Blenko Decanters

Available in:
Clover
Electric Blue

Matt, here's another large floor vase - currently available from Blenko.

HJH

Heart of Glass Blog Needs Your Photos

Please send your photos of BLENKO GLASS to theblenkoproject@aol.com
for use in the Heart of Glass Blog.
If you have a story that goes with the glass - we want to share this also.
Remember the photo will be used for the newspaper blog - so it'll be published.
Thank you
Hillary J Homburg
While we prefer BLENKO
we'll gladly accept photot of any West Virginia Glass.

1960's Joel Myers / Blenko

Doctor Glasslady,

I'm sending a photo and description of one awesome Blenko vase currently on ebay. Unlike Mr. Bruce's finds this one isn't dirt cheap but it is still much less than it would be in a NYC or NC gallery. It is in my Ky opionion a steal. Please share with readers. Joel Myers is a great additon to any Blenko Collection.

River

1960'sJOEL PHILIP MYERSLargeElongatedBottle forBLENKO.Up for auction isthis spectacularMid-CenturyModernistArt Glass bottleby PHILIP JOEL MYERSfor BLENKO!This rare and increasinglyhard to find art glass pieceis in perfect condition.It is signed on the bottom:BlenkoJoel P. MyersThis classic piece was designed by the modernist master craftsman whowas theBlenko Design Directorfrom 1963-1970.I believe this piecethe "6427 Bottle" isfrom 1964.This large floor or table bottlemeasuresapproximately22 1/2 inches high.It's base measuresapproximately2 3/4 inches across.The mouth is approximately1 1/4 inch across.This wonderful item has no chips or cracks. It has the normal bubbles associated with this type ofmaster production.The colors are vivid and dynamic.The neck is a strikingturquoise blue and the body is a warm honey color.Don't miss out on this opportunity to own this spectacular and rare piece.
Joel Philip Myers Mid Century Eames Art Glass BLENKO
Item Id:
290353252614

Bayliss - Bravo Collection

Information about the Bravo Collection from the Blenko Glass Company.

Bayliss Design Team presents - The Bravo! Collection
Bravo! Collection is a celebration of Blenko’s successful history. These pieces are an encore that pays homage to memorable 50’s and 60’s designs, yet they also push the ideas and forms into the future. Optimistic, fun, with colors that POP, Bravo! also celebrates life NOW with hot new colors and cool new forms.
Not only do the pieces look great, they work well too. Try pouring from the bird neck pitcher to see what we mean. Voluptuous and curved or svelte and stretched, from and function unite in this juicy, young line. Instead of simply being a decorative motif, the punches that produce the interesting contours of the vessels also create areas that the hand can easily grasp. These pieces really lend themselves to mixing or matching; never has orange, blue, and purple looked so good together. Bravo! Blenko loves Blenko again!
Available in: Ruby, Dreamcicle, Clover, & Electric Blue *Sunshine and Vineyard have been discontinued.

2006 Fire and Ice from Blenko Glass

Fire and Ice - 2006 price in 2006 range from : $150 - $220.

Sweetdoc, Thank you for the photo and question.

The glass vase you bought is Blenko. Its part of the 2006 Fire and Ice series.

This is a very lovely grouping, over the last thirty six month many of my WVU professors chose to purchase from this grouping.

WVU - First Lady Susan Hardesty has the larger vase. The colors represent WVU in an eloquent, understated way.
All the beauty and fire of this series can't be seen in a photo, however, I'm attaching photos of the entire series. Photos from Blenko 2006 Catalogue.

Congratulations on your excellent purchase.

Remember when you buy BLENKO GLASS, you are supporting an American Glass Company, and you are supporting local craftsmen. Buy Made In USA when possible.

hjh

No Money

Hilary,

I have less than $20 per month extra, and I want to start a Blenko collection. Suggestions?

Carolee

Carolee,

My first suggestion would be to look again at your budget.

Blenko glass can be found in estate sales, tag sales, flea markets etc.

Having been college student for 9 years, I know poverty. My game plan has been to save money for the purchase of a desired piece. Some collectors collect the BLENKO GLASS paper ware - post cards, catalogues, advertisements, these can be purchased for $20 or less.

Let me suggest you buy only what you love and want to live with, surrounding yourself with things you love will enhance your entire life.

Good Luck, and when you make that first purchase, let us know what you bought. Check out the Blenko Glass websites, and consider joining a glass club to learn more about Blenko and WV Glass.

