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ZZUNUSED
Festival of Glass takes visitors behind the scenes
The1st Festival of Glass & Collector's Weekend at Blenko Glass in Milton on Friday August 22, 2008.
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MILTON, W.Va. -- This weekend's Blenko Festival of Glass gives collectors and sightseers alike a chance to witness works in progress as well as buy a piece of history in the making.
In addition to tours, classes and demonstrations being held Friday and today, the biggest draw to the festival for many is the introduction of the first piece in the new Blenko Celebration Series called "Mistral."
The 20-inch tall vase is a tower of imagination and skill all wrapped into one, its designer said.
"I wanted to create a piece that was just perfect for the new color, 'Seabreeze,' " designer Arlon Bayliss said. "The surface undulates with ripples like the surface of water in the wind, and the multiple curves of the shape capture light and intensify this amazing color. The lively form is also reminiscent of Mediterranean and near Eastern vessels."
At 9 a.m. today, 150 of the 300 special edition vases will go on sale for $150 on a first come, first served basis in the Blenko visitor's center. Then on Monday, Aug. 25, customers will be able to purchase the remaining 150 vases via phone or online. All the pieces will be numbered and the vase's mold will be struck after all 300 are sold.
Master blower Perry Bays and his shop crew were among those tasked with making the vases. Bays, 41, of Culloden has been with Blenko nearly 18 years and is the youngest master blower in the company.
"It's not just one person that does this," he said. "It takes six guys to make that piece of glass. And I just enjoy it so much. There's something new to learn every day here, if you want to."
Walter Blenko, family investor, was on hand touring the factory Friday and said he was very pleased to see so many people out taking advantage of the event.
"To see people here that have an appreciation and love for the product is always wonderful," Blenko said.
Ellen and Rick Huston traveled from Aiken, S.C., to come to the two-day event and are not what you'd call your average collectors. Stopping count at 1,000 Blenko pieces, the Hustons said they have Blenko in every room of their home. Their interest in Blenko was something passed down through their family, they said, with the first pieces bought in the 1940s, which they have since inherited. Now beyond their personal collection, they said they have started collections for their children and grandchildren and want to do all they can to preserve and pass along the love and joy they have experienced as collectors to other generations.
"Our blood runs Blenko," Rick Huston said.
West Virginia glass artisan Ron Hinkle of Hinkle's Dying Art Glassworks out of Buckhannon was on hand with his assistant to provide glass-blowing demonstrations. As onlookers watched closely, Hinkle said he enjoys traveling to special events like these where he gets to do what he loves. Known for his glass flying pigs, unique stemware creations and one-of-a-kind pieces registered through the West Virginia Museum of American Glass in Weston, Hinkle called the weekend's event, "a special treat."
Katie Trippe, Blenko marketing director, said this festival is just the first in what will be planned as an annual event.
"We really appreciate the public's support this year," Trippe said.
For more information about Blenko Glass or to make a product purchase, call 304-743-9081 or 877-4BLENKO. You may also see products online by going to www.blenkogalss.com.
Today
9 a.m. -- Visitor center opens, #1-150 Blenko Celebration Vase available for purchase
9 a.m.-noon. -- Observation deck open (current and retired Blenko master craftsman demonstrations)
9 a.m.-11 a.m. -- 93.7 "THE DAWG" live radio remotes (sign up for glass giveaways on-air)
9 a.m.-noon -- Vintage glass sale at the VFW Building (beside Blenko Glass Factory) open to the public
10 a.m.-11 a.m. -- Casting class (10 per class) $40 production, glass mobile class (15 per class) $40 BR
10 a.m. -- BCS member tour/guided factory tour (open to the public) - meet in visitor center museum
11 a.m.-noon -- BCS members only: chance to blow glass for $25 and keep piece you blow
11:30 a.m.-noon -- Carved glass sun catcher class -- participants pick up final product at visitor center
noon -- Lunch -- food vender on site (Good Stuff Good Times)
All day Jewelry fusing, glass beading and lamp work demonstrations. James Woodson (Blenko employee) providing jewelry demonstrations
2 p.m.-4 p .m. -- Collectors party, everyone is welcome (provided by Blenko employees)
