EASTER HOLIDAY - Add WV GLASS - BLENKO

Blenko Glass Company in Milton, West Virginia is having an EASTER AND INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE April 1 - April 15th. (304 743 9081).

During this sale there will be special demonstrations of glass making and on
Saturday April 7th - Richard Blenko will be signing your glass purchases from 10-2 (check these hours). On the 7th Blenko Collectors Society members will be on hand upstairs in the museum to sign up new members.

Go early to find the best selection. I'll bet you find the 'perfect' hostess gift, all the items you need for putting together a very special Easter Basket, or if you are like me you can use the clearance sale as a way to stock up on gifts for those never ending Weddings, Birthday, Bar Mitzvahs,, and Graduations. A Touch of Glass (located in Hurricane) can personalize most any BLenko item - adding the names or date of your special occasion.

Easter Holiday is a great time to start new traditions. Add Blenko or West Virginia Glass to your holiday table. Ask your local florist to use BLENKO GLASS as the container for your Holiday floral arrangement . The cost of adding Blenko is modest. Most FTD or other Florist can accommodate such request.

Speaking of great gifts - .EASTER BASKETS - Blenko has a wide selection of glass baskets, we use them in the bath, bedroom, occasional table,.- they hold gift soaps, candies, often times canapes. Consider giving your 'special lady' a glass Easter basket in her favorite color.

Easter Bunnies and Easter Eggs, Fenton Glass, Osburn Glass and Blenko all have a great selection of special 'items' for the holiday. These can be used in conjunction with a handmade WV Crafted Easter Basket (TAMARACK has a large selection of handcrafted wood/woven baskets). These items come with modest price tags. .

The addition of a handcrafted Made In WV item can make any Holiday seem very special. Easter is a great time to start a collection for the 'child' in your life.

Take your child to BLENKO - allow them to see glass being made. To meet the craftsmen who made their 'special item'.

BLENKO items can last a life time, and will provide an opportunity for you and the recipient to share the story of West Virginia Glass. hjh

BLENKO GLASS - Link With The Past

In the last three years - I have spent many hours with Blenko Glass Company employees - - retired and current. During our talks there is always a common theme "the need to work together as a team to succeed" . . . this month in separate conversations with Randy Rider, Don Lemley and Shorty Finely all said " we work together to be better, giving to one another to be better, the focus is not on the individual".
This theme had a familiar ring - I keep thinking where have I heard this before, as a child I would often 'focus' on an issue or a particular person and immerse myself into learning everything I could about the person or issue. Over the years, Abe Lincoln, Warhol, Gandhi, Jediah Smith, Thomas Edison, Sandra Day O'Connor, Thomas Paine, Hemingway...etc. It was Thomas Paine in Common Sense who said: "Power to change by working together to be better.....giving to one another to be a better whole."

I doubt that Mr. Rider, Mr. Lemley or Mr. Finley knew they were almost quoting Thomas Paine...they were merely expressing their belief that Blenko Glass produces quality products as a result of team work.

Thomas Paine also said something along the lines of "people need to be educated and once they are they will change" . . ." by thinking differently we can change and empower our self and our country".

Learn about MADE IN THE US Glass and the glass industry then buy WV Glass...
.ONE person can make a difference. hjh

.PHOTOS - You Respond

Each of the five people who sent photos included one or two of Richard Blenko.
BLENKO was the focus of this evening. We all should be so very proud of the magnificent effort the Commissioner and his Staff put forth to make this event so very nice. It's a pleasure to live in a small state where everyone is so kind, and we have a Governor who supports education, the arts and business.

..................... .

I made a request for photos

these are a sample of the photos we have received from the BLENKO - West Virginia's Gift .

The exhibit remains at the West Virginia Cultural Center thru June 3rd.

Thank you for photos to: Lucille Parsley of Mingo County (Lucille also won the Are You Smarter Than a Sixth Grader - she correctly identified all the subjects in the photos). Luther Clinton Wolford of Belfry, Ky, Donna Stone of Charleston.

Jerrod Edwards - Capitol High Student took the photos of stained glass panels.

