny also) continues to increase in value each year - and it brings joy to me - also it serves as a conversation starter, as people will often comment on the 'beauty'.

IF you haven't started shopping at BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ (online shopping is encourage, often you will find coupons on their truly AWESOME website) EASTER Is a great time to start. Lovely pastel colors, baskets, bunnies, eggs....BLENKO HAS IT!

Buy Made in the USA always and when possible BUY MADE IN WEST VIRGINIA. Support your neighbors - your local craftsmen. BLENKO GLASS, Milton, West Virginia 304 743 9081.

Dental Health Articles receive awards

Two national news writing awards have been won by Gazette health reporter Eric Eyre, both for his series " State of Decay- W.Va's Oral Health Crisis.


As a dental student who is very much interested in Rural Dental Health - I found the series to be very interesting and reprinted parts with Eric's permission for the BLOG.


The Eyre's are my neighbors. Eric Eyre , his wife (a very active educator), and son moved into our neighborhood (Edgewood - Charleston) when I was beginning high school. The Eyre's bought 'The Reber House' a wonderful vintage brick home custom built for Jessie Reber's family - in a time when custom built meant something.

Now like most everyone on our street they spend all their free time taking care of the vintage house and the yard that came with. If you didn't read the post on Oral Health Crisis - check the older post for this blog.

It is a great honor for the state when any writer wins a National Award. Eric Eyre keeps winning awards, since I've been in college - it seems several times a year my Mom is sending clippings about Eric's journalism awards. An article in the Gazette says he has won 20 national awards.

Friends - Blenko Collectors and others...

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget"

We acquire friends all through out our lives - Dental and Professional Schools seem to bind people in life long friendships, other friends we simply choose.

(pictured above me with one of my 'best' dental school buddies TIFFANY BROWNING)

Tiffany and I have a many things in common - we both grew up in West Virginia, we both have a passion for rural dental education, we both love the state, and we are both 'only children'.

Tiffany collects FIESTA WARE if you are a regular blog reader - we've done several post about FIESTA WARE. Awesome colorful tableware made in WEST VIRGINIA!

Have I influenced Tiffany with my crusade 'to buy Blenko'? Well...its true that I now own several FIESTA items but to my knowledge Tiffany hasn't been shopping at the BLENKO Store. Before we graduate I do believe she will make the pilgrimage - after all collecting should not be limited - and BLENKO colorful glass blends very nicely with FIESTA WARE.

Being a BLENKO COLLECTOR or a Friend of Blenko - for me will be a lifelong goal after all "A friend is someone who understands your past (see the www.blenkoproject.org to understand Blenko's past) believes in your future (Join the BlenkoCollectors Society www.blenkocollectors.com) and accepts you just the way you are. (handcrafted with air bubbles and occassional tool marks). I aspire to always be a Friend of West Virginia Crafts and the West Virginia Craftsmen and I hope you will consider joining the Blenko Collectors Society or the West Virginia Museum Of Glass or a similar group to begin supporting West Virginia Glassmakers.

St. Patrick's Day

ST Patricks Day! NO St Patrick's Day celebration would be complete without
BLENKO GLASS. BLenko has a complete array of GREEN GLASS. Every shade
of GREEN (well a couple three shades of GREEN) are now available at the Visitors Center.
Glasses, bowls, plates, containers, vessels for flowers. All the decorating GREEN GLASS
you will need for an awesome party. When you buy BLENKO you are buying quality items that will last a life time.
The shamrock outside my door, heavy glass was made in the 80s . . .the green salad bowl set
I'll use was made just last year. Blenko is handmade glass - its heavy, and its made to last. Quality sometimes cost a bit more.
Buy Made in the USA whenever possible and MADE IN WEST VIRGINIA when its available. Support local craftsmen. hjh

Magazine Article - BLENKO

http://www.stylecenturymagazine.com/ Blenko article . . .lots of beautiful photos
and a very informative article. Read and comment please!

Blenko Connection - Through a Glass, Deadly

Sheila Connolly is the author of Through a Glass, Deadly - and Pane of Glass (Blenko Glass is mentioned in Pane of Glass) -

Ms. Connolly had this to say about the Blenko Connection and her books:
I've been fascinated by glassblowing for years, which is one reason I jumped at the chance to write the Glassblowing Mystery Series for Berkley Prime Crime. I live near two long-established glass centers, Pairpoint Glass and the Sandwich Glass Museum, so of course I I've spent a lot of time at those, as well as visiting a lot of the smaller studios on Cape Cod. I even took a class recently, from one of them.

I first learned about Blenko Glass when I took a stained glass class in Berkeley, many years ago. When I was passing through West Virginia after my nephew's wedding in Kentucky, I made a point of detouring to Milton and touring the visitor's center. It's always wonderful to watch glassblowers at work, and Blenko's glass colors are so rich and vivid.

