Join the thousands who visit the Blenko Glass Company and its Visitor Center. In a most interesting manner you will gain a general understanding of the making of handblown glassware. You will be entranced with the first floor's factory outlet area and its many examples of the craftsman's art. On the second floor you will see the Designer's corner, where nine leading American stained glass studios have each contributed for display, a beautiful exhibit of their artistry as practiced today.

Also, a museum containing a Country Music Award trophy, Presidential Gifts, U.S. Capitol lighting globes, and original Williamsburg® stemware. From a special observation deck you can look into a large area inside the plant and watch molten glass take its final form.

Blenko has always had a magnet-like attraction for people. Singly, in small groups, or by the bus load, visitors have come even from the far places of the world to watch while skilled craftsmen make beautiful, translucent glassware.

Now from a special observation deck, visitors can observe the various steps in handcrafting glass; the furnace where silica sand, combined with other materials, is fused under intense heat; the gatherer who takes from this mass a small amount or "gob" of glass which he delivers to a blower, who blows the gob into a form, or shape, using tools similar to those of centuries ago. When the blower has re-heated the piece he has shaped, it is passed on to a finisher who does whatever is necessary for completion - adding handles, rings, etc.

Next, each piece is placed into an annealing lehr or oven, wherein, over a period of many hours gradual cooling to room temperature takes place. The skill of Blenko's expert craftsman is acquired only after many years of experience. As a result of excellence Blenko ware has been shown in museums and cultural exhibitions throughout the world, and has received numerous awards. Leading gift shops and department stores in America, as well as abroad, have sold Blenko for many years. It is in demand everywhere.

Please come and have a rewarding visit in our factory outlet store, or experience the practice of one of the most ancient of man's arts, producing contemporary designs in glassware, while you watch. All those who make up the Blenko Glass Company extend to you a cordial invitation to come (or come again as the case may be) and enjoy all there is for one to see, and learn about, in the Blenko Visitor Center, Milton, West Virginia.

The Hot Glass Show. Presentations from 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; presentations begin again at 1:00 p.m. Located on the Hot Glass Stage.

Flameworking Live! Two presentations each hour starting at the bottom of the hour. Presentations today: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in the GlassMarket.

Sign up a workshop at the admission desk (anytime) or at The Studio (after 12:00 p.m.). Space is limited and may only be booked on the day of the class. 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in the Studio.

Seating in the hot shop and views into workshops provide opportunities to watch teachers and students at work. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the Studio.

The GlassMarket features soem of the state's best shopping outside of New York City, according to AAA New York Online! Thousands of one-of-a-kind glass and glass-related treasures that would be hard to find anywhere else. 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Visit our online shopping at http://glassmarket.cmog.org anytime.

Guests can tour the manufacturing facility at Crystal Traditions, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. They can watch the art of glass blowing while our glass blower creates a special design as he describes the techniques he uses to transform the gather of molten glass into a work of art. They can also see a glass cutter take pride and satisfaction in hand cutting crystal into museum quality work.

Customers can browse through the showroom containing the artisans work, plus crystal giftware from other corners of the world. The outlet has seconds, closeouts, discontinued pieces and lower end items.

There is no charge for tours and the facility is handicapped accessible. Large groups can call the office at our toll-free number 888-298-7236 to arrange a tour.

See how the artisans at Fire & Light have transformed 9 million recycled bottles and jars into a line of beautiful hand-made glass tableware.

The objective of the Glassworks Tour is to assist
our visitors in recognizing the mystery and
beauty of glass, to understand its origins and its
development, as well as to appreciate the artistry
and craftsmanship that goes into each creation.

We hope to accomplish this through inspiration,
sharing of knowledge and demonstration.

Here visitors can watch two types of glass fabrication, kiln formed and glass blowing.

Kiln Formed Glass
The Glen Echo Art Glass Consortium is a resource center for kilnformed glass that serves the entire Washington metropolitan area. The Consortium is directed by four studio glass artists-in-residence, (Bobbi Vischi, Zayde Sleph, Christine Hekimian, and Diane Cabe) who are committed to both teaching and creating. These artists, plus eight other professional glass artists, offer a variety of classes in kilnforming, kiln casting, the roll-up technique, pate de verre, Venetian glass bead making, flameworking, color and design, painting and silk-screening on glass, stained glass, and architectural installations. Consortium members exhibit their works both locally and nationally, and have received awards for excellence in their art. The Consortium's Arcade Glass Studio and Gallery are open to the public Friday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For further information email [email protected].

Blown Glass
Glassworks at Glen Echo Park is the D.C. area's first glass school. Classes are taught each quarter for novice and advanced students. When classes are not in session, the studio is open for visitors to observe glassblowing and view the work of resident artists Rick Sherbert and Ben Boynton. Please call for our open studio schedule as it changes weekly.
Phone 301.229.4184 www.ricksherbertglass.com

In the mid 1880's a huge pocket of natural gas was discovered in Kokomo. The City of Kokomo offered free gas to any business who would locate here and bring jobs.

