Fenton to celebrate centennial year with activities

By CASSIE SHANER
The Marietta Times


Cynthia Konieczny, 56, of Jamestown, feels like a member of the Fenton family.

Konieczny and her husband have visited Fenton Art Glass multiple times this year to celebrate the company’s centennial year and are looking forward to the grand celebration beginning July 29 and ending Aug. 2.

“They make you feel comfortable. They make you feel at home,” Konieczny said of what keeps her coming back. “They make you feel like you’re a part of the family.”

Though Fenton has had special centennial events throughout the year, next weekend’s five-day celebration is set to be the highlight of the year’s activities.

Scheduled events include live entertainment, a special auction, a live QVC broadcast, a glass-making school and family signing events.

“That’s one of the things I’m looking forward to, meeting the other family members,” Konieczny said.

Konieczny purchased the 2005 Fenton signing piece earlier this year and has collected four signatures so far. She still needs five more.

Special glass pieces created just for the event will be available, as well, providing an extra draw for collectors.

Though Fenton’s actual birthday is May 4, the grand celebration was scheduled to coincide with the annual convention times of Fenton’s collectors clubs, Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America and the National Fenton Glass Society. Another reason for the summertime date is the increased likehood of people being able to visit.

“Summer’s a better time,” said Jena Blair, tour guide coordinator for the Fenton gift shop. “Children aren’t in school and people are traveling so that more people can bring their families to come join us.”

Jim Measell, associate historian for Fenton, is in charge of the special collector’s auction on July 31 in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center at Marietta College.

“I think everybody is making it this year,” he said. “We’ve been telling everybody since this time last year, ‘Make 2005 the year you come.’”

Blair said an estimated 10,000 people, including collectors from as far as Australia, are expected to attend the centennial events. She just hopes that local residents do not miss out on the unique opportunity.

“It’s gonna be a real shame for people to miss this,” Blair said. “I think this is something that people will talk about for years.”

If you go

Who: Fenton Art Glass.

What: Grand centennial celebration

When: July 29 to Aug. 2.

Where: Caroline and Elizabeth avenues, Williamstown

Cost: Most events are free.

For more information: www.fentonartglass.com.