Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Heart of Glass

* Image from http://www.fentonartglass.com

A Very Special Item of Glass www.thebronzelook.com

Sexy, feminine, unique, one of a kind - so very many descriptive words all needed to describe this perfume bottle. http://www.thebronzelook.com/

Reader Mountain Rita wrote to ask me" what 'One items of glass I'd love to own,' it can't be anything made more than 12 months ago. " We love perfume bottles, while our collection is very small - a few crystal bottles from the 30s, several bottles made by John Nickerson ( former Blenko designer), and a couple made by an Italian artist. This perfume bottle ( see photo) I've had my eye on for months. The price is very reasonable. The design is excellent.
This item is located at THE BRONZE LOOK, LLC of Princeton, WV. West Virginia cameo art glass extraordinaire Kelsey Murphy and Robert Bomkamp joined forces with now extinct Pilgrim Glass in 1987. When they began their Cameo Glass journey the breakage rate was 95%, now a million shards of glass later the breakage rate is 4%. According to Murphy " cameo glass with 12 layers had never been done before in the history of glassmaking." This is an example of a small piece by Kelsey Murphy et al. The prices range from 285 to thousands of dollars. The Bronze Look LLC ( where the perfume bottle shown is located) has a large selection of cameo glass designed by Kelsey and /or Robert for Fenton Art Glass Company and also carved originals. Happy Shopping!

Over 100 pieces of Blenko at Mountanieer Auction this Weekend!

Friday October 29th, 2010 6:00pm
Saturday October 30th, 2010 10:00am
Mountaineer Auction Gallery Clendenin, WV

125+pieces Blenko: Over 125 pieces including scarce amber Mermaid
decanter w/stopper, Winslow Anderson amethyst decanter w/stopper,
Green crackle 18” fish, Amberina sun face decanter w/stopper, Amberina
Genie decanter w/stopper, Amberina decanters w/stoppers up to 16”H,
Signed Richard Blenko water bottle, Optic vases, Controlled air bubble,
Air twist paperweights & stoppers, Mushrooms, Pitchers, Cigarette
lighters, Amethyst decanters w/stoppers up to 22”H, Amberina ships
stein & so much more...

For more information, and directions, visit http://www.mountaineerauctions.com

Dalle de Verra

Update: Katie Tripp VP Blenko Glass response to your question.
Blenko is making and shipping antique glass, dalle and rondels, only change is they no longer make rondels in the 12- 20" size.
Other questions? Why not contact the Antique Glass Dept at Blenko 304 743 9081
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A photo of dalle de verra color samples from Blenko Glass - note in 2008 Blenko decreased the number of available colors.

Hilary

I have a series of questions. Recently I was told Blenko is no longer selling Rondells, Dalle de Verras and Brick.

The bricks I've seen at Blenko used as a retaining wall. What are rondells, dalle deverras and why is Blenko discontinuing these? Also will they continue to sell sheet glass?

Delorse B.

Delorse,

We have no knowledge of any discontinued items in the Antique Glass Department. We will place an inquiry today. My best guess is they are being made. The Rondels are listed on Blenko's website as being available is sizes 2" to 20" and in multiple colors. These are used in windows often called Bulleye panel.

The Brick are done by special order, so I don't know about availability - not seeing an item at the Visitors Center means only there were no 2nds or over runs.

The Dalle de Verre are slabs of glass - these are often used in making furniture, decorative panels, I've seen them used in showers and walls. Again, not seeing these items in the VC only means there are no 2nds.

We'll ask Katie Tripp ( VP Blenko) this day - however, we are 99% certain Blenko Glass continues to produce these items in a variety of color.

Blenko is known world wide for its architectural glass.

Thank you for writing. If you need a quanity of any of the above why not phone Blenko Glass 304 743 9081 or contact via the http://www.blenkoglass.com/ website.

Reader Observation

Hillary,

I think the 2010 concept came from this piece designed by Winslow Anderson:

--
Phani

Where Did All The Pumpkins Go?