The gas was gone inside of ten years, and now, we are the last surviving Gas Boom business, and the oldest manufacturer of opalescent glass in the world.

Kokomo Opalescent Glass is proud to present the KOG Hot Glass Studio. Established in 1998, a division of Kokomo Opalescent Glass Co., the purpose of the Hot Glass Studio is to produce a unique range of quality hand blown and hand cast glass using the world famous Kokomo Opalescent glass.

The Hot Glass Studio offers one of a kind and limited edition functional and sculptural glass objects, rondels, and dalles designed and created by artists Jon Wolfe and Michael Amis. Wolfe and Amis are both independent studio glass artists who have exhibited their art internationally.

Liberty Glass & Mirror is located in Frisco, TX, and is dedicated to exceeding expectations and creating custom glass designs tailored to each client's needs. We are a full service glass and mirror company specializing in Frameless Shower Doors & Frameless Shower Enclosures.

Mosser Glass, of Cambridge, Ohio, is owned and operated by Thomas Mosser and his son, Tim Mosser.

As a teenager, Tom learned his trade while working at The Cambridge Glass Company and from his father, Orie Mosser, who was plant manager. After the closing of The Cambridge Glass Company in 1954, Tom started to put together his dreams and skills. He acquired several moulds from The Cambridge Glass Company, such as salt dips, and toothpicks.

From that, he started producing glassware in his own factory in 1959. Since then, he has added many of his original designs. Tom's wife, Georgianna, is a great asset to Mosser Glass. Her interest and knowledge of antiques continues to be very helpful in the designing of new pieces.

The Mosser line consists of animals, paperweights, tableware, plus many decorative and useful items. The handcrafted glassware is produced in a variety of colors and some are hand painted.

In 1971, Mr. Mosser purchased the present property and has continually added to the facilities. Mosser Glass now has 2 day tanks and 3 pot tanks. Mosser Glass employs 32 people including three of his four children. The original Early American house has been remodeled into a showroom and office.

A personally conducted tour of the factory, showing the entire glass making process, is offered to the public at no charge.

Students enrolled in GlassWorks Young Adult Summer Program have the opportunity to design and execute a number of multi-media projects incorporating a variety of studio areas.

Week-long sessions have a strict student limit of 25 young adult, with a 3-1 student to teacher ratio. While attending the GlassWorks Summer Workshop, young adults experience the camaraderie of team work as they learn new, innovative skills with materials and equipment they have never before been exposed to.

Under the guidance of GlassWorks? master faculty members, students begin their instruction in layout and design, as well as technical skills involved with kiln fired glass/slumping, stained glass, glass bead making and lampworking, sandblast etching, welding and soldering, copper enameling and engraving, printmaking, and paper and book arts.

Each student enjoys hands-on experimentation throughout the entirety of each project at the unparalleled learning environment of the New Orleans School of GlassWorks and Printmaking Studio. As the designs completed by summer workshop students incorporate so many different techniques, each project enables young adults to broaden their engineering and design skills, drawing and rendering, and hand-eye coordination. Students returning to GlassWorks from previous years are challenged to create their own designs, integrating at least two different media, further increasing expertise in the creation process.

Projects incorporating a variety of media are encouraged, involving each student in all of the resources available to them at this specialized, excelled arts workshop. Well crafted, visually stunning finished pieces, and experimentation with new skills are the objectives put forth to all campers, setting the stage for remarkable pieces students may take home at the end of their session.

GlassWorks has been offering this one-of-a-kind glass, metal and print programming for young adults since its inception in 1990, and is proud to offer this creative outlet to local youths. GlassWorks also hosts an outreach program for economically disadvantaged and at risk youth in the New Orleans area.

The history of the Pairpoint Glass Company dates back to 1837 when the Mount Washington Glass Works was founded in South Boston. William L. Libbey moved the firm to New Bedford in 1870. A reorganization of the company in 1874 brought Frederick S. Shirley to the firm as the new manager; and, under him, many new types of glass were developed and patented including: Burmese, Peachblow, Lava, Rose Amber, Royal Flemish, and Satin glass. Mount Washington became noted for its brilliant cut glass and was awarded a certificate of merit for its exhibit at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876.

In 1880, a brittania works called the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company was erected on land adjacent to the Mount Washington Glass Company. The works were named after its first superintendent, Thomas J. Pairpoint. At the time, Mr. Pairpoint was considered one of the greatest silver designers in England and America. This new company became one of the largest manufacturers of silverplated ware in the USA.

The two companies merged in 1894 and became known as the Pairpoint Corporation. Pairpoint soon became a leader in the glass industry.