Sheila Connolly, writing as Sarah Atwell, is the author of Through a Glass, Deadly (Berkley Prime Crime, March 2008). The sequel, Pane of Death, will be released in November 2009. For more information please see her website, www.sarahatwellwriter.com

THROUGH A GLASS, DEADLY
Berkley Prime Crime
ISBN 978-0-425-22047-4
Paperback, $6.99

Booksamillion:
Click here: BOOKSAMILLION.COM (BAMM.COM) - Search and Browse
and other bookstores now.

Bill Blenko Drive

It's Official - At 7:20 last evening the Senate approved the House Bill to create BILL BLENKO DRIVE. The road leading to Blenko Glass will have an official name change - BILL BLENKO DRIVE.
This proposal passed without a negative vote or debate. Great Idea! Blenko Glass Company has been located in Milton for close to a century .

BUY LOW . .

Snow . . Ice.... these things don't stop the serious Shoppers! Recently I read the price of vintage Blenko is down. Personally I have not seen any of the items on my "MUST HAVE" list at reduced prices. However, if the prices are LOW this is the time to BUY Vintage Blenko. Or you might just drive down to Milton and buy NEW Blenko and wait for it to age (smile). Buying quality and handmade in any market is a good Value. check out ebay - the Purple Moon on Capitol Street in Charleston, The shops along the main drag in Milton, The Milton Flea Market.....Taylors Books, DIXIE"S ON LINE, if you have other special places or on line shops - let me know and I'll add them.

Dreams . . .

"Dreams are like stars . . you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny" author unknown

For many of my friends from High School the choice of Business and / or Business Management as their career path, was based on the dream of one day being a CEO. Perhaps it was the TV we watched : the CEO's flew in private jets, ate out a lot, and seemed to have a life of leisure. The one CEO I know - works very hard. . his personal motto seem to be - " what is not started today will not be finished tomorrow." Richard Blenko is always on the go and always promoting West Virginia, West Virginia Glass Industry and his own BLENKO GLASS

Being the CEO of BLENKO GLASS (Milton, WV) http://www.blenkoglass.co/. seems like a dream job. After seeing the schedule you may think NOT!
I'm going to share with his schedule for March, which he described as a 'slow' month.
Someone said ' To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan but also believe.' Richard Blenko is an example of one individual working well with others to make a dream continue.

march 2 arrive Des Moines Iowa
march 3 IPT television 4:30-6pm reception/broadcast 6:30pm
march 4 Las Vegas
march 6 Vegas PBS 6pm reception/broadcast 7:30pm
march 7 Fresno
march 8th reception 5:30/broadcast 7pm
march 10 orlando
march 11 broadcast 8-10pm
march 12 Grapevine arrive 10:10 am
march 13 Witchita Falls, texas Kemp Center event
march 16 san francisco lv 10:50 am dfw
march 17-21 sales calls / meetings w/ reps
march 22 Charleston return
march 27 Grapevine
march 28 Ft Worth American Diabetes Assoc; Ft Worth Club
march 30 Charleston return
.

Beautiful Blenko Photo

KEMP CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Blenko Art Glass Show and Sale returns to Kemp Center for the Arts

A gala evening is planned for A Trail of Glass, March 13th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Kemp Center for the Arts. The Blenko Glass show and sale will be in the Great Hall along with two exhibits, Blenko Stained glass panels and Blenko Silk Screens portraits. The NorthLight will feature an exciting collection of Blenko Glass from a major Blenko collector in Vashti Texas. Bruce Specht and his wife Debbie have amassed a stunning collection of over 800 glass studio works and will be sharing numerous pieces from their collection in the NorthLight Gallery from March 13 through April 19, 2008.

The Blenko Glass exhibit, show and sale at the Kemp Center for the Arts last June was one of the highlights at the Kemp. Richard Blenko, President of Blenko Glass of West Virginia, was so pleased with the reception he received in Wichita Falls, he asked to come back. This year he is also bringing a Stained Glass Exhibit and a Blenko Silk Screen Portrait collection from the Blenko Glass Museum, which will be exhibited in the Great Hall. The stained Glass exhibit was most recently seen at the West Virginia Art Museum.

Blenko Glass Company is shipping 120 Blenko glass works to the Kemp which will go on display in Local Color, The Kemp Gift Shop beginning February 26th. The Kemp will pay the tax on any glass purchased before the Gala ,March 13th . Richard Blenko will be available on the 13th to sign any glass purchased. Additionally he is bringing a glass vase
which will be given away at the end of the evening. There is no charge for the Trail of Glass Gala and no charge for the drawing, but you must be present to win!

For more information about the Trail of Glass please call the Kemp Center for the Arts at 940-767—2787 or go on line at www.kempcenter.org. The Blenko Glass will be on sale at the Kemp beginning February 26. The Trail of Glass gala is open to members of the Kemp and guests.