Keep scrolling down......

hjh

Easter Bunny Shopping Made Easy - BLENKO

If you are the Easter Bunny - or the shopper for the Easter Bunny in your household, let me recommend a trip to BLENKO GLASS. Blenko currently has Easter Bunny and Eggs (glass of course ) - and an assortment of colors sure to delight everyone.
Chocolate Easter Eggs and Bunnies have so many idle calories - the plastic ones are 'well' plastic. . . This year start a new tradition - go to Tamarack or your local craft store - find a great 'handmade basket' (you need never buy another) - my Mom gave me the Easter Basket she used as a child - it was made by a crafts person. . . Then look for handmade/ handcrafted items to fill the basket. It's never too early to start your child collecting handcrafted items.
Easter baskets are for all ages - Blenko now makes beautiful glass baskets available with glass color eggs for centerpieces. The Blenko Glass baskets can be used as a centerpiece for a buffet for Easter dinner.
Easter Shopping - BLENKO GLASS in Milton, W. Va. 304 743 9081
they also have a website - so you can order on line. hjh

SOUTHERN LIVING - Blenko

First a disclaimer - I don't subscribe to SOUTHERN LIVING and have not seen the article - but received a nice email from a Charleston decorator who reports: In the current issue of 'Southern Living'
on page KY -4 there is a two page spread about BLENKO GLASS and shopping at the Visitors Center. The author reports Blenko Glass at the Visitors Center is astoundingly beautiful and very affordable. hjh
If you haven't been to the Visitors Center - located at Blenko Glass in Milton, WV right off I-64 and you like outlet or discount shopping . . . well, go see for yourself. The Visitors Center has never looked better and has a tremendous amount of glass.

SPRING BREAK - SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS

Spring Break is fast approaching! For me it will be a time to begin preparing for National Dental Boards.

While in Public School - each year I used the Spring Break time to vacation and decide on a subject for my SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT - these were a 'big deal' in most WVa Counties.

My first 'award winning' project was about BLENKO GLASS - I was probably under 11 years of age. I spent about sixteen hours at BLENKO, taking photos and talking with Mr. Richard and Mr. WH Blenko. The Science Fair judges were impressed with the information I was given while visiting Blenko.

Blenko Glass could be a topic for a (1)chemistry based project (2) social science (3)art . .depending on your child's interest and area of exploration.

If your child hasn't decided on a subject - consider a visit to The WV Cultural Center's exhibit BLENKO - West Virginia's Gift to America or/and a visit to Blenko in Milton, . Blenko photographs beautifully and you and your child will be helping to promote The only Stain Glass Manufacture in the United States, and the maker of West Virginia's finest tableware. The West Virginia Cultural Center exhibit BLENKO -West Virginia's Gift to America is open until June 3rd.

hjh

Blenko - Photos from the Cultural Center

These stain glass panels along with over 100 unique and beautiful pieces of BLENKO GLASS are a part of this exhibit.

BLENKO WEST Virginia's GIFT TO THE WORLD

WVa CULTURAL CENTER currently on display. hjh

Celebrate LIFE! Blenko

An EBONY Blenko Top Hat!

Perfect for keeping a drink on ice/ flowers in water/ PERFECT in every way!

Celebrate LIFE - each and every day. . . . surround yourself with beautiful things.

Call or visit your local florist once a week, you deserve to have fresh flowers. . . . . one other suggestion find a florist who uses BLENKO GLASS as the container for his designs.

Celebrate LIFE! Start now. Treat yourself to one really nice thing - instead of a multitude of junk. Blenko and other nice things don't have to be expensive. Fresh flowers can be had for less than $25 (if you walk in) at most FTD and other florist. Visit your local florist and candy makers and candle makers etc. select the best and then start being nice to yourself. Celebrate LIFE, your Life! hjh

March 17 th St Patrick's Day

BLENKO GLASS located in Milton, WVa. phone 304 743 9081.

Think GREEN! Blenko makes many shades of green glass. A dozen or more items of tableware in a dozen or more shades of GREEN!

Whether you are entertaining and need appropriate colored tableware or ordering flowers (ask the florist to put your arrangement in BLENKO) this holiday include West Virginia Glass. A timeless gift, and a great way to add to any celebration. hjh

Blenko NEW Colors and Styles!