Paula B

wrote to say, " I went to Blenko Glass early Monday morning to buy Pumpkins for an office Halloween Party. There were no pumpkins available, where did all the pumpkins go?"

Paula,

A quick check with Blenko and I learn there are a couple small pumpkins ( not orange) on a table in the middle of the store.

Each year the Blenko Glass Pumpkins become more popular. Next year - plan to go in September for the largest and best selection. Ruby K who follows the blog - suggest the PUMPKIN FESTIVAL in Milton ( google this) as the best place to purchase glass pumpkins. She reports there are thousands each year at this festival.

One of my Blenko pumpkins broke during the move back to WV so next fall I'll be right there in line to purchase a unique Blenko Glass pumpkin. Paula I also love the Blenko orange, however the golden pumpkins are very popular with the HGTV decorators.

Happy Halloween! Do anyone else love candy corn?

hjh

www.blenkoproject.org

Interested in Blenko Glass?
Looking for Blenko Glass?
Check out www.blenkoproject.org

Looking for a Webmaster?

Steve Rowe has become a well known collector of Blenko Glass in the last five years.

Prior to this he was a 30 something single father with a small web design business.

Now I'm not saying collecting Blenko gave him super powers ( thou I won't deny Blenko has magical power)....but Steve's business has grown, he has increased his staff

and for the first time in more than 3 years he's accepting new clients.

Several years ago, when I was attempting to put together "TheBlenko Project "website

with very little success. A mentor told me of Steve's work - I gave him a quick call, took my boxes of 'stuff about blenko' over and 3 weeks later, a website was born.

Steve is awesome, he can do websites for personal and business use. He's creative, quick, high energy, he collects Blenko and He can finish a website you've started and then set aside.

Don't miss this opportunity. Blenko Glass Collectors support one another, pass along the info to anyone in your circle looking for a web designer. Note: You all know how frugal I am, trust me on this Steve's prices are very reasonable.

Steven Rowe of Webmaster Consulting is open for new clients right now.

Here are some of his clients.

Non Profit

American Red Cross WV Chapter

Silling Associates - Architects

WV Used Auto Sales

Flaherty, Sensabugh and Bonasso , P.L.L.C.

Willowtree Gifts and Flower Boutique

Complee Business Solutions

WellStone Imports

N Roof Coaters

WV Council of Churches

Good News Mountaineer Garage

Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center

Charleston - Works

the list is never ending.....

His portfolio can be viewed at http://www.webmaster3.com/ or you can call 304 610 7187.

"Bruce from Texas would be Proud!"

Thank you Thersa for the photos and the info - re: vintage Blenko. hjh

Hillary,

I often shop the local goodwill in WV and in Calif and In Washington State when I lived there, now I shop Goodwill on line. The prices are very low - this little beauty was listed this week.

The price well...'Bruce from Texas would be proud of the buyer, and the NYC dealer well, he would be ashamed of the seller."

You all should check out goodwill on line if or if you have a goodwill in your town, Shop Goodwill.

Thersa P.

Blenko Project Water Bottles

I read a recent post of your blog and you stated that there are Blenko Project water bottles. Where can I obtain one. I have a collection of over 200 water bottles and have not heard of this one until just now. I also have photos of each water bottle and can load them on a disc. Interessted?

Lorin

Lonin,
We'd love to have photos of your collection to use on the blog - the Blenko Project water bottles were given to collectors who provided photos of their collections or other
assistance to 'The Blenko Project' there are #22 Blenko Project water bottles. One recently sold for $125. I must admit I was disappointed to see it sold, and surprised
at the large sum of money a collector paid.
Your might post an ad on craig's list or e-bay to say you want the Blenko Project Waterbottle.