Since 1970, the Pairpoint glass factory has been active in Sagamore on Cape Cod. Although the physical plant is not that large, the scope of the glass made here since has been tremendous. Hand-blown vases, stemware, decanters, perfume bottles, pitchers, cream and sugar sets, lamps, candlesticks, bottles, and paperweights are among the many items made at the factory alongside the Cape Cod Canal. Colors made here include sapphire blue, cobalt blue, gold ruby, Pairpoint ruby, rosaria, vaseline, opal, amethyst, camellia, auroria, amber and Pairpoint cranberry. The company supplies such customers as Tiffany's, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and Artisans in Glass. And, many unusual items in varying shapes or forms, some one-of-a-kind, are quickly purchased by the visitors to the factory.

In 1974, Pairpoint began pressing cup plates with new and original designs. There are more than 100 different cup plates on the market today, and some of them have become very collectible since they were made in limited editions.

Artist Statement
"It is through twenty years of working with glass that I have gained an understanding of the dialogue that is established between artist and material. A lapse of concentration can ruin a piece, but a controlled flick of the wrist or light breath through the blowpipe can give the piece a subtle curve or movement that makes the piece extraordinary. It is this controlled spontaneity that makes glass so magical. I know that the weight from the additional glass bits on the side of the piece will stretch the form. But by using centrifugal force and holding the piece at the correct angle and speed, I can create a composition with the glass that allows both the glass and artist some influence on the final piece. Glassblowing is much akin to a dance; the artist moves with respect and knowledge of the partner. Each has an important contribution to the final piece, but only one will lead - the artist. The dance, when completed, yields an object that was only conceived in one?s imagination or on paper, a tangible work as a result of collaboration between artist and material."

Visitors are welcome to observe the Simon Pearce glassblowers at work.

Glass has been made over four thousand years, beginning in Western Asia. The first items made of glass were small objects such as beads. These early glass objects were made by using molds.

Glass vessels began to appear in the late 15th and 16th centuries B.C. Glassblowing evolved much later, during the 1st century B.C. in the Roman Empire. By blowing glass, craftsmen could produce vessels in a wider variety of shapes and sizes previously only possible in pottery and metal.

Visitors are welcome to observe the Simon Pearce glassblowers at work. Have close encounters with the glassblowers. Visitors may stand on the same level, separated from the craftspeople by a safety railing.

Glass has been made over four thousand years, beginning in Western Asia. The first items made of glass were small objects such as beads. These early glass objects were made by using molds.

Glass vessels began to appear in the late 15th and 16th centuries B.C. Glassblowing evolved much later, during the 1st century B.C. in the Roman Empire. By blowing glass, craftsmen could produce vessels in a wider variety of shapes and sizes previously only possible in pottery and metal.

Visitors are welcome to observe the Simon Pearce glassblowers at work. A catwalk viewing gallery above the factory floor provides an ideal vantage point.

Glass has been made over four thousand years, beginning in Western Asia. The first items made of glass were small objects such as beads. These early glass objects were made by using molds.

Glass vessels began to appear in the late 15th and 16th centuries B.C. Glassblowing evolved much later, during the 1st century B.C. in the Roman Empire. By blowing glass, craftsmen could produce vessels in a wider variety of shapes and sizes previously only possible in pottery and metal.

Smyers Glass offers visitors a unique opportunity to visit a working glass studio with old world feel and techniques. Their works are found in museums, fine craft galleries and collections across the USA. The showroom displays vases, paperweights, jewelery, platters and sculptural pieces. Each is a signed original.Visitors can see glass blowing when the 2000 degree molten glass is drawn out of the the blazing furnaces on 5 foot long blow pipes. Guests delight in watching the items that are sold in the showroom take shape.

Barware, stemware, and crystal gift items since 1910. See glass hand cutting demonstrations.

Watch professional, highly-skilled artists employ century-old techniques
to create colorful works of art from hot molten glass. The ceramics studio is open daily with demonstrations of wheel throwing, glazing and decorating. The new flameworking studio has ongoing demonstrations of bead making, marble making and other art forms involving the melting of glass with the use of a torch.

The woodcarver studio offers demonstrations in contemporary and folk carving of decoys, figures and whimseys.

Tim de Jong established Wimberley Glass Works in 1992. Since then, it has grown into one of the most premier glass studios in the region. Our goal is to educate, entertain and inform the public by offering free glassblowing demonstrations in a relaxed environment. The gallery is conveniently located next door, where the work is both original and affordable. Let us entice you with a brilliant exhibition of colorful glass. Whether your style reflects traditional, contemporary or whimsical, Wimberley Glass Works has something for everyone. Come see us soon for an enjoyable experience!

After a tour of the studio, stroll next door to the gallery where you'll find an assortment of decorative and functional hand blown glass. We have a large selection of tasteful items ranging from tumblers and ornaments to unique sculptural vases. Each piece of glass is a handcrafted original with a style all of it's own.