Joel Myers Lifetime Achievement Award

Long after establishing Illinois State’s glass program, Distinguished Professor of Art Emeritus Joel Myers continues to impact the art world. He has been named the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient by the Glass Art Society. The honor acknowledges individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the glass arts worldwide. Myers was the design director at Blenko Glass prior to joining the University. The unique glass program he started at ISU in 1970 attracts students from around the world, training artists in a field where few excel. Now retired and living in Pennsylvania, Myers continues to create glass vessels.

From the Illinois State Paper: http://blogs.ilstu.edu/illinois-state-magazine/2012/04/26/the-glow-of-glass/

West Virginia Birthday 2006

Another inspiring WV Birthday Vase -  the diamond cuts and the swirl of cobalt  combine in this vase of
gold and blue ( WVA State Colors) .

Mother's Day - Pink Blenko

Hillary
Will Blenko make pink this year for Mom's Day?
Carolee

Carolee,
I wrote to Katie Trippe  end of the week to ask about Mother's Day.  When we get a response you'll see the message posted here.
Blenko is a wonderful place to shop for ALL  Holidays. 
Mother's everywhere appreciate hand crafted glass.  We all do.  Don't you enjoy knowing the glass from which you drink your OJ daily was made by a Blenko Glass employee and it's one of a kind,  a unique glass.
Note:  My parents also appreciate the Blenko Glass inspired cards made by Diane W of Calif and also the post cards made by a local Milton artist -  both are sometimes found for sell in the Blenko Gift Shop.  The cards are not inexpensive.  They are priceless.  hjh
ps  check Blenko Glass website - there may be some mention of Mother's Day.

Blenko Glass. WV Birthday Vase 1997

The 1997  is one of my favorite WV Birthday Vase prior to Bayliss.  It is a simple crackle glass vase with the State Colors - blue & gold on the rim.  Not a difficult to find vase.  Prices vary from $400 to $600.  Good Luck! hjh

http://www.blenkoproject.org/  The Blenko Collectors Four and the Blenko Project have photos of all the Birthday Vases.  Thank you to the Blenko Collectors Four for photos. 

Photos Of Blenko Glass 4 Sale

Glass being offered by Former Collector.

Here are some pics:

The charisma is a footed bowl that was in the line,  the bell was a prototype that was not accepted in the line they only made a couple of them.

the Jack daniels decator was one of the first ones made in the first run the number seven was made backwards and don shepard had to recarve the button stamp

The canes were made for the employees that helped out in the first Glass celebration there were only ten of these made.  They were made by Dave Osburn and Don Lemley

Interested send your contact info to
theblenkoproject@aol.com  and I'll forward.
We're always happy to assist collectors with
improving their collections.
HJH

all serious offers will be considered

Blenko Glass. 1996 WV Birthday Vase

1996 & 1995  (96   with gold base)  - Courtesy of Blenko Collectors Four

Simple.   Is the word most often used to describe the 1995WV Birthday Vase.   The 96  went back to the blue and gold color combination.

I was told this one is currently being offered in the after market shops located near Nitro, W.Va.  

  If you don't collect WV Birthday Vases and want to learn more about this collection - view the Blenko Project website,  the Blenko Collectors Four,  or google Blenko Glass - WV Birthday Vase. 

http://www.blenkoproject.org/

Hillary:
Here's a page from the 1985 catalog, and a close up of the vase in question.
I think it IS a catalog item.

Diane

1995. Blenko Glass. WV Birthday Vase

The 1995  can often be found in flea markets - un labeled, as the seller isn't familar with the WV Birthday Collection.    Check the bottom for signatures and number to determine if your find is a WV Birthday Vase.
hjh

1994 Blenko West Virginia Birthday

The Blenko pitcher for 1994  is thought by many to be a companion piece for the 1993 vase.  Both are similar in color and texture.
    This pitcher is difficult to find.  When you find it,  check for fractures in the handle.  Most common issue with this beautiful pitcher was the handle.
     A beautiful, useful pitcher.
hjh

Blenko paper weights

Hillary  Does Blenko make paper weights?  

Amanda

Yes.  Photo of Blenko paper weights. Currently  Blenko makes a number of paper weights - sold only in the Blenko Glass Gift shop Milton, WVa.  Phone 304 743 9081  for cost and availability.
HJH
http://www.blenkoproject.org/

Pioneers Of American Studio Glass

Reminder from our blog friend Tony Patti :

The Museum of American Glass at Wheaton Arts (formerly known as Wheaton Village)
presents an exhibit entitled "Pioneers Of American Studio Glass"
featuring work by Edris Eckhardt, Maurice Heaton, and Frances and Michael Higgins.
This exhibit is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Studio Glass Movement.

http://www.wheatonarts.org/press/2012/Pioneers

According to the Press Release, "During the 1940s, '50s and '60s, these artists experimented with different techniques resulting in sculptural forms that ranged from slumped to pâte de verre."


Starts: Tuesday, April 10
Ends: Friday, October 5
Open: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center
1501 Glasstown Rd.
Millville, NJ 08332
Information: 856-825-6800
www.wheatonarts.org

Wheaton also has a wonderful MYO (Make Your Own) glass program, if you know somebody who wants to experience hot glass for the first time:

Art Glass Auction in NJ

Note from our blogger friend Tony Patti :

Rago Arts and Auction Center in Lambertville, NJ will be selling some very nice Art Glass on Friday April 20, 2012 and Saturday April 21, 2012.

Exhibition Preview
Thursday, April 19, 12-7 p.m. Doors open on April 20 at 8 a.m. and April 21 at 9 a.m. 

