Fenton Art Glass Company Presents..."Visions" on Aubergine Glass!

Williamstown, WV - Fashion designers and home decorators alike love the color of Catalan alberginia, the eggplant! Called "Aubergine" by Fenton Art Glass, this luxurious color is now offered in sleek, streamlined glass shapes which fit nicely into today's home styles. Fenton designer Stacy Williams used layers of sheer color to create the complex shading for a handpainted motif called "Visions" on Aubergine glass. The fluid leaves and a pink Kousa dogwood pod are perfect complements to the regal color of the glass.

Item 5980 JN Fairy Light (or Candle Lamp) retails for $69.50 U.S.
Item 6667 JN Adam's Rib Pitcher retails for $99.50 U.S.
Item 5469 JN Vase retails for $65.00 U.S.
Item 5074 JN Grooming Cat retails for $29.50 U.S.

Creating spectacular colored art glass for a century, Fenton Art Glass Company represents American handcrafted glass artistry. Located in Williamstown, WV, Fenton is known for its wide range of colors, handpainting and handcrafting. For four generations, Fenton family members have remained active in the business and are proud to continue an American glassmaking tradition begun in 1905. Call 800-933-6766 for more information or visit www.fentonartglass.com.

Fenton Art Glass Company Captures the Wonder of the Caribbean!

Williamstown, WV - Fenton glass artisan Dave Fetty captures the essence of the Caribbean sea and sky in the "Caribbean Day" vase, part of the 2006 Fenton Connoisseur Collection. Since 1983, the Fenton Connoisseur Collection has been the "best of the best" showcasing the skills of our glass artisans and decorators. Each piece in the Collection is strictly limited by number.

Dave Fetty developed a special process to create this spectacular vase. Multiple layers of crystal combine with powdered glass in white, blue and green to produce a dramatic result. No two Caribbean Day vases will be exactly alike.

Item 8199 B6 "Caribbean Day" 7-1/2" Vase, limited to 750 pieces, retails for $295 U.S.

Creating spectacular colored art glass for a century, Fenton Art Glass Company represents American handcrafted glass artistry. Located in Williamstown, WV, Fenton is known for its wide range of colors, handpainting and handcrafting. For four generations, Fenton family members have remained active in the business and are proud to continue an American glassmaking tradition begun in 1905. Call 800-933-6766 for more information or visit www.fentonartglass.com.

Fenton Art Glass Company Presents...The Frank M. Fenton Memorial "Nautilus" Vase

Williamstown, WV - Fenton's classic Burmese glass captures the beauty of a splendid seashell in this memorial tribute to Frank M. Fenton. Designer Stacy Williams has re-interpreted the handpainted seashell motif that Frank helped develop for our much-loved Burmese selections in 1985 and 1986.

This limited edition "Nautilus" Vase is part of the 2006 Fenton Connoisseur Collection. Since 1983, the Fenton Connoisseur Collection has been the "best of the best" showcasing the skills of our glass artisans and decorators.

Item 5062 BT "Nautilus" 7-1/2" Vase is limited to 1,950 pieces.
Inscribed with a Frank M. Fenton Memorial backstamp. Retails for $255 U.S.

Creating spectacular colored art glass for a century, Fenton Art Glass Company represents American handcrafted glass artistry. Located in Williamstown, WV, Fenton is known for its wide range of colors, handpainting and handcrafting. For four generations, Fenton family members have remained active in the business and are proud to continue an American glassmaking tradition begun in 1905. Call 800-933-6766 for more information or visit www.fentonartglass.com.

Fenton Art Glass celebrates centennial

By MELINA HUDDY
The Parkersburg News, Progress Edition, Parkersburg, WV

WILLIAMSTOWN - In a year marked by the loss of its founder's first son, recognition by the U.S. Senate and a visit by the governor, Fenton Art Glass celebrated its centennial then turned toward the future.

Throughout the year, Fenton produced a variety of pieces commemorating its 100th year, published a coffee table book of the company's history in glass and held special family signing events at the top 100 retailers around the country.
A local celebration held in May for company employees was attended by Gov. Joe Manchin. The public celebration was held July 29 - Aug. 2 and attracted more than 17,000 visitors.

"There were special tours, glassmaking and decorating experiences for visitors, a live QVC show. Collectors were here, tents in the park and West Virginia crafts from around the state. It went very well," said George Fenton, president.

