More West Virginia B -Day Celebration Photos
West Virginia Janis was kind enough to send photos from hertrip to Milton to purchase the WV BLENKO Birthday Vase. Photos and her comments below:
Richard Blenko standing by just in case you purchased something else
other than the birthday piece and wanted it signed. Additionally, he
answered questions for visitors.
The Blenko Visitors' Center was stunning on June 20, 2008-- West
Virginia Day. This picture was taken after the morning crowd thinned,
when the purchasing of the birthday piece was over.
(At least) One Blenko shopper decided to stock up on water bottles
after purchasing the Blenko 2008 birthday piece. These vessels are
ideal for parties. One idea is for each vessel to contain a different
liquid-- sweetened tea in light green, unsweetened tea in dark green,
water in clear, orange juice in the clear/yellow/orange, host's
choice in blue.............. And my how convenient the square shape
is for storing in the refrigerator.
This was the first person to unveil the Blenko 2008 Birthday piece to
the rest of us waiting in line! The artist calls the piece Sunrise/
Sunset and likens it to the mountain scenery in West Virginia. The
colors resemble a monarch butterfly; the shape a chrysalis........
This is the nice Milton resident who got blankets for people who were
cold camping out, waiting for the glorious event. When collectors in
line began commenting about the bold colors of the Birthday 2008
piece and whether they could incorporate it into their homes, this
woman reminded us, "Great art does not have to match the color of
your couch." May we all remember that quote!
Note Hillary's parents en route to their VW bug to pack it with their
latest Blenko acquistions.
Arlon Bayliss with fellow artist (and fiance) Mary Jo Anderson. To
the right, you see their "works in progress" for the 2008 line of
Blenko. The large cobalt piece in front of Mary Jo was inspired by
frets on the neck of a guitar. According to the couple, new designs
and finishes are on the horizon for Blenko. The piece they are
holding if, of course, the West Virginia Birthday 2008 piece glowing
in the ambient light. Notice Arlon's shirt is the color of the piece.
Start saving your money for some great additions to your collection!
Here we see the actual postcard that accompanied the Blenko Birthday
2008 Piece. I was struck with how organized this whole event was.
Arlon greeted you just inside the door and handed you a postcard with
his autograph and your number. Next, you walked to the register,
showed your card (the "golden ticket") and paid. The vase was
already signed by both Richard Blenko and Arlon Bayliss, dated,
numbered, bubble wrapped, and placed in an orange shopping bag (again
numbered xxx out of 145). Tissue in the colors of the piece peeked
out of the shopping bag.
other than the birthday piece and wanted it signed. Additionally, he
answered questions for visitors.
The Blenko Visitors' Center was stunning on June 20, 2008-- West Virginia Day. This picture was taken after the morning crowd thinned,
when the purchasing of the birthday piece was over.
(At least) One Blenko shopper decided to stock up on water bottles after purchasing the Blenko 2008 birthday piece. These vessels are
ideal for parties. One idea is for each vessel to contain a different
liquid-- sweetened tea in light green, unsweetened tea in dark green,
water in clear, orange juice in the clear/yellow/orange, host's
choice in blue.............. And my how convenient the square shape
is for storing in the refrigerator.
This was the first person to unveil the Blenko 2008 Birthday piece to
the rest of us waiting in line! The artist calls the piece Sunrise/
Sunset and likens it to the mountain scenery in West Virginia. The
colors resemble a monarch butterfly; the shape a chrysalis........
This is the nice Milton resident who got blankets for people who were cold camping out, waiting for the glorious event. When collectors in
line began commenting about the bold colors of the Birthday 2008
piece and whether they could incorporate it into their homes, this
woman reminded us, "Great art does not have to match the color of
your couch." May we all remember that quote!
Note Hillary's parents en route to their VW bug to pack it with their
latest Blenko acquistions.
Arlon Bayliss with fellow artist (and fiance) Mary Jo Anderson. To the right, you see their "works in progress" for the 2008 line of
Blenko. The large cobalt piece in front of Mary Jo was inspired by
frets on the neck of a guitar. According to the couple, new designs
and finishes are on the horizon for Blenko. The piece they are
holding if, of course, the West Virginia Birthday 2008 piece glowing
in the ambient light. Notice Arlon's shirt is the color of the piece.
Start saving your money for some great additions to your collection!
Here we see the actual postcard that accompanied the Blenko Birthday 2008 Piece. I was struck with how organized this whole event was.
Arlon greeted you just inside the door and handed you a postcard with
his autograph and your number. Next, you walked to the register,
showed your card (the "golden ticket") and paid. The vase was
already signed by both Richard Blenko and Arlon Bayliss, dated,
numbered, bubble wrapped, and placed in an orange shopping bag (again
numbered xxx out of 145). Tissue in the colors of the piece peeked
out of the shopping bag.
Note: If you have photos or comments please send to THEBLENKOPROJECT@aol.com
posted Hillary J Homburg @1:06 AM 
