Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass. GAS Announcement

 

GLASS ART SOCIETY ANNOUNCES NAMES OF 46 ARTISTS FEATURED IN THE 2017 GAS MEMBER JURIED EXHIBITION AT GLASS WHEEL STUDIO May 3, 2017- The Glass Art Society (GAS), in partnership with Glass Wheel Studio, is pleased to announce the names of the 46 participating artists who will be featured in the 2017 GAS Member Juried Exhibition. The exhibition will be on view Saturday, May 27 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Glass Wheel Studio in Norfolk, Virginia, and will be a highlight of the 46th annual GAS conference, Reflections from the Edge: Glass, Art, and Performance. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 2 from 6-10 PM and prizes will be awarded to select artists at 7:30 PM. “The breadth and quality of the works submitted for this exhibition were so impressive,” says Cheryl White, director of Glass Wheel Studio. “Whether experimenting with the technical limits of the glass or using it to explore deeper conceptual themes, GAS member artists are pushing the boundaries of this material in fascinating ways. We cannot wait to showcase these artists in Norfolk.” The 46 artists featured in the 2017 GAS Member Juried Exhibition are: James Akers Julie Alland Barbara Atkinson Nisha Bansil Emily Bartelt Megan Biddle Conrad M. Bishop Jen Blazina Kate Clements Shaun Conroy Jennifer Crescuillo Scott Darlington Jerre Davidson Jonathan Davis Cheryl Patrice Derricotte Courtney Dodd Karen Donnellan Davin Ebanks Jean M. Fernandes Morgan Gilbreath Jack Gramann Jennifer Halvorson Mollie Marie Hansen Ji Huang Krista Israel Robert Mickelsen Kathleen Mitchell Sharyn O’Mara Clare Peters Suzanne Peterson Spencer Pittenger and Gina Zetts Jenny Pohlman and Sabrina Knowles Leana Quade Lisa Beth Robinson and Kristin Thielking Leisl Schubel Maia Stern Susan Taylor Glasgow and Janis Miltenberger Louise Thompson and Hanne Enemark Nancy Weisser Amy Whittingham Benjamin Watkins Wright

Blenko Glass Comapny. WVA Birthday Vase 2017. Heart of Glass Blog

Inspired by the mountains and rolling hills of our beautiful state of West Virginia, the base of this 13.5’’ tall Cobalt, Clover & Crystal creation known as “Sun Over The Mountains” is emboldened with a variety of ingrained lines meant to emulate the curvature of our states hills and mountains. The piece is finished with a round Yellow stopper representing the sun. This is the 1^st West Virginia Day Piece designed by Blenko’s newest designer, Aaron Harvey.

This year's birthday piece, will go on sale Saturday, June 17. The doors will open at 8am, get in line early so you don't miss your chance to own one of these rare and beautiful pieces!. Each piece will be numbered and signed by Blenko President, Walter Blenko Jr. as well as the West Virginia Piece Designer, Aaron Harvey.

-Only 154 of these available. 
-$154.00 each plus tax 
-Limit 1 per person, No advance orders, 
-No phone orders, No coupons, No gift certificates. 
-Each Piece numbered & signed by Walter Blenko, Jr. & Aaron Harvey

 

 

 

Designed by Aaron Harvey to continue to pay homage to the outdoors; “Moon Over The Forest” is a 12 ¼” tall form blown in Cobalt and finished with a White powdered frit stopper to represent the moon. Item will be available as a Pre-Event piece during our “After Hours” Event on Friday, June 16 from 7pm to 9pm. Item will also be available online at shop.blenko.com starting Saturday, June 17.  Each decanter will be $79.00 and will be etched WV Day and Blenko 2017 on the bottom. Limited Quantities Available

www.blenkoproject.org. Blenko Glass . Heart of Glass Blog

The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org  is seeking volunteers to perform the following task.
1. assist with back log of letters requesting info  2. assist with ID of Glass ( we won't ask for more than 3 per month from each volunteer) 3. A Volunteer who has the skills to keep the website up to date  - monthly.  4. Volunteer with computer skills to add additional links and info to the Blenko Project site.
Please contact us   theblenkoproject@aol.com

Blenko The People - Perry Bays, Blower

Perry Bays - Blower / Asst. Foreman

Blenko Glass Company is all about the people. Each shop is made up of a group of very talented men. Men who work as a unit, each almost magically knowing when to open a mold, pick up glass (the exact amount of glass),how long to blow in a mold, etc.