Good Luck.
HJH

WV Blenko Birthday Vases Wanted -

Hillary,
I need the 80 81 82 83 84 92 95 and 2008
I would like to pay no more than $450 each if this is possible.
I can do cash, money order or whatever.
Susanzbarry@hotmail.com
I'll pay the shipping to AZ.
We posted your request - West Virginia Birthday Vases are difficult to find, and often the asking price is higher than the $450 you want to pay. However, these are very difficult economic times and who knows you might just find the vases for the price you want to pay.
Good Luck
HJH

Thoughts on a chilly morning

Broken glass. . . lifes accidents, they strike without warning.

The term " life accident" was first coined by Gail Sheehy in her book Pathfinders. " To paraphrase John Lennon," says Sheehy, " life accidents are what happen to us while we are making other plans." Somehow I think broken glass....doesn't fit into this description. My belief is glass collections like gardens need to be pruned. While we don't like to part with any glass or to prune in the garden. One way or another it happens. . . I personally prefer voluntary pruning . Be of good cheer. Study your collection, study your lifestyle, plan to gift some glass. Speak kindly, Pray softy, package the glass, go quickly to post office.

iris card

Hillary original post from May 2010
New to this collection of Blenko.
I've written to Blenko and I've written to you about the blenko cards. Tell me who to contact and tell me about them I can't find the link.
Clara
These cards are being offered for sale at Blenko Glass and also on line. Question - Email theblenkoproject@aol.com Heart of Glass can not get enough - Diane please send others as you
complete the patterns. hjh

These designer cards are made by Diane Weber of California.

These cards may be offered in the Blenko Glass Company Visitor Center Gift Shop.

Each card is handcrafted paper.

hjh

HOW TO BECOME A BLOG FOLLOWER

Get an account at Blogger.com

On your dashboard at Blogger.com, find the section titled “Reading List.”

Under that section, click the Add button.

It will ask for a URL. Type the Blekno URL: http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/

Click Next, then click Follow.


And that’s it!

Thank you for reading Heart of Glass
hjh

New Marvin Lipofsky gallery show

Gifted Hands: the Fine Art of Craft

October 10 - December 12, 2010

The Hearst Art Gallery at Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, presents Gifted Hands: the Fine Art of Craft, featuring 90 objects by 15 contemporary Bay Area artists, opening Sunday, October 10.

These artists transform glass, textiles, fiber, metal, precious and semi-precious stones, clay, wood, fallen logs, and sea shells into extraordinary works of art. On view are both functional and decorative objects: furniture, wearable art, jewelry, pottery, quilts, turned wooden bowls, and fabric and metal sculpture.

Curator Kyla Porter has selected stunning objects that each allows us to witness a master hand at work. “I chose widely admired artists whose methods respect the integrity of the materials,” says Porter. “The Bay Area has a long and storied history of gifted artists whose work blends extraordinary skill and respect fort materials with creativity.”

Artists:
Garry Knox Bennett, Oakland, furniture maker
Leslie Carabas, Sonora, quilter
Skip Esquierdo, San Lorenzo, potter
Janet Lipkin, Richmond, textile artist
Marvin Lipofsky, Berkeley, glass blower
Erin McGuiness, Berkeley, potter
Alison McLennan, Oakland, furniture maker
Freddy Moran, Orinda, quilter
Micheal Nourot, Benicia, glass blower
Florence Resnikoff, Berkeley, jewelry artist
Kay Sekimachi, Berkeley, fiber artist and weaver
Merryll Saylan, Berkeley, wood turner
Victoria Skirpa, Oakland, jewelry artist
Chuck Splady, Oakland, metal worker
Zhenne Wood, Oakland, fiber artist

For more information visit www.hearstartgallery.org

Reader is Downsizing Her Fenton Collection

Hillary,
As a blenko and wv glass colllector I am now downsizing. If other readers would be interested in any of these pieces I would love to see them find a good home.

Here are some pics of the Silver Crest Spanish Lace Fenton that was discontinued in the 70's. I have 17 pieces and would like to sell all as a set.
I have photos of all 17 items.
I read the blog every other day.