Exhibition Locations
Rago Arts and Auction Center: 333 N. Main St, Lambertville, NJ
Rago's Annex Gallery: 204 N. Union St, Lambertville, NJ

For More Information
Please Call 609.397.9374 or email info@ragoarts.com 

1993 WV Birthday - Blenko Vase

While I like this vase, it is not popular among collectors. It has been called "ammo", purple pineapple, and many other non flattering names.

I find the texture and design pleasant. While many folks don't believe in using Blenko BD Vases - I use everything I own - this vase is awesome with lavender flowers, or red bud stems.

The first 6 Birthday Vases are very difficult to find, the first 20 are also difficult but infrequently appear on E Bay.
HJH
We had a computer issue some months ago - wiping out most all our photos.
Many of the WVBD photos appearing here  are from Blenko Collector Four - Big Thank You to Tammi Kosla of Blenko Collectors Four -

1992 WV Birthday Vase

A photo can never express has beautiful this vase is, it is said to be one of Mr. Bill Blenko's favorite.

Beautiful color, interesting texture and design.

Not difficult to find in the after market - usually price between 450 and 675.

hjh

1991 WV Blenko Birthday Vase

This classic vase in crystal with a cobalt swirl is often used to hold flowers.

Our neighbor Danny Craft a rosarian uses several Blenko vases to display his roses.

This one is a favorite.

Another difficult to find in the after market.

Roxie, our blog friend reports she saw this one in Berkley Springs antique shop for less than $600.

Happy Blenko Birthday Vase hunting.

hjh

WV Birthday 1990 Blenko Glass

WV Birthday Vase 1990 - this one is so large it will not fit into your china cabinet without adjusting the shelves. The color is unique and the texture and weigh of the vase are uniquely Blenko. We have not seen this one in the after market for some time.
1990 WVBD Vase was not a favorite among collectors. hjh

Can you name the Blenko Color?

Readers: Please help S determine the color of his water bottle. ( see photos)
HJH






Hi,
I wasn't sure how to post a question on the blog, so I am email you. I hope that is ok. I have been studying all the Blenko greens and I can't decide which color this water bottle is. One minute I think it is olive green, the next I think it is jade or grass or lime or jungle. It is not etched on the bottom, so, I ruled out jungle. It does seem to have a clear coat, which leads me to jade. Then again, is looks like olive green too. Please put me out of my misery! Thanks so so much.

S

Can you ID this Glass?

Readers: Can we help Paul P identify his Blenko Vase? See photos.




hello, can you tell me the number, date & designer of this Blenko vase? It has the original foil label. Thanks,
Paul P

1989 WVBD - Blenko

This one is very large - it is not difficult to find
we saw this one recently at an antique / flea shop near the river in Star City / Morgantown price was $550.
We consider this a very reasonable price. hjh


Thank You to Tammie Roberts for lending photos of 89 to 93

Everything Fiesta® Tent Sale!!

Everything Fiesta Tent Sale THIS WEEKEND (Thursday April 12 - Saturday April 14th) at the Everything Fiesta in Flatwoods!

Huge Discounts on 2nd Quality Fiesta® in Tent Plus More Great deals in the Store!!

For more info please go to: http://www.everythingfiesta.com/
or call the store at 304-765-5383.

Everything Fiesta

250 Skidmore Ln

Sutton, WV 26601

Blenko for Sale

A Former Collector of Blenko has the following pieces of glass to sell.
He has several WV Birthday Pieces
He has all the Millenium pieces and he has several pieces of very old Blenko. He writes: If I can get photos taken I'll send these.
I have some old pieces of Blenko I would like to sell.

I have 2 pieces of the Chrisma line one footed bowl and one dinner bell that was a proto type that was not taken into the line.

I have one of the first Jack Daniels decanters made it has the backwards seven that Don Shepard messed up on and had to recarve.

I also have 2 of the small wands made for the employees that helped on the first Glass Day celelbration the were only 10 of these made they are ruby/crystal with an airtwist.

Please let me know if you know anyone who would be interested.

If you have interest please send
your email address contact info
and items you are interested in to:

theblenkoproject@aol.com and we'll forward.

We try to connect collectors with the glass they need when possible. Good luck with your Blenko and American Glass collections. hjh

WV Glass - Trophies + ( Orange Bowl)

Today is my Dad's birthday! John Homburg, a collector of Blenko Glass and a passionate fan of West Virginia University football, basketball, (both men and women teams)

Hilary,

Did Blenko Glass make the trophy given away during the Orange Bowl?
My husband says its Fenton. I say Blenko made it.

I recall reading Fenton or Blenko made the trophy but wasn't sure which one made.

Can you help end this argument with my husband.
Elizabeth Smythe

Fairmont

Elizabeth,
You are both correct! Fenton Glass made the crystal Coal Bowl ( football).

Blenko Glass several years ago made the trophies for the Capital Classic Basketball Game

played yearly - WVU and Marshall.

The ORANGE BOWL trophy was not produced in West Virginia. WVU is a Big East Champion therefore the Orange Bowl trophy is now housed at West Virginia University.

Photos above ( some issues with blogger / not certain of order) #1) football shaped trophy ( Fenton Glass) #2 Beautiful green blue swirls of glass trophy designed Arlon Bayliss and made at Blenko. #3) Orange Bowl Trophy NOT made in West Virginia but housed at WVU after WVU won the Orange Bowl.

My Dad John Homburg a 50+year season ticket holder with the Orange Bowl Trophy.

The Fenton Glass Coal Bowl (football)* note Mr. Fety came out of retirement to assist with this creation.

The Arlon Bayliss Design for Blenko Glass -Capital Classic Trophy for Basketball.