New Colors at Blenko Glass - Colors like 'electric blue' and an orange that is almost neon. This is unlike any Blenko you have seen. Blenko Glass has something that everyone will love. I am a traditionalist I love the ruby and the blenko blue, but these new colors are dazzling. The new colors can be found on the Blenko Glass website. They are even more beautiful when seen in the 'newly decorated' Visitors Center. Stop in at the VC - shop and visit with Diane and Angie, go upstairs to the blenko museum, spend the day getting to know BLENKO GLASS.
hjh

Blenko - West Virginia's Gift to the World

Dr. O'Neil sent copies of the Gazette and the Daily Mail articles on the BLENKO event at the Cultural Center. Both articles (Wednesday/ Thursday ) had several nice photos of the 'commemorative piece' that will be sold for $120 during the event - which continues until June 3rd.
If you haven't been to the Cultural Center (Charleston Capitol Complex) plan to go soon. The Blenko exhibit is wonderful, the art and other collections are outstanding. The Cultural Center is a handsome building and the new 'caretakers' seem to want it to be even more user friendly.
Take the children or your date for an afternoon adventure. hjh

Richard BLenko - Blenko ...West Virginia's Gift to the World

WOW ! This was a night of celebration! Great music (Steve Hines) Wonderful Chamagne and wine (WV Friends of the Cultural Center) Great Food! Great Company.

Everyone was there Several hundred people including most notiably ,Mrs. Gayle Manchin, Secretary of Education and Arts Kay Goodwin, Mr. Bill Blenko, Ms Delorse Hogan, Mr. Walter Blenko and his wife Joy, Dr. Zabioz and his wife Rocelle. The WV Legislature was in session until after 9pm, the legistors were not able to attend. I understand several plan to go by today.

Mrs. Manchin said wonderful things about BLENKO Glass she praised Richard's work in promoting all West Virginia Glass, she spoke about the work ethic at the plant and she mention my little 'Blenko Project' (thank you).

Mrs. Kay Goodwin briefly spoke about her love of Blenko, and the involvement of Blenko in the Arts and West Virginia, she then presented Richard Blenko with an award for his contribution to the Arts ( I'll do a post about this later in the week.
You hear it here often - - "Richard Blenko is the 'face and voice' of Blenko, he works so very hard, he travels over 150 days each year doing lectures and promoting WV Glass. " The man is like the energizer bunny - he just keep working and working, all the while making it look very enjoyable and keeping us entertained with his stories of glass making and the arts and West Virginia. The people who love and collect Blenko can never say enough kind and good things about Richard. He doesn't like to be recognized, but he deserves to be recognized for his devotion and extremely hard work. Richard is an ambassador for the State of West Virginia, wherever he travels he makes dynamic presentations and promotes not only WV Glass but our beautiful State also.

I will post photos that were taken by Jerrod Edwards a Capital High School honor student, Jerrod was kind enough to spend the evening taking notes and photos for the blog.
Jerrod tells me he has over 50 good photos so....come back tomorrow for even more photos all next week.
HJH

Celebrate BLENKO and West Virginia on Thursday!

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History will celebrate a new exhibition, Blenko: West Virginia’s Gift to the World, with a gala opening on Thursday, March 8, in the Cultural Center, State Capitol Complex, Charleston. Visitors can meet the owner, Richard Blenko, hear a gallery talk, see a film about the company, purchase a limited edition vase, hear live music by Charleston jazz musician Steve Himes and register to win a one-of-a-kind studio art glass vase from 6-9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Plan to attend. If you can't come on Thursday check the website for the exhibits hours and dates.
This is a wonderful opportunity to see vintage Blenko, a great film, meet and greet Blenko folks, learn about WVa Glass, . . .I know I plan to find the Commissioner and tell him how very proud we all are of our wonderful Cultural Center and the awesome staff behind this event.
Come out and support Made In West Virginia - Your Cultural Center - Blenko Glass !
If you take photos - send some for the blog! hjh

BLENKO - All Available at Visitors Center and Online

Nothing is more beautiful than BLENKO GLASS. Include BLENKO at your next party, bridal shower, a birthday party, a dinner center piece, Blenko can add so much to any occassion! hjh
ps Dont forget to visit the Cultural Center during the BLENKO - West Virginia's Gift to the World exhibit.