Thank You
Kellie

Hudson Beach Glass Bowl

Hudson Beach Glass Bowl in Philadelphia Inquirer:


Photo from Tony Patti, gaffer@glassblower.info

The online link is here: http://www.philly.com/philly/home/20101008_LifeStyle.html

Gemstone Carafes by Husted/Osburn.

Hillary I can't find the post with the Gemstone photo everyone keeps talking about can you republish?
Clara
Clara- Yes!

Meet a Future Classic.
Gemstone Carafes by Husted/Osburn.
A special offer to
collectors of Blenko Glass!
To one who appreciates the distinctive design of Blenko Glass, we are offering this new
opportunity to add to your collectionby introducting Gemstone Carafes, a new collaboration between
Wayne Husted, Blenkoís most collected designer, and David Osburn, a master glassblower at Blenko
for over 30 years.
OVAL (the carafe pictured here) is derived from the popular June pitcher of Hustedís Variations
Collection. Weíve made it available in stunning ruby, emerald, sapphire, and diamond crystal.
Each carafe will be numbered and signed with Wayne Hustedís approved signature. Collectors of
Hustedís designs are the first to know about OVAL, as well as each future design and gemstone
color as we introduce them. (Early buyers of OVAL will receive carafes with the lowest numbers.)
The OVAL is 8 inches high by 6 inches wide.
Start your Gemstone Carafes collection today. To own one, place your order at
gemstonecarafes.com
or mail your order to:
Husted Designs
P.O. Box 515
Mill Valley, CA 94941

How To Clean Frosted Glass ware?

Glassdoc,
I have in my collection 10 (ten) pieces of Blenko frosted glass.
Question is how do I clean the stuff?
Clyde Mc

Clyde:
Blenko suggestions is:
Wash glassware with warm water and mild soap if needed. Dry Spray Armor All on a rag and wipe glassware on outside with rag. This will restore satin finish.
Let me know if this works for you.
HJH

Nickerson Design/Mold?

I have a very unique piece that I think could be a very rare find! My wife and I are adding it to our collection and we have been in contact with John Nickerson. His signature was on the back, and after sending photos he confirmed that he indeed did make this piece. He went on to tell me that this piece is a plaster mold used to make an aluminum mold which is then used to make paperweights or bookends. Since he worked for Blenko so long ago he has a hard time remembering exactly what this was. He claimed it may have been a special order which was then used to make the piece. If the piece was ever put into production after the customer approved it has yet to be discovered.

If you have ever seen a piece that could have been made from this mold, or have any contacts you can ask I’d love to know any information we can find out! We consider it an honor to have such a unique piece, and to be in contact with John Nickerson himself! Any additional information you could help me find would be terrific. I have searched the web with a fine toothed comb and I haven’t found anything. I hope we can find something out together!

Thanks

Gary Kopp

Heart of Ohio Antique Center
Antiques Online at The Heart
www.heartofohioantiques.biz

Mr Kopp

We spoke with Shorty Finley who has some recollection of

work being done for the PlayBoy. Shorty may have some of the

original Nickerson drawings - if these surface I'll let you know. hjh

Husted Variations on Ebay

Hi Hillary and All,

Tim and I noticed that there has been some discussion on the blog concerning the Blenko Variations Series which was designed by Wayne Husted for the Blenko Glass Co. in 2003. We are currently over run by our glass collection and decided to offer these four pieces from the Variation Series for sale on ebay. Our ebay seller name is dogpatchwv. Three of these pieces are Husted's Artist Proofs for the Series. All have been signed personally by Husted. All of these pieces were obtained from the liquidation of Phyllis Powers collection, which is featured on the blenko project website.
In addition, in the next few weeks we will be adding several more pieces from our private collection for sale on ebay, so if anyone is interested I would encourage you to add us to your Saved Sellers list and check back often.
As most of you know, we have moved "Kissin Kates" to the Second Floor of the South Charleston Antique Mall and we strive to always have a few nice pieces of Blenko for sale there also.
As always, thank you so much for the work you do promoting Blenko Glass. We appreciate you!