HJH

September 26 - Broze Look - Princeton, W.Va.

The following notice from The BRONZE LOOK

Note to the Glass Community and

Blenko Glass Collectors mark your calendars for September 26th:
September 26 Blenko Signing Event: Blenko Craftsman Randy Rider will visit us to sign any Blenko Piece purchased at The Bronze Look, LLC. Princeton, West Virginia

We also will have the first in our series of The Four Seasons Blenko Perfume Bottle offered exclusively by The Bronze Look to collectors. No more than 99 bottles will be offered in the first series. The bottle is tangerine color to match our beautiful fall foilage. I have attached a photo of the perfume bottle. It is the first in a series of four each representing a season.

Randy Rider - Master Craftsman - Blenko Glass

Hills, Saw yesterdays post about the perfume bottle, my question is who is Randy Rider? New designer? From where? More info please.

Sol

Sol, May I suggest you check out the Blenko Websites for employee information:

http://www.blenkoproject.org/ and others offer this information.

Below is an employee info compliments of Blenko Glass.

Randy Rider - Master Craftsman
Years Worked: 28 years on October 17th, 2008.
Positions Held: Everything for Carry-in boy to Production Supervisor
Current Position: Production Supervisor/ Finisher
Randy is married and has 2 children, one of which is employed at Blenko. Randy was raised in Ona, WV and attended high school in Milton, WV.
Randy enjoys working on special projects and likes to push the limits by experimenting on new works of art. Randy would like to one day be mentioned along side the most well noted artisans that Blenko has had.

Blenko Inspired Art / Photos

Hilary, A while back you mentioned Rick Lee, Damon Crane, and Glen Brogan as artist . Saying they all did good photos and graphics. This week I spent time viewing the website listing for all three. Can you persuade Lee and Crane to allow you to do a few blogs about their work and publish available photos along with price? Also Brogan I didn't see any glasswork in the drawings on his site.

I am redoing my house, and want to have Blenko photos in the glass room which is filled with Blenko from 1059 - 2009. John Nickerson at one time lived in an apartment we own, our collection grew after this, as we felt a connection to the company.

Also on the Glen Brogan website, I discovered the ??? drawing??? is this representative of you?

Alex

http://www.albinoraven.com/images/cubees/hillarycubeeweb.jpg

Harry Goes to California

Blenko postcards are 'collectible' the postcards in this blog are the property of Larry Thompson and feature his father Harry Thompson. Check out EBAY and your local vintage shops for Blenko Glass paper products. hjh

Doctor Hillary,

I can only remember that Lassie Templeton and Lendel Templeton were two of the men that went with Harry to California. No one took photos that I knew of the post cards was all I saw of the trip. Lassie is the man holding the mold for Harry in the post card. We still do not know who the man is with the chigarette in his moth is .The 1956 and 1957 cattaloge photo, The man with Harry is Mac Mccomas. I have been told that these men worked with Harry for many years. In 1964 one of these men got ther own shop and Harry picked a newly hired Bill Knight to work on his shop and it wasent long before Bill could make the airtwist stem for the Williamsburg. Bill lold me that Harry could recognize a talented worker very quickly and would grab them for hie shop. He would also make sure they got there own shop when they were ready.

Thanks Larry T.

Limited Edition - Perfume Bottles _ BLenko

You'll want to be special order this one - Limited Edition

Perfume Bottle made by Randy Rider Sold only at the Bronze Look in Princeton, WVa.

You may phone and use your charge card to hold .
HJH
http://www.thebronzelook.com/

Bronze Look - Limited Edition Blenko Perfume Bottles

Hilary, Read a story about Blenko making limited edition perfume bottles? Do you know this story, and can you post photos and price of the bottles? Your job is to keep us informed, and now I'm having to inform you. Not good.

Mountain Rita

Mountain Rita - We had no knowledge of this project. With a few emails we were able to obtain some info. Hope this helps. Below is a note from Bronze Look describing the series.

HJH www.thebronzelook.com (the link I used).

Hello Hillary:
My gallery-The Bronze Look- is located in the Historic District of Princeton, West Virginia at 311 Mercer Street. We have been a Blenko Dealer for three years now having just relocated to our refurbished 100 year old building. We have worked with Fenton Art Glass in the past doing special limited edition pieces for our customers and thought we could do the same for our Blenko Glass enthusiasts.

