Reminder - just a few days left to Pledge for NEW glass by Wayne Husted

New hand-blown art glass by Blenko’s most collected designer. Six new creations in dazzling colors

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wayne-husted-jazz-in-glass-collector-s-series

Back in the 1950s when I was fresh out of college, I was hired as Director of Design at the venerable Blenko Glass Company in Milton, West Virginia. During my ten years at Blenko, I created over 60 new designs every year, resulting in over 600 unique designs, many of which are included in museum collections and sought after by private collectors nationwide.

Art glass designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko Glass Company in the 1950s

Now, at the age of 87, I am still designing in glass, and seeking contributions to fund the production of a new group of art glass decanters and pitchers that recall my designs from the 1950s Modern era.

Working with Public Glass, a nonprofit public-access glass studio and school, I will produce the new designs using traditional techniques and the rich color palette for which Blenko is famous. Wooden molds will be hand-carved by wood sculptor Dean Nyberg and others from cherry logs that have been hand-selected from orchards in central California. Skilled glass artisans will gather and blow the molten glass into the molds, forming a layer of charcoal that smooths the surface. After each glass piece is formed, it’s placed in an annealing oven for about 12 hours. Then it is polished, ground, and finished.

Each piece will be numbered, dated, and signed by me with a diamond tool, and delivered with a certificate of authenticity. For this series, each design will be made in its own unique color (see illustrations below). They are designed to complement each other. Their universal appeal makes them perfect for any environment—traditional or contemporary. These designs will be made in limited editions of 50 of each.

Your contributions will be used to pay for the shop time and glass artists working to produce the pieces, and will benefit Public Glass and its educational programs, including the Light a Spark youth program. With your help, I will be able to create these new works, and continue to pursue my passion for designing in glass.

What We Need and What You’ll Get

My campaign goal is to raise $20,000, which will go towards making the molds and beginning production of the six pieces. By making a contribution, not only will you become part of this process, you will be benefiting a great nonprofit educational program at Public Glass. You can also earn an invitation to attend a glassblowing session with me and the glass artists at Public Glass.

Other perks that you can receive in return for your contributions include an autographed t-shirt featuring my “Jazz in Glass” iconic glassblower. Or you may contribute at a level for which you’ll receive your choice of any one of the “Jazz in Glass” designs, or the full collection. (Please see contribution levels on the right.) All of the glass art pieces will be reserved at the lowest number available, and hand-signed with a diamond tool by me. 

If I don’t reach my goal of $20,000, I will begin the production process, and get as far along as funds allow. You will receive updates by email of my progress, and feedback on the delivery date for your perk.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wayne-husted-jazz-in-glass-collector-s-series