Perry came to Blenko in 1990 -. He worked in Antique for nine years. He now holds the titles of Assistant Foreman and Blower.

The men who work at Blenko - like many men from West Virginia grew up fishing and hunting. Perry reports that he also spends a great deal of his free time hunting and fishing but he prefers spending his 'free time' in family activities. Time with his two children (18 & 14) and his wife. Much of this time is spent in school/church activities and with horses, Perry raises horses, he and his family enjoy riding and caring for these beautiful animals at their home in Hamlin.
He doesn't collect Blenko or any other glass - but he does have Blenko items - only items that he has made. (I'd love to have photos!)

Perry said " Working with glass brings me great satisfaction, I enjoy everyone I work with, the Blenko family has been very good to me, the company is an excellent one to work for, and I enjoy the feeling of making something beautiful out of nothing". . .. . every day we do something different. . .no two days are the same". . . .not everyone can say, I work with people I like, and I do something I love....and I produce a beautiful product."

You are so very right Perry. Very few people have this kind of job satisfaction!

When you visit the Blenko Glass Factory in Milton West Virginia and are doing the self guided tour - Perry Bays chair is the one of the left nearest the fence. hjh

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. WINSLOW ANDERSON - Designer

Winslow Anderson in 2009 with Blenko Collectors

From teapots to automobiles, the look of the objects we buy for everyday use has often been determined by designers. The designer is challenged to find innovative solutions to items that make life efficient and visually pleasing. A designer must have creative insight and the ability to turn ideas into reality. To be successful the designer must be not only a visionary, but also one who understands the limitations of specific manufacturing methods and the desire of the consumer. Questions of form, material function and beauty come into place. Often the designer must create his own product prototypes and become involved in the process of production.

Winslow Anderson's unique spirit and style infuse the hundreds of objects he designed since he began his career in 1946. Anderson brought to his designs creatively, ingenuity and a hands on involvement in the process from beginning concept to finished product. His thirty five year career as designer for BLENKO GLASS COMPANY, MILTON, WV and Lennox China and Crystal Trenton, NJ embodied all the principles of good design; his flowing organic and geometric shaped objects are functional and elegant, utilizing the materials, glass and clay, to their fullest potential. His designs in glassware and fine china also express the concerns of industry for marketable, affordable items.

Anderson was born in Plymouth, Mass in 1907. It was not sup rising that his seaboard town nurtured in Anderson an early aspiration to design sleek, swift boats. Economic necessity, however, forced him to abandon these youthful dreams for more practical employment. His early work for a local ceramic studio, Plymouth Pottery, soon proved his talent for hand craftsmanship. It was fortuitous that Anderson's pottery was discovered by a couple who encouraged him to attend Alfred University's School of Ceramics, whose sole purpose was to produce industrial designers particularly for New York State. At Alfred, Anderson's instincts and understanding of materials flourished. His education was interrupted by military service where he served as a topographic draughtsman.

Upon returning to school a completion was held among the students they were invited to submit a drawing of a goblet. A Steuben glassblower would create the winning design during the school's annual open house. Anderson's design won.

Anderson modestly attributed his hiring as Blenko's first designer to this piece.

NOTE: Pencil drawing done in 1944 for the winning design at Alfred University.
Thank you to HUNTINGTON MUSEUM OF ART - Huntington, WV
for the above information and copy of drawing    Information from Blenko Collector Alex Staton

Retirement and Death  - From Wiki

In 1979 Anderson retired from Lenox and moved back to West Virginia where he settled in a small cottage in Milton not far from the Blenko factory. In retirement he indulged his passion for collecting, filling his small home with anything and everything that fascinated him, from pottery and glass, to paintings and souvenirs from his travels. Winslow Anderson died at the age of ninety on December 10, 2007 and was buried in the Milton Cemetery near his mother. Much of his collection and estate was willed to the Huntington Museum of Art, where an endowment was established in his name which helps to fund the conservation and acquisition of artwork for the museum's permanent collection.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass. WVA Birthday Vase 2017

Daily we receive text and emails asking about the WVa Birthday Vases for 2017.  We have no additional info. 

Each year Blenko Glass presents a special vase in honor of WVa 's Birthday.
For several years Blenko has also offered companion pieces ( two at a cost less than the B-day cost).
The companion pieces are stand alone artistic designer  glass items -  in our family we buy several of the companion pieces and gift during the year for weddings, birthdays or special occasions.

