Recap: Blenko’s Festival of Glass
After a two-year hiatus, Blenko Glass Company’s Festival of Glass returned this month with a bang.
Featuring glass making classes, free signings by company President John W. Blenko, and lots of food trucks and vendors, as well as a vintage glass sale, I think it’s safe to say this year’s festival was a success. It also included a larger focus on celebrating the state’s glass history, something I’m passionate about that I think we could all use a refresher on; it’s something to be very proud of. Hundreds flocked to the festival on the first day alone, and I was among the crowds during the second day.
In addition to glass blowing demonstrations and the catwalk open for observation, festival goers could register for classes to create their own iconic 384 water bottles or stepping stones. This was my first time attending the Festival of Glass and I had a blast, though I didn’t take any classes—but there’s always next year! Believe me, I’m already planning on it. How cool to own your own uniquely created Blenko piece that you helped make?
You may recall that a few months ago, I paid a visit to Blenko for the first time to learn all about their apprenticeship program, crafting another blog for Mountaineer Media, and during the Festival of Glass, I was able to purchase a couple pieces of glass created by these apprentices. It’s almost come full circle, and the apprentices’ talent really shines through.
As part of learning the glass trade, these artisans create stamped glass; it’s one of the first skills they master. These discs for sale in the Visitors Center are stamped with differing images; the two I picked out feature an outline of West Virginia, as well as our state flower: the rhododendron.
There were so many more to choose from, and I was partial to those featuring West Virginia-inspired designs.
There’s nothing quite as special as West Virginia-made glass, except maybe glass that celebrates our beautiful Mountain State at the same time.
The Visitors Center and gift shop were so crowded while I was at the festival, and it was so encouraging to see. I was able to speak with a few festival goers about their love of Blenko and what it means to them. One told me her grandmother first got her interested in Blenko, and she was attending with her daughter, continuing a tradition. I was also able to explore a little bit more of the Blenko grounds than my last visit, and it was good to see so many people enjoying the glass, artisans, vendors and beautiful views.
My boyfriend attended with me and scored a really fun drinking glass decorated with green mushrooms; Mr. Blenko himself advised on the proper care of the glass, and yes, he encouraged it to be used. He and I also swapped some words, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet someone so well-regarded in the glass community.
I felt overwhelmed with the sense of camaraderie between everyone visiting; I also took note of all the different license plates in the parking lot, and it seemed like many people traveled far and wide for the festival. That’s a major win for West Virgnia, Milton, and Blenko. We need to continue to support Blenko. I know in the past I’ve been guilty of taking this handblown glass for granted, or simply overlooking it, but they have been a staple of West Virginia industry for years. Because it’s always been so close, I never really used to think of all those people throughout the entire nation who eagerly seek out and collect Blenko glass, much like I collect some glass that was not made here.
Something else I’ve come to appreciate about Blenko is they’re not afraid of color; some of my favorites are the striking, deep amethyst hued designs, but there’s such a range of colors, ranging from bright and cheerful to dark and moody. This year, to commemorate the festival, Blenko’s iconic suncatchers were created in a throwback color: topaz. It’s like amber, with a hint of gold.
As I’ve said before, Blenko is—and has been for more than 100 years—such a staple in the Mountain State. It’s my greatest wish that Blenko continues West Virginia’s proud history of glass for many more years to come. Here’s to the success of this year’s Festival of Glass while eagerly anticipating next year’s!