Linda King

WV Museum of History and Culture - Ron Hinkle Exhibit

What to do this weekend? Well if Milton Pumpkin Festival isn't your cup of tea, and you aren't interested in old cars ( Vintage cars in charleston this weekend).... perhaps you might want to visit the Hinkle exhibit in Charleston.
http://www.hinklesglass.com/ Ron Hinkle's Garden of Glass and hundreds of other Ron Hinkle creations are currently on display at the WV Museum of Culture and History - State capitol Comples. The flower (photo#1) was made for sale during the exhibit its a limited number item, that is signed by Hinkle.

Photo of artist with hjh on opening night of this exhibit.

Photo from Blogger friend Chris R.

Greenbrier Valley info@greenbrierwv.com

info@greenbrierwv.com Thinking of a Short Weekend Trip VISIT WEST VIRGINIA

This weekend the Darts - 5 girls who met as freshman in college will part take of the

Ghost Hunt, The Taste of Lewisburg and other activities in the Greenbrier Valley this weekend.

WVU and Marshall will have football games.

The Pumpkin Festival in Milton will be the #1 event for those not attending the games.

This is set to be a great fall weekend. The leaves are changing the nights are just a bit chilly ( bring sweaters) however, the sun will be out today and each day of the weekend!

This is the time of year when we bring out our fall tableware and set up the display of glass fruits and veggies. In the move from Columbus, I lost a couple pumpkin, a gourd and a pear, if like me, you need to replace items or you want to add a new Pumpkin, or start a collection of glass fruit and veggies this is the best time of year to do so. The selection is

large. Blenko has been making pumpkins for weeks. Give Blenko (304 743 9081) a call to place a phone order, or go to the Pumpkin Festival or better yet drive down to Blenko Glass in Milton. www.blenkoglass.com open 24/7.

If you don't see what you need. Ask the ladies when it might be available or do a special order. Remember Blenko Glass wants you as a customer, they want to keep you happy.

Special orders may take 4-6 weeks.

www.wvpumpkinpark.com This Weekend!

http://www.wvpumpkinpark.com/ PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 25th Year in Milton, WVa.
You'll want to attend.
http://www.blenkoglass.com/ will be selling designer pumpkins - one of a kind pumpkins made especially for the Pumpkin Festival.
The ladies of Blenko will be selling at the Pumpkin Festival - stop by and chat with
the Blenko staff.

Marshall - Pitt - WVU Team Logo items. Blenko Glass

Get your Team Logo items: Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com offers a very nice selection of tableware and other items.
They are also making Xmas ornaments with team logos. You'll want to phone Blenko Glass 304 743 9081 to place your order soon. hjh
note: Blenko has a large selection of Team Logs - Last I checked more than 14 different teams.

Vintage Blenko Glass

Hilary,
The question ' where to buy vintage blenko?' Answer is easy E-Bay.com. These items I am watching the tri color bowl, I' own several none were purchased for less than $135 this one is now priced at under $100 on Ebay. The 6027 Husted vase w/ shotglass sells for $350-$475 currently listed as buy it now on ebay for under $150.
Local dealers may have some vintage blenko but ebay has the largest selection. Also shop owners, museum owners, and your neighbors all sell on Ebay. Check out ebay search for Blenko. You won't be disappointed with quality or price.
One more thing ask lots of questions, the seller shouldn't mind. Then pay for item with paypal thus you have someone to assist should a problem arise.
Barbra A.
Barbra,
Thank you for the suggestions and photos. One additional warning, look for Ebay sellers with a long history of positive buyer responses. Also ask about shipping, insurance cost.
HJH

The Thai Fortune Cookies Said:

1) Love and compassion are necessities not luxuries. Without them we can not survive.

2) Sometimes one impresses by saying something and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.

3) Remember always that you are just a visitor here, a traveler passing through. The moment of your departure is unknown.

If you read the Heart of Glass, you know I love quotes....this weekend our fortune cookies contained very unique quotes.

