Fenton Centennial Celebration Memories

As 2005 draws to a close, we pause to reflect on a most memorable year. We celebrated our centennial with events nationwide and at our factory in Williamstown, West Virginia. Fenton glass was front and center at several major museums, and many Fenton dealers sponsored special occasions, ranging from birthday parties around May 4 to Family Signing Events in spring or fall. From July 29 to August 2, we welcomed thousands of Fenton fans to our factory, gift shop, museum, and many special events under the "big tops" outdoors.

For all of you who joined us at Fenton in Williamstown, WV for our five day celebration, thanks so very much. We couldn’t have done it without you! From the personalized Fenton family tours of the factory to the incredible live QVC broadcast, the edge of your seat moments at the dramatic Fenton auction to the magical moments spent decorating ornaments and just swapping experiences with family and friends both old and new, a great time was had by all.

If you didn't visit in 2005, make your plans now to visit the Fenton Factory in 2006. The Fenton Factory Tour remains one of the TOP 10 tours in America, as rated in USA Today. In addition we have been named Rand McNally Best of the Road for 2006. Watch raw materials become molten glass which is shaped by artisans in the age-old tradition. Furnaces glow; sparks fly, and from heat, noise and motion emerge works of art that captivate and delight.

Our enthusiasm is carrying over into 2006, and we have created exciting new products and plans for next year. During 2006, this email newsletter will continue to keep you up to date about "everything Fenton!"

For all of your Fenton needs shop online with an authorized Fenton dealer today, or click here to find a dealer near you.

U.S. Senate recognizes 100 years of Fenton

By BRETT DUNLAP
The Parkersburg News, Parkersburg, WV

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate is recognizing a Williamstown company's 100 years of business and service to the community.

U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-W.Va., introduced a resolution last week congratulating Fenton Art Glass of Williamstown on its centennial anniversary.

"Fenton Glass is a trademark of West Virginia," Byrd said. "Across the country and around the world, people know Fenton's quality and character, and, through the remarkable works of art, people learn of West Virginia's quality and character as well."

The resolution, which was introduced to the Senate on Friday, recognized Fenton as a beloved institution in West Virginia that continues to contribute to the economic and cultural heritage of the state through its production of world renowned hand-blown glass.

"Fenton deserves this honor," Rockefeller said. "People all over the world know of the craftsmanship and beauty of Fenton glass.

"They appreciate the remarkable attention West Virginia craftsmen pay to the details of their products, and they appreciate the artistic vision underlying their work."

James Measell, Fenton Co. historian, said Monday the company is honored by the recognition.

"We are delighted the senators from West Virginia saw fit to sponsor a resolution to honor us," he said.

Fenton marked its founding on May 4 and held a celebration for the community and collectors July 29-Aug. 2.

The company's pieces will be featured on QVC throughout today as one of the final centennial celebration events.

The Senate resolution notes the great history of Fenton Art Glass, which was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank and John Fenton.

"Fenton Art Glass rose from its humble beginnings as a glass decorating company in 1905, and came to settle in Williamstown, West Virginia, by opening a factory to create their own glass when they were unable to obtain glass they needed," the resolution stated. "With the vision of brothers Frank and John Fenton, Fenton Art Glass began to create innovative new colors and established the company in the forefront of the hand-blown glass industry."

The document went on to note the company's history where in 1907 Fenton introduced its highly colorful Iridescent, or "Carnival" Glass, which became instantly successful throughout the country and is now highly prized by collectors around the world. Also, during the 1930s and 1940s, Fenton addressed the shortages felt by families in the United States by producing mixing bowls and tableware that were often unavailable during the World War I and Depression shortages.

"The first 100 years of Fenton Art Glass have been a grand journey, but those years are just the beginning chapters," Byrd said. "There is a great future ahead for Fenton, for Wood County, and for all of West Virginia, a future as beautiful as the works created by the artisans at Fenton."

The resolution noted Fenton Art Glass is not only a family tradition for the Fenton family, with the third generation of the Fenton family now carrying on the legacy, but also a West Virginia institution, employing generations of workers.

"Fenton Glass, known for its beauty and precision in craftsmanship, is a symbol of the dedication and care of the Fenton family, as well the pride in craftsmanship so characteristic of the West Virginia people," the resolution said.

Rockefeller said he believes Fenton will continue to be successful for years to come and will continue to be commemorated by future generations.

"I feel sure that one hundred years from now, some future Congress will pass a resolution honoring the bicentennial of this great West Virginia company," he said.

Contact Brett Dunlap at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com

Mark your calendar! Enjoy SIX FABULOUS hours of FENTON on QVC!

Mark your calendar and plan to join George Fenton and Shelley Fenton Ash for some exciting Fenton moments on QVC.

One day, three shows, what fun!

Tuesday, December 20

- Midnight to 2:00am ET

- Noon to 2:00pm ET

- 10:00pm to Midnight ET

Celebrate 100 years of Fenton Art Glass and treat yourself to that special piece!

For a PREVIEW of the SHOW and selected pieces...

Remember, you can shop for Fenton exclusives on QVC ANYTIME by visiting www.qvc.com

Fenton Art Glass offers twelfth eBay Exclusive, "Lenten Rose and Winter Berries" Ruby Stretch Vase

The Fenton "Lenten Rose and Winter Berries" Ruby Stretch Vase will be available for both bid and "Buy it Now"

Fenton partnered with eBay to provide both auction and "Buy It Now" opportunities for the eBay community. Bidding will begin, Thursday, December, 15th at Noon ET.

This 6 1/2” tall vase is handcrafted and handpainted with a "Lenten Rose and Winter Berries" floral design created by Fenton designer Kim Barley. Each vase is carefully handpainted and signed with pride by the artist who completes it. The Fenton Ruby Stretch Vase is limited to just 300 pieces, created especially for eBay, and each piece is individually numbered.

First made about 1915-16, "stretch glass," as it is now termed by collectors, was a special kind of iridescent glass. Its production was an important part of Fenton Art Glass during the 1920s, and these pieces are eagerly sought by today's collectors. Now, many decades later, we make our products in much the same way.

After the glass is sprayed with a different solution of metallic salts to create the iridescent finish, the items are reheated so that they can be reshaped. As a skilled glassworker, called a finisher, reshapes the item, the iridescent surface stretches, creating a myriad of striations and a texture that is a delight to see.

Each Ruby Stretch Vase reflects some of the great traditions of the American glass industry as well as our pride in handmade art glass.

Beginning Thursday, December 15th at Noon ET, collectors will have the opportunity to bid on pieces numbered 1 through 5.

To bid starting December 15th...

Then, the eBay community will have the opportunity to purchase pieces numbered 6 through 300 with the eBay "Buy It Now" option.

For all of your Fenton needs shop online with an authorized Fenton dealer today, or click here to find a dealer near you.

Santa Fetty, put a “Hanging Hearts Vase” under the tree, for me...

Skilled glassworker Dave Fetty retired from Fenton in 1999 after more than 40 years in the glass industry. Even after his “official” retirement, Dave has continued to contribute to Fenton.

In addition to working closely with Fenton glassworkers even today, Dave also contributes pieces for the Collectors Room at the Fenton Collectors Convention held each year.

A signature Dave Fetty “look” is the “Hanging Hearts” motif, shown here in Green and Black. To own this spectacular 5 1/2” Vase, click here. Each piece bears the Dave Fetty back stamp.

To learn more about Dave Fetty, click here

To see all of the Dave Fetty exclusives now available, click here

For all of your Fenton needs shop online with an authorized Fenton dealer today, or click here to find a dealer near you.