Working with Katie Garrison of Blenko we came together on an idea of 4 different perfume bottle reflecting the colors of Blenko and the four seasons in West Virginia. Randy Rider, Master Finisher for Blenko will be here for the release and signing of the 99 piece edition. The first piece will be tangerine and the edition is limited to 99. The remaining 3 bottles will be no more than 99 but right now we are setting the limit at 69. When Katie and I looked over the various molds and patterns we found that a decanter type perfume bottle 60's vintage of smaller porportions would be a perfect beginning. I also wanted a perfume bottle to retail for less than $60 if possible. The price came in at $60. The second bottle will be cobalt blue, the 3rd Spring Green and the fourth Ruby. We have not decided on any specific pattern for the other three.

I have been to many of the glass plants that are no longer operating in West Virginia. I hated to see Pilgrim Glass and Seneca Glass close as those were on my favorite places to visit. We actually now work with Kelsey Murphy, Past Art Director of Pilgrim Glass, in creating new pieces for our gallery using her blanks or Blenko or Fenton pieces. It is important to me that we work to promote and preserve the glassworking heritage of West Virginia. I know the economy may be having an effect on what or how people spend their money.

Thanks for all you do for promoting the Blenko Glass.
Randolph

zodiac paperweights

Hillary
I have the entire collection except for cancer. Tell me how to find cancer? Will Blenko remake these?
Morris T.
Morris,
My thoughts are these have been remade, but I am sending a note to Katie Garrison VP at Blenko. Check back for an answer.
HJH

Collecting Blenko

Hilary
What can you tell me about the Blenko Collectors Society? Is it now a go or a no go?
Also who do we turn to?
For information and other news?
Elizabeth C.

Elizabeth,
I've ask Tammy Kosla to share her story - she is the founding member of the Blenko Collectors Society.
The Blenko Glass website has information about the Blenko Glass Collectors Society.
I have no new information, when I do - I'll immediately post the info.
After June of 2010 I promise to spend time growing collector clubs. Like Fenton and Festia and Fostoria we need more than one group (state or regional groups all belonging to a larger group - but meeting regularly) of Blenko Collectors - form your own group to learn about Blenko - then join a larger group as / when it becomes available.
Keep reading and keep buying NEW Blenko glass.
Visit the Blenko glass website frequently. Vist http://www.blenkocollectors.com/ (The Blenko Collectors 4) website to learn about Blenko.

From the Blenko Website:
Collecting Blenko- Old and New
Blenko Handcrafted glass has been a growing collectible since the 1960's. Some in the world of glass collecting say it is one of the next, 'Must have' collectibles.
In 2003, the Blenko Collector's Society was created by a group of avid collectors. The Blenko Collector's Society is a small but growing group. They have a convention every year here at the Blenko factory in, Milton, West Virginia. For the convention Blenko makes special pieces available at the Visitor's Center just for convention attendees.
In conjunction with the Blenko Collector's Society, Blenko produces a piece exclusively for members of the Society every year. So far, 3 pieces have been produced. All pieces have the membership number etched on the bottom of the piece.
In addition to the convention and yearly membership piece, the Society publishes a newsletter every quarter.
For more information on joining the Blenko Collector's Society, please click on the link below:
http://www.blenkocollectorssociety.com/
Membership Application
Blenko Collectors Society Mission Statement
Dedicated to promote the study, appreciation, preservation and identification of Blenko Glass.

Blenko Glass Company P.O. Box 67 Milton WV

www.blenkoproject.org

Learn about Blenko Glass, view collections of Blenko Glass, become a part of an advocate group, a group that wants to see Glass Made In West Virginia.
http://www.blenkoproject.org/
Comments you don't want to post, questions, photos etc please send to : theblenkoproject@aol.com

Walter Blenko - Blenko Glass

Glasslady,

Twice now I have read about Walter Blenko, and the need to add his signature to my collection. Can you tell me more about Walter Blenko and where he fits into Blenko?

Laurie V.

Laurie - The official Blenko website offers the bio below. The Blenko website :www.blenkoglass.com, the Blenko Collectors 4, Blenko Collectors Society and Blenko project all contain valuable information. All are updated regularly. Hope this answers your question.