My very favorite Thai restaurant The THIA HOUSE is now located in Pullman Square 304 586 3160. This restaurant has been our favorite for 5 or more years. We followed Pang from Dunbar to Winfield and now to the beautiful location in Huntington, WV.
The food is excellent and the service is always superior. The owner a Blenko Collector retired to Thailand, the restaurant is now managed by his lovely daughter. By day she's a full time college student after 5pm she becomes the hostess and manager of THIA HOUSE.

Excellent asian food, wonderful Blenko Glass in the beautiful city of Huntington, WV

The

Art of Glass

Our Blog friend - Tony Patti , shared the following Article:

Alumni from the glass program in the Tyler School of Art bring fresh perspectives to the glass art community.

By Maria Raha

To work with glass, artists have to be quick on their feet, says John Pomp, TYL ’96, a home designer who sells hand-blown glass fixtures and hand-fabricated steel furniture and décor. Because of the heat and malleability of glass, glassworkers have to be as fluid as the medium itself.

“It’s a fast-moving process,” Pomp explains. “I grew up skiing and skateboarding, and it’s very much akin to those sports. Because it’s so unforgiving and has a nature of its own, glass wants to do what it wants to do. It’s moving, it’s falling to the floor, it’s cooling off and it has a lot of rules.”

For those reasons and more, creating art from glass can be a very complicated challenge. But around the world, the practice thrives. And with the abundance of artists—not to mention graduates of the Tyler School of Art Glass program— in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, interest in glass art is increasing.

In addition to glassblowing studios, East Falls Glassworks offers a glassblowing camp for teens, and Philadelphia Glass Works, located in the city’s Northern Liberties neighborhood, holds flameworking and other classes that are open to the public. Visitors to Pennsylvania can explore the craft by following the Pennsylvania Glass Trail, a self-guided tour that runs from Lancaster to Bethlehem with stops at the studios of seven different glass artists, including Taylor Backes Studio, owned by Will Dexter, TYL ’79, and Karla Trinkley, TYL ’79.

Rika Hawes, TYL ’06, owns Philly Cold Cuts, a glass business based in a warehouse that rents studio space to artists called Art Making Machine Studios. Joseph DiGiuseppe, TYL ’06, Joshua Kerner, TYL ’06, and Christopher Golas, TYL ’06, began Art Making Machine Studios after graduating from Tyler.

Through Philly Cold Cuts, Hawes provides coldworking services to clients. “‘Coldworking’ refers to all of the techniques and processes used when glass is cold,” she says, “including cutting, grinding, polishing, faceting, engraving and more.” Processes that develop and shape the glass while it is still molten, such as fusing and casting, happen in “hot” studios.

Not surprisingly, Tyler is deeply intertwined with this burgeoning community. In the Philadelphia region alone, approximately 10 studios are run by Tyler alumni. In addition, Tyler graduates teach at some of the most highly regarded glass programs in the nation, including the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Wash.—founded by renowned artist Dale Chihuly —and at institutions such as University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Tulane University in New Orleans.

Cultivating the Program
In new 10,000-square-foot studio space on Main Campus, glass students are learning the craft on state-of-the-art equipment in cold, hot and hot casting shops; a kiln room; a flameworking studio; a majors studio, where each undergraduate student has a dedicated area in a shared space; and graduate studios, where each student has private studio space.

“What began in one studio has evolved into one of the leading programs in the nation,” says Professor Emeritus Jon Clark, who established glass as a major at Tyler in 1973.

Initially, Clark was drawn to glass because of its “transformative” and “spontaneous” qualities. In 1969, as an undergraduate student, he traveled through Europe to explore the continent’s glass traditions in cities known for glass art, such as Venice, and to become better versed in its history and technology.

Clark brought his well-rounded glass education to Tyler, where the new program focused on the medium’s international and historical aspects. In addition to glassblowing, Clark incorporated skills such as fusing, construction and stained glass into the program. The department became one of many facets of Tyler that attracted pioneering, intrepid and meticulous student artists.