We Need Your Photos of BLENKO GLASS

The HEART OF GLASS Blog wants very much to hear and share your personal stories of BLENKO COLLECTING and if you have photos - or just stories about the factory. Write: theblenkoproject@aol.com HJH

Regal Necklace - Wayne Husted

Thursday Feb. 28th Terry Tomabari hosted a celebration party to honor the opening of an exciting new building.

Wayne Husted - Designer Extraordinaire - who has a Blenko Connection - as his very first job after graduating ALFRED University was at Blenko Glass.

Wayne was kind enough to send a photo and the following information, which I'm sharing with you all. Isn't this amazing work?

This is a photo of the finished lobby “Regal Necklace” That is finally up and the fountain running (That is copper fountain beneath the hanging disks.).. Glass disks are so big that we had to make a larger glory hole to heat them in. Bronze plaque at right says “Regal Necklace by Wayne Husted” A heck ofa time getting my signature made in thin Bronze!First floor is all Medical..like a hospital without overnight stays. Plus psychiatric offices. All of second level has large Real Estate firm (70 agents) and a first rate conference auditorium like meeting room.The builder/Owner, Terry Tombari.

BLENKO - The People - Hinton 'Jarfly' Richmond

"Jarfly" Richmond is described by those who worked with him as gentle, but big, a person who went out of his way to be helpful, a colorful figure and a large part of the 'Blenko' history. Mr. Richmond worked at Blenko Glass when the very elite Glass Artist such as Marvin Lipofsky, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Lipofsky - 17k , Henry Halem www.clevelandartandhistory.org/HTMLPages/artists/Hartists.htm and Fritz Driesbach www.askart.com/askart/d/fritz_dreisbach/fritz_dreisbach.aspx - 28k - were 'exploring factory glass work'...invited by Mr. WH Blenko and Joel Myers.

The Putnam Post April 30, 2004 had the following to say:

HINTON "Jarfly" RICHMOND(Apr 30, 2004)HINTON "Jarfly" RICHMOND, of Huntington, loving husband of Emma Jean Richmond, departed this life on April 28, 2004. at St. Mary�s Medical Center after a short illness. He was born November 26, 1926 in Milton, W.Va., the son of the late Hinton and Bessie Ball Richmond. He was retired from Blenko Glass Company with 48 years of service as a glass blower and Plant Manager. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Emma Jean Richmond, also three children.

Richard Blenko - CEO at Blenko Glass wrote the following about Hinton " Jarfly" Richmond.

Jarfly Richmond came to work before WWII and joined the Army and was stationed overseas in Japan as a cook. He was 5'7'' tall and weighed about 230 pounds. He was one of the best glass blowers in Blenko's history and enormously strong, which helps in manipulating glass. No task was too heavy, too complicated for Jarfly. He also had strong work ethic peculiar to the pre and post war employees. It was an earlier time of surviving the war and hard living and drinking. No matter how late the night was the day before, these fellows always came to work on time and performed. Jar was part of this group that was very intelligent and highly skilled. To have someone produce more glass than you was an affront to their abilities. No one could outwork Jar or work harder in his blowing skills. He was a good problem solver and worked with all the Blenko designers from 1947 to his retirement in the late 1980s. I used to spend hours talking with Jar in his office and always found him to be a confidant and father figure: when there were personal problems; he was a perveyor of sound advice and always supportive. When he left Blenko, we were never quite the same and the end of an era. He was a bulldog of man and in fear of no one or in awe or wealth or skill; he often told me, he came into this world with nothing and there was nothing he wanted or needed. As men of this era were, he was a dapper dresser with wavy hair and a soft voice which belied his enormous physical strength; he had an infectious smile. When he died I lost a friend, a collaborator and the type of fellow that will not be seen again.
Wayne Husted - Designer and Glass Artist living/working in California - Former Blenko designer who worked with "jarfly" remembers

"... I feel sure that you have found that the reason all the guys called him “Jarfly” was because he was always like a fly in a jar... buzzing around continuously. He was always very busy and on top of things - I thought he was a carry-in boy when I started at Blenko and progressed to either finisher or blower. He later moved into management I think, he was very well liked by everyone at Blenko.

Note: The photo used in this article was provided by Tammy Kosla Blenko Collector Society President

We hope to post some additional factory photos of 'Jarfly' Richmond.

If you knew Mr. Hinton "jarfly" Richmond please leave a note or send photos, we want to share the stories and your memories. Thanks HJH

Note: Thanks to Tammie Kosloa President Blenko Collectors Society for photo of 'Jarfly' with Don Sheperd who was a designer for Blenko.

Vintage Water Bottles with Handles

This photo is of water bottles with handles - a part of the wonderful collection belonging to Tim and Karin Alonzo of Texas.