Blenko Graffix by Jarrod Edwards

By:Jarrod Edwards

BLENKO - The ONLY AMERICAN Antique Glass Producer

Blenko Glass remains the only American antique glass producer. Located right here in Milton, W. Va.
Blenko Glass will be the focus at the BLENKO - West Virginia's Gift to the World exhibit beginning March 8th, at the WVa Cultural Center located in the State Capitol Complex. hjh

BLENKO West Virginia's Gift to the World!

What a great title for this exhibit.

Blenko . . .Blenko....Blenko..., the new exhibit at the Cultural Center will allow you to view vintage Blenko, Blenko Glass from the 40s, 50s, many unique items. Stain Glass items constructed by national known artist. It's all FREE and it starts Thursday March 8th.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History will celebrate a new exhibition, Blenko: West Virginia’s Gift to the World, with a gala opening on Thursday, March 8, in the Cultural Center, State Capitol Complex, Charleston. Visitors can meet the owner, Richard Blenko, hear a gallery talk, see a film about the company, purchase a limited edition vase, hear live music by Charleston jazz musician Steve Himes and register to win a one-of-a-kind studio art glass vase from 6-9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Blenko Glass remains the only American antique glass producer.Blenko will have 100 limited edition vases available for purchase. The vases sell for $120 and are signed and numbered. Check out the event or get questions answered by going to web site or phoningwww.wvculture.orgtml. (304) 558-0220.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums.

You dont have to get 'dressed up,' but if you want to you may....this is a wonderful opportunity. Come on Thursday - March 8th, learn more about Blenko and then bring the children and grandchildren for an educational after school or Saturday visit. hjh

MARCH 8th WV Culural Center BLENKO GLASS

I am in the mist of exams - I will write about this exhibit this weekend and post photos. Mark March 8th Thursday on your calendar and plan to attend. hjh
West Virginia Division of Culture and History
to open Blenko art glass exhibit on March 8

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History will celebrate a new exhibition, Blenko: West Virginia’s Gift to the World, with a gala opening on Thursday, March 8, in the Cultural Center, State Capitol Complex, Charleston. Visitors can meet the owner, Richard Blenko, hear a gallery talk, see a film about the company, purchase a limited edition vase, hear live music by Charleston jazz musician Steve Himes and register to win a one-of-a-kind studio art glass vase from 6-9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The exhibit will be on display in the Lobby Gallery and the north wing of the Balcony Gallery and consists of more than 100 pieces from the West Virginia State Museum Collection and the Huntington Museum of Art Collection. In addition, the company will have several special edition pieces incorporated into the show.
Blenko will give a gallery talk about the craft of making glass and show a 55-minute film, Blenko: The Spirit of American Stained Glass. The film chronicles the ongoing influence of the Blenko family’s glassworks on stained glass production in America.
Richard Blenko is the fourth generation of the Blenko family to practice the art of antique glass making. Blenko Art Glass Company was founded in 1893 by William J. Blenko in Kokomo, Ind. William had worked in London glasshouses from the age of 13 and moved to the U.S. with the intention of starting the first glasshouse outside of Europe that could supply mouth blown sheet glass for stained glass windows. In 1921, he settled in Milton, W.Va., where the company is located today. Blenko Glass remains the only American antique glass producer.
Blenko will have 100 limited edition vases available for purchase. The vases sell for $120 and are signed and numbered. Visitors also are invited to register to win a free 23-inch tall, one-of-a-kind, studio art glass vase valued at $2,500. No purchase is necessary but the winner must be present to win. Photographs of the limited edition vase and pieces from the exhibition can be downloaded from our website at www.wvculture.org/agency/press/blenko070308.html.
For more information about the Blenko: West Virginia’s Gift to the World exhibit or the opening on March 8, contact Charles Morris, collections and exhibits manager for the Division, at (304) 558-0220, ext. 704.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. Its administrative offices are located at the Cultural Center in the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, which also houses the state archives and state museum. The Cultural Center is West Virginia’s official showcase for the arts. The agency also operates a network of museums and historic sites across the state. For more information about the Division’s programs, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Media Note: Richard Blenko can be reached at (304) 743-9081

Can you Identify These BLENKO GLASS Items?

It's midterm exam time for me, and a friend needs to know about his BLENKO - Should he keep or sell - what is the color, the designer and the year if known?
Thanks!
HJH