A highlight of the event was a resolution from U.S. Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller congratulating the company and recognizing its contribution to the state. The following month, the same public figures who celebrated with the company expresses their condolences when Frank M. Fenton, son of founder Frank L. Fenton, passed away at 89.

"The last few months of the year were spent working to improve yields, reduce scrap, become more efficient and we've made positive improvements in those areas. Now, as we move in to 2006, we're working on several different marketing areas," Fenton said. "Of course, you can't talk about 2006 without mentioning gas [natural gas]. We will spend a million more dollars in gas in 2006 than we did in 2004. So, we have to look at reducing costs. Increased transportation costs effects the cost of materials directly and other expenses indirectly."

A combination of reduced cost and expanded markets should herald the beginning of a new century as successful as the last. Programs are being developed for florists, jewelers and Internet partners.

[PHOTO CAPTION ABOVE]
West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III, left, stands with George Fenton of Fenton Art Glass at the Williamstown Welcome Center. (Photo by Jeff Baughan)

Check out what's new on eBay! Fenton's Frolicking, Rollicking Chocolate Spaniels!

Designed by Fenton's Tony Rosena in 1983, our "Spaniels" figurine captures a great moment. Everyone smiles at the sight of two frolicking, rollicking Spaniels having a roll-around!

Historic Chocolate glass, perfected by Jacob Rosenthal and first made by Fenton 99 years ago, is the perfect color for these two playful dogs! They're buddies for life!

Fenton's Frolicking, Rollicking Chocolate Spaniels figurine is limited to just 300 pieces, created especially for eBay, and each piece is individually numbered. Each piece is 2 1/2" high and 3 1/4" wide.

Fenton partnered with eBay to provide both auction and "Buy It Now" opportunities for the eBay community.

Beginning Tuesday, February 14, collectors have the opportunity to bid on pieces numbered 1 through 5.

Then on Thursday, February 23, the eBay community will have the opportunity to purchase pieces numbered 6 through 300 with the eBay "Buy It Now" option.

To bid now, click here.

Tom Fenton Announces Retirement

On February 15, 2006, Tom Fenton will begin a new and exciting chapter of his life - retirement. Tom started his Fenton career over 40 years ago working as a Data Clerk in the Industrial Engineering Department. As with other family members, Tom worked his way up the ladder having held the positions of Shipping Foreman, Assistant Hot Metal Forman, Assistant Works Manager and Plant Manager. In 1995, Tom was named Vice President of Manufacturing, a position he held until his retirement.

Not being one to entirely let go of his involvement with the factory, Tom will continue to contribute to the company as a part-time consultant. His knowledge and guidance have been invaluable, and we look forward to his continued involvement in this new role. George Fenton states, "the company, and I personally, owe Tom a great debt of gratitude for his support and leadership over the years. The success of the company has always been his highest priority, and I am glad he will continue to be available to give me good advice."

Over the years many Showcase Dealers had the privilege of hosting Tom in their store during family signing events. Tom always looked forward to his signings and enjoyed meeting with collectors and Showcase Dealers alike. "As long as I can remember, the company has been a big part of our relationship. His guidance and friendship are one of the most valued parts of my life."

Tom and his wife, Sharon, will continue to reside in Marietta, Ohio and look forward to enjoying more time with their four grandchildren. They also plan to make regular trips to Colorado to hike and explore the Rocky Mountains - one of their favorite vacation spots.

Enjoy THREE FABULOUS hours of FENTON on QVC February 6th

Mark your calendar and plan to join George Fenton for some exciting Fenton moments. Celebrate 100 years of Fenton Art Glass and treat yourself to that special piece!
One day, two shows, what fun!

Monday, February 6th - QVC Collector's Day
11:00am to Noon ET - Limited Edition Show
and 10:00pm to Midnight ET

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

The February 6 Fenton QVC show is jam-packed with new and interesting items, including many limited editions. Here are some highlights:

A new grouping called "Four Seasons" vases is to be offered as a matched numbered set. On the February 6 show only, a maximum of 1000 matched numbered sets will be available (each vase is limited to 1500 but those beyond 1000 will not be in matched numbered sets). All four vases are blown, and all are made of Fenton glass formulas which contain gold: Burmese, Lotus Mist Burmese, Blue Burmese and Rosalene. As the title "Four Seasons" suggests, each vase has a decoration featuring one of the seasons--Winter (Blue Burmese with Tom Fenton signature), Spring (Rosalene with George Fenton signature), Summer (Lotus Mist Burmese with Nancy Fenton signature), or Fall (Burmese with Shelley Fenton signature).

