Week 16 Day 1: Fenton Glass vs Blenko Glass

Today's visit will be to Fenton Glass in Williamstown, WV. Even though Fenton no longer makes production glass, there still is a large supply of glass held within storage. The only glass making that goes on now is the making of beads. This made me wonder why is Blenko Glass still able to run production, but with Fenton they are just selling what is in stock? Using the internet and the websites listed in this blog determine the differences between Blenko and Fenton Glass. Preferably in why one is still able to make hand blown glass and the other ceases to exist.

Questions:

1. How was Blenko Glass able to make hand crafted blown glass within the 21st century, but Fenton Glass is unable?
2. Describe the economic issues that both companies face (such as natural gas prices, electricity prices, competition, supplies, and demand).
3. How does the glass styles differ between the two companies?
4. Why do you think glass blowing is becoming a dieing business across the state of West Virginia (provide sources for your reasoning)?

Websites:

• Fenton Art Glass
• Fenton Glass History
• Fenton Glass News Article
• Blenko Glass
• Blenko Glass History
• Blenko News Article