HJH

Walter J. Blenko, Jr. (photo) has been active in alumni affairs at Carnegie-Mellon University for many years, has served two terms as President of the Andrew Carnegie Society, and was a member of the Executive Committee and Executive Board of the Alumni Association. He has received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award and is a member of the Visiting Committee for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His civic activities include 12 years as a volunteer fireman and an honorary membership in the Wilkinsburg Emergency Medical Service. He has served as a member of and secretary to the Hampton Township Zoning Hearing Board, and as a member and president of the Hampton Township School Board. Currently, Mr. Blenko has been serving as President of Blenko Glass since September 2008.

Blenko Book Ends

Readers
Do you own Blenko Glass or WV Glass bookends?
If so please send photos to theblenkoproject@aol.com
for upcoming post on Blenko Bookends.
Thanks
HJH

www.blenkoproject.org - What To Do After the WVU and Marshall Game

After the West Virginia University vs Auburn or the Marshall vs Bowling Green . . . why not spend some time learning about West Virginia Glass, the craftsmen who made the glass. The history of Blenko Glass. Visit the website www.blenkoproject.org .

Perhaps plan a stop (I-64 Milton Exit -) to visit the Blenko Glass Visitors Center Showroom and gift shop on the way home?

Blenko Glass currently has a large selection of collegiate tableware .

What does WVU need to defeat Auburn?

What does West Virginia have to do to defeat Auburn on Saturday? ...

I don't have an answer. Most every other blog - does - so check them out!

I do know for the very BEST pre and after 'GAME PARTY' you'll need BLENKO GLASS' collegiate tableware.

Affordable, beautiful, WVU tableware and decanters made in Milton, W.Va.

Note: These or similar designs are available for Marshall University and many other schools

Blenko Bud Vase?

Readers- can you assist this person with identification?
Hello. I found this at the rummage sale. I am not quite sure if this bud vase is Blenko. Can you idefnfy it? Can you tell what the value is. I appreciate your assist.
Thank you

DFCurl

Blenko Brick & Tile

Samples of Blenko Brick - Photo of Blenko in Garden.

Doctor Hilary

Can you provide photos and information about the tiles and bricks Blenko is making, also the cost? Are they OK to use in construction or is it best to stick with using as decorative art in garden? Do you have photos of either?

Thank you

Charles K.

Charles,

For cost you'll need to contact Don Lemley the director of Antique Glass at Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ Don can answer questions, and have most anything you need made.

I am adding a photo of the brick and brick used in the outdoor garden setting. If anyone has photos of Blenko in architectural setting please send copy to theblenkoproject@aol.com

The Blenko website offers this information about the brick.

Blenko Glass Company, Inc. has expanded their line of architectural glass products to include two sizes of glass bricks and two sizes of glass tiles. Blenko continues to produce Dalle de Verre (slab glass), hand-blown sheet glass, and hand-spun rondels as part of the architectural/antique product line catering to the stained glass industry.

www.blenkoproject.org

Restoration Glass - Blenko Glass - Don Lemley

Antique Sheet Glass

Blenko produces two varieties of Antique Sheet Glass.

These varieties include wood mold or smooth texture, and iron mold or mottled texture.
Iron mold texture is available in both colored and clear. Our clear, smooth glass, is also considered to be the original "Restoration Glass." It is used in the repair and replacement of window glass in many early buildings and homes.Sample sets are available.

Please contact us for availability and pricing.

Contact:

Don Lemley

at Blenko Glass 304 743 9081

Blenko Antique Stained Glass Sheet
Blenko Glass is proud to have manufactured the glass used in churches around the world, including the "Rose Window" in the Washington Cathedral. The "Rose Window" truly represents the beauty of mouth-blown glass.
The Transmitter, November - December issue, 1962 The famous Rose Window of Washington Cathedral was designed by Joseph Reynolds. The design highlights glass made solely by Blenko Glass Company, of Milton, WV. Joseph Reynolds states "this design is based upon imagery as described in Chapter 4 of Revelations, embodying St. John's vision of heaven. God, robed in a mantle of brilliant gold, is enthroned and crowned. Outside the six-lobed center foil and radiating from it are 24 petal-shaped openings. In these openings and surrounding the throne is the rainbow, described by St. John, and outside this are the Four and Twenty Elders holding their Golden Crowns.


Don Lemley provided the photo and this explanation of the photo:

"In the 12 six-foiled openings forming the perimeter of the rose are suggested the 12 gates of heaven, the angels guarding them, Seraphim and Cherubim, and finally, biblical and saintly personages who by their acts on earth achieved eternal glory in heaven," continues the description."Throughout the entire composition, the emphasis is definitely symbolic, never pictorial. Rhythmical shapes and lines draw attention to the central focal point of the rose, where the majestic figure of God, the Father, is enthroned.

