I Heart BLENKO

We've been doing this blog for close to 3 years - the time has quickly passed - my (DDS) Dental School Program will end in May 09. I realize some of you are new readers, new to collecting, just learning about West Virginia Glass and I welcome you. Should you have questions or comments about the Blog

that you don't want to make on the open forum/ public you may email theblenkoproject@aol.com . I will respond within 3 days. No questions is insignificant or dumb, Please don't hesitate to ask or comment.

Today I'm re running with a couple minor changes the initial BLOG Post we ran in 2006.

To remind us the the Blog focus is BLENKO and West Virginia Glass.

To advocate for buying made in West Virginia or USA, to educate and inform, and give voice to the craftsmen who made this beautiful glass. Public awareness of the multiple talented individuals needed to produce each piece - we feel adds to the value.

Thank you for for reading, for remaining loyal, for buying BLENKO and WV GLASS and for your comments.

Also THANKS to Blenko Collectors, Richard Blenko, & Blenko Staff for rapidly responding always when I seek answers to your questions. As I often say, "I don't know" but I don't mind asking, and Richard, or Mr. Bill Blenko, Tim, Karin, Steve, Dreama, Terri, Tammy, Damon and a number of other collectors will know - or together we'll continue to search for the answer. I am NOT a Fine Arts Major or an expert in anything - I'm a dental student, who just happens to cherish her state and the art of glass making. My time is limited, if you note the time I write its very early am. I will often post comments between clinic patients in an attempt to keep the blog fresh for you. from 2006 with minor date changes..

This blog will focus on the Blenko Glass Company located in Milton, West Virginia. Twice weekly I'll post on Blenko and WV Glass topics, once a month the post will feature an employee or designer from the present or past. Biweekly I'll post photos of individual Blenko made items, and items that are currently available from Blenko. We will offer some background information on the piece and perhaps the steps/ process used to make the item.

I am NOT a fine arts major, a glass expert or an English/Journalism major. I don't have all the glass answers. I am inquisitive, don't mind asking people for answers - I believe in lifelong learning.

This blog will I hope be a place where we can learn together.

If you have been to the Blenko Factory, or are a retired or former glass worker or just have photos of unusual Blenko and / or Blenko stories to share - this is the place - I'd love to see/hear them.

For the last 2 years(its now 4 l/2) I have spent all my free time traveling to meet former Blenko and other glass workers and designers.

I want to learn more about Blenko and W. Va. made glass, to have you share your knowledge with me, and to perhaps inspire a few newbies to become inquisitive about WV Glass and collecting. Most of all . . . I want YOU to THINK before buy glass...who made the glass. The number of glass factories in the US has declined by almost 72% in the last 15 years.

Together we can stop this trend.

Be an advocate for MADE IN USA, Made in WVa, .Blenko Glass Factory is located in Milton, W.Va., less than 20 minutes from Huntington, W. Va.

If you haven't been to BLENKO GLASS plan a trip before school starts - if you have been, load up the car and return - the grounds have never been more beautiful and the inside is full of the most dynamic glass you'll find in the USA.