Mid-Century Modern Glass Symposium in Weston

Mid-Century Modern American Glass
Symposium and Public Activities


Weston, WV – The Museum of American Glass (MAG) in Weston, West Virginia is sponsoring a “double barreled” event focusing on Mid-Century Modern American Glass the last weekend in September. The “barrel” for current glass collectors includes a symposium, discussions and display. The second “barrel” for the public includes an auction, glass identification and a show and sale.

The term Mid-Century Modern was used to describe furniture styles as early as the mid-1950’s and is now recognized by scholars and museums world-wide as a significant design movement. Yet in glass collecting circles, the glass design knowledge base has been stalled in the “depression era” that became wildly popular in the mid-1960’s and early 1970’s. So time has come to move the glass knowledge base forward and build a wider appreciation for glass made in the 1945 to 1970 era. Hence the goal of this event is to network, share and work collaboratively with individuals and clubs to craft a movement that studies and chronicles the American made glass of the mid-century period.

Glass produced after World War II dramatically changed in style, use and design and was made by such companies as Blenko, Canton Casual, Fenton Mid-Century Modern, Morgantown, Smith and Viking. Beautiful one-of-a-kind signed designer glass was also made in the post-war period and will be considered in the week-end discussions.

The symposium, for registered attendees, begins Thursday evening September 27, 2012 with an open house at the museum. It continues on Friday with presentations and table exhibits which will compete for prizes. Registration for the two and a half day event including three meals is just $76 for MAG member and $84 for others.

The public is invited to the Friday evening auction to which symposium participants may consign up to three pieces. The auctioneer, well known Blenko collector Rock Wilson, will provide an additional number of pieces to guarantee 100 lots of glass. MAG will retain 20% of all hammer prices with no other commissions.

The public is also invited to a show and sale on Saturday with free admission from 10am to 3pm with a charge of $5 for early admission from 8am to 10am. From 11am until noon there will be free glass identification with a written report, no appraisals, for up to four pieces of glass per person.

For further information or to register contact the museum at 304-269-5006 or at www.magwv.com.

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day noon to 4:00pm.  The balance of the year the museum is open daily noon to 4:00pm and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Admission is free. It is easily accessible off I-79 exit 99 onto US 33 West for two miles to Main Avenue. A left turn onto Main and the museum is on the left at 230 Main Avenue. Begun in 1992, the museum relocated to its present location in 2007 and occupies 12,000 square feet with over 12,000 pieces of glass on permanent display. The museum is home to the National Marble Museum and The American Flint Glass Workers Union Archives.  The museum holds an annual marble festival and numerous special exhibits throughout the year.  More information can be found at http://magwv.com/. Questions about programs or the museum can be directed to 304-269-5006.