Blenko Photo from the 50s.

This photo is in the 1956 and 1957 catalogue, i believe the man with Harry in this photo is Mac Macommas and Harry is putting on a foot. I have been told that he was verry proficent at this. Thanks Larry T.

Reader Writes - Ebay Blenko Rooster

Hello thanks for getting back to me. I have the Rooster Vase listed on eBay at this time. It has been listed a few days now. Here is the auction number. 260475573154. Like I was telling you in my email I was out the other day shopping in Antique Malls and Estate Sales. I had just found a very rare Fiesta Cobalt Blue Cake Plate at an local auction for only $4.00. I listed it and it sold on eBay for $1,147.22. So I had a nice hand full of cash to restock my eBay inventory. I have sold on eBay for many years since 1998. That was around the time Blenko Glass had a huge come back. I started collecting Italian Murano 50's glass for my own personal taste a few years prior even hearing of the website eBay. I had collected over 2000 pieces of Art Glass of all Kinds. When I found out about eBay I took a look at their site. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. There were so many things that were selling for big bucks and I had several just like them. So I thought that I would give it a shot. So I just picked out something that I had on a shelf took pictures and listed it on eBay. It sold for hundreds of dollars and I paid just a few bucks. Well I really started getting into this eBay Website and listed more things. Again everything that I was listing was selling fast and for so much more then what I had paid. I then started buying books to learn more about glass. I had no idea about all these different types of glass that I had bought. I just bought them because I liked the look and the style was sure to make a come back soon. It did just that. I was selling Blenko pieces that were never in any of the books that I had bought. Or ever seen on eBay. So I have sold a few rare pieces. I remember once Tammy, she is one the Blenko Collectors board? She had called me at home about a piece that she want so bad but was afraid that another eBay buyer would win it. I believe his name was Sid out of Texas. We talked about Blenko glass for a good hour. Tammy was a very nice lady and she did end up winning the piece. I can't remember what it was but she got it. I also had sold to Leslie Pina a few times. Also a very nice lady. Back to the Rooster. The Antique Mall was getting ready to close. " I hate when they make that last call " So I was rushing up and down all the rows of booths. As I was walking by the booth with the Rooster in it I'm not sure what made me stop to look. Maybe the color of the glass I'm not sure. The Rooster head was down inside a vase so only part of it was viable. It may of been the tail since it looks so much like the Bird Vase. I have sold many of those as well in Charcoal color in the past. I took the Rooster out of the vase and then knew right a way it had to be a Blenko piece. The weight of the piece, the colors, and the style. I also thought that I had seen it in the past somewhere but I still cant remember where. I then took it up to check out along with several other things I had found. I paid for it and rushed home to research it. I found the Heart of Glass story. After reading it I felt good enough to list it as a Rare piece of Blenko Glass. Here is a picture for you. Or your welcome to use any other pictures that I have in the listing. Thanks again for getting back to me.Wayne

2010 Festival Of Glass -

Tentative dates are August 6-10 2010.
We'll publish more information as it becomes available but mark your calendar now!
Festival of Glass #3 Blenko Glass, Milton, West Virginia
Each year is bigger and better than the last year!
Blenko Glass an American Company located in Milton, W. Va.
http://www.blenkoproject.org/.
Thank you to Christy and Katie at Blenko Glass for this announcement .

Photos from Bruce

Hi Hillary,
Just trying some different light settings to see if I can get rid of the blue in my photos without losing the correct color spectrum. Thought you and the bloggers might enjoy. The first photo is of a group of 579's in Sea Green, Tangerine and Jonquil.

The second photo is one of those situations that come up when your shopping. What do you do when you stumble across a nice piece of art glass that isn't Blenko. Welllll, you buy the thing silly. Anyway, thought ya'll might enjoy this pair of Rainbow decanters I have found along the way. the green one came from an east Texas flea market and the tangerine came from a mini mall in Lawton Oklahoma. I don't remember exactly but I think I only paid about $20 for each.

The third photo is one of those where I enjoy seeing the various designs that can come from the same mold at Blenko. I have already shared the Anderson #535 Pouch vase before but the Turquoise #967 flat-sided pitcher and Amethyst #961-S flat-sided vase are new.