You'll want to contact BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com  with questions about this years
vases.

When we receive photos and info about these upcoming vases, we'll publish.

IF you live in the Charleston area - yearly the Purple Onion ( my  favorite shop in the Charleston Farmer's Market)  offers a limited edition BLENKO GLASS item in honor of WV Birthday June 20th.

Purple Onion 

www.capitolmarket.net

800 Smith St, Charleston, WV 25301 · < 1 mi

(304) 342-4414

Last year a Blenko Glass Vase was created to be sold at the Cultural Center in honor of WVa Birthday.

When we receive confirmation of the above - we'll publish.

Blenko Water Bottles- An Inexpensive way to start a collection

The Water Bottle is the longest running item in the Blenko catalogue. Water bottles are still made and sold (photo # 1 Visitor Center - Water Bottles ($16- $25). The style has changed very little over the years. At one time a handle was added these are considered rare and sell for between $150 - $300 (new they were less than $5.) I recently purchased the teal green one for $100 from Dawn Weber. It has some minor factory marks and Dawn was upgrading.


Tim and Karin Alonzo of TEXAS had the largest know collection of water bottles with handles from Blenko. We hope to have photos of their collection on the blog very soon! Tim told me in 2008, WV is a great place to search for unique water bottles and other vintage Blenko.  A waterbottle with handle was recently 5/1/2017 seen at a store front in South Charleston, W.Va. 






This photo is of a Black Water Bottle made in 2005 - however , its valuable as Ebony/black is a discontinued Blenko color and a limited number of water bottles were made in this color! Collecting Blenko can be fun and educational. One doesn't have to have a lot of money or time. Blenko makes the most wonderful gifts. When you give Blenko you are giving an item that can be used, is beautiful and will increase in value with time!

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Do you recall your 1st piece of Blenko Glass?

At a recent glass group meeting - we were talking about the items that began our 'obsession' with West Virginia glass. Most everyone had an item or a story. I grew up so near BLENKO and my 'obsession' wasn't for an item - - it was the beautiful colors found in antique glass panels.

Today I received this photo from a group member. She lives in Monroeville, Pa and drives down monthly to talk about glass and what 'new finds' we might have. These were her first BLENKO items. The Anderson horn she remembers setting in a window seal at her Mother’s with ivy hanging down. The decanter she reports she inherited from her Aunt. The 2nd 'horn' was the first piece of WV Glass that she purchased (this was about 20 years ago) because it reminded her of the piece from her childhood.

DO you recall your first purchase of BLENKO and/or the item that started your collection? Take a photo and share the story with us. HJH  

Note: For a 2018 publication by Geo S. 

Blenko the People - Ivan Mount ( Retired)

Ivan Mount - Finisher

• Almost 30 years at Blenko ( received 25 year watch) .


• 
  Favorite thing about Working at Blenko: Loves the people, and brotherhood/friendship  among the workers. He gets to do something new and creative every day.


• 
  Hobbies: Watching sports, Bowling


• 
  Family: Wife and 3 children. Sister in law works in shipping at Blenko.


• 
  Favorite thing to make: Dowels (Randy Rider and others say he makes the best dowels – near perfect with no imperfections or bubbles).


• 
  What people should know about Blenko: Blenko has such a large variety, there is something for everyone and if you look you are sure to find something you like. Everyone in the state owes it to themselves to check it out.

Blenko the People - Charlie Chafin

Charlie Chafin – Gatherer

20+ years at Blenko in August .
Started at Blenko in 1994 at minimum wage ($5/hour) and worked up gradually by 40-50 cents every few months, with extra increases as his job title improved.

Favorite thing about working at Blenko: "Blenko is a family, and the workers are like brothers – they can joke around and get mad at each other, but will always be close and take up for one another. "

Favorite things to make: "Enjoys making big bowls – they make 25 large bowls an hour (compared to 50 small bowls/hr)" so he has more time to rest in between gathering, and can be more accurate.
Charlie also enjoys making the paperweights that are sold in the Visitors Center.

Arlon  Bayliss ( designer) –" He has a great attitude, he is very enthusiastic about the glass making process and makes the workers feel like part of the design team. "

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

---

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.

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

by Eason Eige (Author), Rich Wilson (Author), Richard Blenko (Author)

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/).

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.

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.

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! 

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.

         - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

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. 

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 46^th 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.)
22^nd 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