The "American Gallery" collection makes its debut. The focus of this collection for 2006 is scenic decorations that depict distinctive areas in the United States. The Southwest is our first stop, and this piece is a ginger jar with George Fenton's signature and a beautiful handpainted desert scene designed by Stacy Williams. Is it sunrise or sunset? You decide!

A spectacular Favrene vase combines the beauty of Favrene with intricate sandcarving and handpainting designed by Frances Burton. This 8 1/2" vase, which is limited to only 350 pieces, is made with a mould that originated at the Cambridge Glass Co. in the 1920s, when it was used to make a cocktail shaker! Favrene contains pure silver, and reheating in a controlled atmosphere brings out the vivid iridescence. George Fenton says this is the prettiest favrene piece we have ever done and it will definitely be in his collection.

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

Special Announcement - Teleflora's Fenton Art Glass Bouquet

You may soon be seeing references to Fenton in magazine or television advertising for Teleflora, a worldwide organization. The Teleflora ad may feature a decorated vase with floral bouquet. The vase shape and decoration were designed by Fenton but the manufacturing was sourced by Teleflora. The vase will have a sticker on the bottom: Designed by Fenton. Made in China.

One of our goals for the future is to see Fenton glass in more flower shops, and this licensing relationship with Teleflora will support that goal. Over the past several years, Teleflora has worked with other well-known companies, such as Waterford, Crayola and Spode. We feel that this association with Teleflora will bring the Fenton name to a marketplace in which we have had little previous activity. More than 27,000 flower shops are associated with Teleflora.

Some of them already carry Fenton glass, and we hope that many more will choose to do so in the future. In December, Fenton launched a special program targeted at florists including 40 special shapes from Fenton’s regular line presented in a separate sales brochure. The message of this brochure is “After the flowers...Fenton, an heirloom keepsake.” All of these items, as well as the balance of the Fenton regular line, are made in our factory in Williamstown, WV.

Randy James Weikel

Published in the Greensboro News Record

GREENSBORO- Randy James Weikel, 61, died on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006, after suffering ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at West Market Street United Methodist Church.

Mr. Weikel was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., to Jim and Martha Weikel who survive him, but spent most of his life in Greensboro.

He worked for 30 years as a principle partner in the family manufacturer representatives business and most recently as a sales consultant with the Fenton Art Glass Company in West Virginia. He was an active volunteer in several organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis, and his church. He was active in Scouting from the time he was a youth until his death. He was a past president and long-time executive board member of the Old North State Council, BSA, and served on the Southern Region Board of the Boy Scouts for over 10 years. He was President of Area 7 (Va. & N.C.) for three years and was chairman of the Area Camp Appraisal Team for 17 years. He received the Silver Beaver Award from the former General Greene Council and the Silver Antelope Award from the Southern Region for his outstanding service to youth. Until he became disabled he served on the National Advancement Committee of the BSA. He was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow and served as Lodge Chief and Area Chief as a youth. He was one of 11 Eagle Scouts in the Weikel family, all of whom are Life Members of the National Eagle Scout Association. He was Past President of the Greensboro Kiwanis Club and past Lt. Governor of the Carolinas District of Kiwanis International. He was a member of West Market St. United Methodist Church for over 40 years and served on the Administrative Board several times. He was a past member of the Greensboro Area Chamber of Commerce and a graduate of Leadership Greensboro. He attended Wake Forest University and received a BS degree in Business Administration from Campbell University. He enjoyed Wake Forest athletics with his wife as members of the Deacon Club.

His wife of 41 years, Lola G. Weikel and two sons, also survive, Jay Weikel and wife Tara of Statesville and their sons, Josh and Zack; Stockton Weikel and wife Beth of Greensboro and their children, Kate and Jonah. Also surviving are brothers, Tim of Greensboro and Scott of Raleigh, their wives and four nephews, his goddaughter, and grandnephew.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Forbis & Dick Guilford Chapel and in the gathering space following the service at West Market Street United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Weikel requested memorials be made to the Old North State Council Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 29046, Greensboro, NC 27429-9046; West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 W. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401; or ALS Association, Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, 120 Penmarc Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27603, www.CatfishChapter.org.

Forbis & Dick Guilford Chapel is serving the Weikel family.

Published in the News Record on 2/2/2006.