Hope you enjoy,
Bruce

Reader Writes - Blenko workers in Calif

Thank you to Larry T., Bruce, Diane, R.J, and others for your pictures, post and articles. This blog is a ' community effort' people who collect Blenko, people who just love Blenko and people who want to know a small family owned factory in a small West Virginia town will be making hand crafted glass when their grandchildren have children. Together we can make this happen.
Keep buying Blenko. Keep telling your friends, and co workers the Blenko story, and continue to send your stories, photos etc.
The new collectors, and the wannabe collectors and I greatly appreciate your words, your photos and your continued support. HJH
Hillary,
I see that we have California readers so i thought that i would tell everything i know about Harrys, trip to California. In or around 1959 Blenko was shut down Harry and three other blenko workers heard about a glass factory in California that needed workers. So the 4 of them piled in dads 58 impala , pooled there money and headed to California. They took turns driving and it still took 3 days of non stop driving. When they stooped for gas or food they would send postcards from that that town. I remember one that read Here lies Lester Moore 4slugs from a44 no less no more. From Tombstone Az. I believe the glass factory was in Santa Ana, they spent a week there blowing glass. Harry called and said that they blew probably 150 peaces and they were excited about there work but the factory was poorly set up,junk everywhere and over 100 inside with an outside temp of 70 so it would probably be 140 in the summer. They talked it over and decided not to stay. So there is a remote possibility of some of these peaces of glass floating around southern cal.
Thanks
Larry T.
Harry
Just a thought, do you have photos, do you know the names of the other workers?
HJH

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading, PA

GoggleWorks Anniversary ushers in a
weekend of the arts in Reading, PA

The GoggleWorks is celebrating its fourth anniversary and is inviting the community to share in the festivities. The theme for the celebration is Cirque des Arts (Circus of the Arts).

The weekend ofSeptember 11-13 will be packed with art events, festive and casual, and open to the public, beginning with the Studio Crawl on September 11, from 6 to 9p.m. The Studio Crawl will take place at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and will provide an opportunity to enjoy great hors d'oevres, imbibe some fine wine and beer, all while taking in fabulous artwork and chatting with artists and fellow art lovers. There will also be a live auction of GoggleWorks artists' artwork and a good reason to bring out your creative cocktail wardrobe.

The Cirque des Arts Gala celebration follows, on September 12, from 6-10 p.m. The Gala is a circus themed cocktail affair. Cirque de Verre, a group of artists who fuse their passion for glass with performance, to defy and expand the conventions of how glass might be manipulated in art, will perform in the hot shop. The performance will include a glass obsessed clown named Torso, a synchronized glass blowing performance, a scientist who tries to bottle emotions, and more that the group is keeping under their hats for now! The evening will also include a silent auction, with a number of great items, many from local businesses, available to be bid on. Guests will also enjoy entertainment by the Reading Jugglers Club and bellydancing by Troupe Sahara. Live music will be provided by the Dave Wilson Duo. Dinner will be included with the purchase of tickets, and a cash bar will be available on site. The Gala will take place in the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
Tickets to both the Studio Crawl and the Gala may be purchased separately or together by calling the GoggleWorks offices at 610-374-4600.

The weekend concludes with an open house on Sunday, September 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., which includes not only the GoggleWorks, but also Culture Soup at the Reading Public Museum, and an Arts and Antiques Fair at the Centre Park Arts Historic District.

The GoggleWorks Second Sunday will provide a day full of free art and music to the community. There will be free music throughout the day, workshops, demonstrations, and so much more. As always, Second Sunday is a great opportunity to meet the GoggleWorks artists and arts partners. It's also a great day to bring the family to the GoggleWorks to enjoy A Whole City Block Where Art Happens.

The Arts and Antiques Fair will be held at the Centre Park Historic District, between 10a.m. and 5 p.m. It has a rain date of September 20. This free event will include the work of over 70 artisans, crafts-persons, and antique dealers. An array of merchandise will be available, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, hand-blown and stained glass, vintage clothing, furniture and collectibles. Live music will form the backdrop for this fun, outdoor event, and visitors will be able to witness Pipper the Clown in action! The Centre Park Historic District is a Victorian neighborhood in Reading, comprised of 840 largely residential properties of Victorian and early 20th century architecture. They have consistently been active in promoting architectural preservation.

A trolley will be available between the GoggleWorks and the Centre Park Historic District during the hours of the GoggleWorks open house on Sunday, September 13.