Students such as Jessica Jane Julius, TYL ’03, interim head of the glass department at the University of the Arts, and Doreen Garner, TYL ’10, who currently works at Willet Hauser Stained Glass in Philadelphia, first studied glass in undergraduate classes. In order to choose a major and to discover the best way to reach their artistic goals, Tyler students are required to treat their art education as an adventure: The young artists take classes in different media.

Today, the department is led by Head of Glass Sharyn O’Mara. The program combines creativity with courses that emphasize the history, chemistry and technical aspects of glass production. In addition to blowing, fabrication, fusing, casting and kiln work, students are responsible for running hot and cold studios and for learning to build the tools they need for their work.

On any given day, Tyler’s hot shop comes alive when students begin arriving at approximately 5 a.m. “From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., classes are held inside and outside the shop,” O’Mara says. “After 6 p.m., and on weekends, it is studio time for the students. Music is always playing and they are working like crazy. The studio has a great energy and cultivates an amazing sense of community.”

Through Tyler’s well-rounded approach to glass as a technically complex craft, the school provides its students with skills that can lead to jobs at studios such as Philly Cold Cuts.

“[Coldworking] can be very demanding, both physically and emotionally,” Hawes explains. “I am extremely fortunate to be in a city teeming with glass artists that have the education and experience required for the work.” Most of the artists who work with her also are Tyler alumni.

Crafting the Unexpected
With its simple, elegant blends of industrial, classic and modern styles, John Pomp’s work is made at John Pomp Studios in Philadelphia. He has created product lines for Tiffany & Co. and Donna Karan, and his work is sold in stores such as Barney’s in New York City. Tyler is never too far from his work: Jesse Daniels, TYL ’05, is Pomp’s lead fabricator. And, he was initially introduced to glass through Norman Ed, TYL ’81, his high school teacher.


While Pomp’s craft mixes form and function, Doreen Garner creates image-driven sculptures that are often highly personal and visceral, expressing her political and social experiences as a young black woman—an approach she began honing at Tyler.

She describes glass as an effective medium for her expression. “It complements [my work] mostly because of its physical qualities. It can be translucent or opaque. It brings forth a lot of ideas about strength or fragility.”

Garner views this range of possibilities as one of the reasons many artists favor working with glass. “If you like to sculpt, you can do castings; if you like to draw and paint, you can do stained glass; if you’re a perfectionist, you can blow classic vessels,” she explains. “Glass caters to every artist’s desires.”

Andrew Newbold, TYL ’05, a former adjunct assistant professor at Tyler and a sculptor who transforms spaces with large-scale sculptures and installations, appreciates the material’s enigmatic qualities. “My work is heavily influenced by surroundings and personal experience,” he explains. “The larger-scale works are architectural, experiential and sometimes site-specific. Often, mystery, subtlety and illusion exist.” Newbold recently installed an exhibition at the Zephyr Gallery in Louisville, Ky., for the 2010 Glass Art Society Conference. Che Rhodes, TYL ’98, and Amy Ritter, TYL ’09, were on hand to help.

The Tyler Glass program also produces performers, such as Jessica Jane Julius. She co-founded Burnt Asphalt, a performance troupe that incorporates glass into performances about gender roles and domesticity. Julius and four other women founded Burnt Asphalt when they were fellows at the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in Millville, N.J.

Though these artists have divergent visions about their craft, they agree on the impact Tyler had on their creativity.

“[Tyler] was my foundation,” Julius states. “It was my foundation for thinking about a material, even for thinking about teaching. It definitely influenced my work.”

Hawes recalls, “I was truly free, for the first time, to explore my own inherent interests with the support and guidance of brilliant faculty members and exemplary minds.”

To watch video of glassblowing at Tyler, click here .

Blenko Glass - Pumpkins

Christy and the Ladies of Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com sent these photos and a reminder - Blenko will have a large selection of pumpkins (all sizes) at the Milton Pumpkin Festival.
note: Carolee you may order by phone, refer to the photo - please remember the selection changes daily.

Marvin Lipofsky - Glass 2010