Culture Soup is a collaborative effort between the Reading Public Museum, the Reading Symphony Orchestra, the Berks Art Council, the GoggleWorks, Leadership Berks and Greater Reading Young Professionals, aimed at developing arts programs for young professionals in the greater Reading community. They will be hosting Arts in the Arboretum from 4 to 6 p.m., in the arboretum of the Reading Public Museum. There, guests are invited to bring picnics enjoy the music of the Jazz Katz, while redeeming their admission included two drink vouchers for wine and beer. Tickets may be purchased upon arrival. For further information, contact Lauren McCarroll at 610-371-5850 extension 230.

The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a community art and cultural resource center for Berks County and central and southeastern Pennsylvania, and is the largest, most comprehensive interactive arts center of its kind in the country. The GoggleWorks is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free parking is available in the GoggleWorks parking lot.


Contact:
Carson Kober-Mazurkiewicz
GoggleWorks, Director of Marketing and Communications
ckober@goggleworks.org
610-374-4600 x 113

Blenko Ebay finds

Hi

Just wanted to share another photo. Blenko #6715 decanter in Honey and a #677 vase. Both designed by Myers. The decanter was only produced in 1967. Picked both of these up as mislists.

Enjoy

Bruce

WheatonArts 2010 CGCA Fellowship Application Now Avalible

Attention Artists!

Creative Glass Center of America 2010 Fellowship Program

Application Deadline: October 26, 2009

Click here for program details and to download the 2010 Fellowship Application

Once again the residency program at WheatonArts is trying to reach out more directly to artists through the Internet. Included in this e-mail is a link to the current Fellowship application to the Creative Glass Center of America at WheatonArts.

The CGCA residency program affords artists a break from the pressures of the external world, allowing them to work on ideas and projects that one might not be able to risk otherwise.

The facilities are some of the finest internationally, broad in scope and able to support vast possibilities. Artists get exceptional access and freedom with these facilities, but they also receive generous stipends, private studios, technical assistance, comfortable housing and institutional support. In addition, they are embraced by a dedicated and warm staff, all on a beautiful 65-acre campus that is truly a creative sanctuary, just 45 minutes south of Philadelphia.

This year the artists will have use of three brand new furnaces and many other recently upgraded facilities. We are constantly improving and growing. I encourage you to utilize this resource!

If you are interested in applying or know someone who might be, please use the application form or forward it on to someone who might be.

Only ten Creative Glass Center of America grants are given per year but the process is free and easy and surprisingly open. Check the web site at www.wheatonarts.org for any program details and please come visit the organization for other activities all year long.

P.S. This year our first residency session will begin in April 2010. This has allowed us to extend our application deadline and jury process on into October. So you still have plenty of time to apply!

Sincerely,

Hank Adams

WheatonArts Glass Studio Creative Director

Les Womack - Blenko Angels and Snowmen

An 'angel' is the perfect gift!

Retired Craftsman and former Blenko Foreman - Les Womack has returned to Blenko Glass for the Holidays.

Mr. Womack will work one or two days each week to prepare the Holiday Angels and Snowmen.

I own several (never can have too many) Womack Angels and Snowmen.

The angels stay out all year long - the Snowmen make an appearance after Turkey Day and stay out until mid March.

If you are at Blenko when Mr. Womack is working - I would suggest asking for his signature on your angel.

The angels are beautiful, unique, each a special edition - the colors are beautiful! When photos of the 2009 Angels are available I'll publish - the photos here are of older Angels.

hjh

Blenko Bruce Strikes Again !

99 cents and good eyes - Bruce makes everything sound so o o o easy!

> HI HIllary

This is one of those "too good to be true" stories that drives some of the folks on your blog crazy. A good set of eyes and .99 cents is all it took to snag this beauty on ebay the other day. You would not believe how bad the photos were in the listing. The picture was taken from overhead with the piece sitting on some grey multicolor carpet. It didn't stop me from realizing what it had to be. When I got the piece in and cleaned it up I found that it is even etched with the Blenko signature, something the seller had not noticed over the years that he had possession of the piece.

Enjoy,

Bruce Specht

Blenko glass medallion ornaments

http://www.blenkoglass.com/ $40

These sparkling glass medallion ornaments will look beautiful hanging on your tree, or you can also hang them in a window with a suction cup (not included). Each ornament will be in a velveteen bag and beautifully packaged together in a special Blenko storage box.

Note: My Mom uses these small medallions in place of a ribbon on Holiday gifts. hjh Order now, last year the supply was sold out before 12/1/. hjh

MARSHALL FOOTBALL!

Marshall Football and BLENKO GLASS a WINNING COMBINATION!

If you love football - like I love football - we'll you probably already have

the BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ MARSHALL inspired items.

If you don't order now - so that you'll be having your pre game and post game

party using MADE IN WEST VIRGINIA tableware.

BLENKO GLASS MADE IN WEST VIRGINIA - Milton, West Virginia

Can you identify these Blenko Workers? Harry Thompson & ____

Do you have stories about working at Blenko, do you recall the stories a relative or friend told of days at Blenko?
If so please share with the Heart of Glass blog.
The following is from Larry Thompson, his father Harry Thompson spent his life working with Glass in West Virginia and later in Indiana/
hjh


I have been getting conflicting answers on the person in the photo with Harry but the one they agree on is that the round bulb in the work bench under his hand is the tool he used to make the teardrop in the stemware like the one on the left in the photo. It is a rubber squeeze bulb with a metal tube added too it. He taught himself to make the the teardrop peace because he tried to make it the way he was told and the teardrop came out upsidedown. So he made the whole peace backwards.
Thanks
Larry T.
Note: Photos didn't load onto blogger - check back for photos.

Another Blenko Collector Birthday!

Barry from Charleston will turn 50 today!

Barry is a new (6 years now) collector of Blenko and WV Glass. He resides in Charleston with his dog 'Whinny' in the historic district of Edgewood.

Barry's is attempting to get a full collection of the WV Birthday Vases - he now has 25. He also has many lamp and large architectural Blenko items. Most everything he owns has been signed by Mr. WH Blenko or Rick Blenko.

Barry is supportive of the Blenko Collectors Society and wants to become active when the club is again active.

Other than glass his hobbies include home repairs - he is restoring the 80 year old home he owns and also helps out his neighbors with their repairs.

Happy Birthday Barry.

Our apology the photo is of Blenko Birthday Collectors: John and Eppie Bowles from the St Albans area. John and Eppie has collected WV Birthday since the 80s. My parents tells stories of standing in the rain waiting for the Blenko Glass Birthday Vase to be sold in the 80s with the Bowles.

Eppie and John Bowles are long time supporters of BLENKO GLASS, West Virginia Glass and wonderful West Virginia neighbors.

A Wall of Blenko - Texas

Hi Hillary

,Just wanted to share a photo of the office wall next to our computer. This is what I enjoy in the evenings when it lights up with the track lighting we have.

Enjoy

Bruce Specht

Vintage Blenko - Joel Myers

Hi Doc,

Thought you might like these as well. A nice trio of Joel Philip Myers pieces that he made while at Blenko. A beautiful example of applying the Sommerso technique.

Enjoy

Bruce Specht

Thank you!

I own the decanter in the middle, its one of my favorite pieces of glass - I had not seen the companion pieces. The combo is so very beautiful.

Ms. Phyllis's (http://www.blenkoproject.org/) in her collection has some similar pieces by Myers in blue and gold made especially for the Arch Moore then Governor of State of WV.

hjh

Blenko Glass 600D

Each time I post a photo of the Specht Family's vintage Blenko - my mail box receives a dozen plus emails commenting on the composition and quality of the photos, or else comments asking Blenko to reproduce these items.

Thank you Specht Family for continuing to send photos, we appreciate your willingness to share your collection and help to inform the new collectors. hjh

Hi Hillary,

These are a trio of Blenko 600D decanters from the predesigner period. I have picked these up over the years. Hope that you enjoy. Emerald Green, Amethyst and Seafoam. As you can tell from the other pictures that I have sent today that I really do enjoy the vintage Blenko

.Bruce Specht

Blenko College Inspired Xmas Ornaments

I'm posting these now - as you'll want to place an order immediately to insure (a)they don't run out before you purchase (b) you will have the gift in plenty of time to admire before gifting!

Blenko Glass - the collegiate line improves and increases!

We saw the WVU ornament its a blue ball with the flying WV in a gold emboss.

Beautiful! After your purchase arrives, take a photo for the blog . Send to theblenkoproject@aol. com. Visit the Blenko Project website to lean more about BLENKO GLASS. www.blenkoproject.org