GUEST GLASS ARTISANS AT OGLEBAY INSTITUTE GLASS MUSEUM

WHEELING, W.Va. (June 8, 2009)- - Designed to pay tribute to Wheeling’s glass heritage and showcase the beauty and artistry of glass working, special demonstrations and workshops will take place in June, July and August at Oglebay Institute’s Glass Museum.

Guest Artist Weekends feature glass artisans from Fenton, Pittsburgh Glass Center and Wilkerson Glass and allow visitors to view the artistry of some of the region’s most talented glass workers, talk to them about their work and work side by side with them in the Studio.

“One of the most exciting and educational aspects of visiting the Glass Museum is having the opportunity to learn directly from our resident artist Bob Allen. Now, through these special programs, visitors can also learn different techniques used by other glass artisans to practice this ancient art form,” Oglebay Institute Director of Museums Christin Stein said.

Upcoming Guest Artist Weekends include:

Dave Fetty, Fenton Glass Artist, June 27 & 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m
Dave Fetty, who designed some of Fenton’s first limited edition pieces, retired in 1999 after more than 40 years in the glass industry. Even after his "official" retirement, he has continued to contribute to Fenton. In addition to working closely with the glassworkers who produced a "Hanging Hearts" vase for the Connoisseur Collection, his contribution to the Collection in 2002 was the "Favrene Feathers Vase." Dave also contributes pieces for the Collectors Room at the Fenton Collectors Convention held in August of each year.
Never at a loss for ideas, Dave handcrafts limited editions of off-hand pieces based on his mood and inspiration.

Theresa Cress, Visiting Artist/Instructor at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, July 11 & 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Theresa Cress’ intrigue for glass began as an undergraduate at the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia in 1988, where she received her bachelor’s of fine art in glass. She studied under Jon F. Clark, Jack Wax, and Anna Boothe. She was a visiting artist at Salisbury (MD) State University’s sculpture department in 2000, expanding glass working skills and teaching philosophies. Theresa joined the Pittsburgh Glass Center as a glassblowing instructor in 2002. She can often be found doing glassblowing and flame working demonstrations at fairs, festivals, gallery hops and private functions from New York to New Orleans.

Fred Wilkerson, Studio Artist at Wilkerson Glass, August 15 & 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fred Wilkerson is known throughout the United States and worldwide for his innovative use of color, style and design of hand-shaped art glass. Born in 1963, his first experience with molten glass came in 1975 when his father, Fred W. Wilkerson, built a small glass studio. Several years were spent watching, learning and polishing his skills at every opportunity. Yet, he says, “there still seems to be so much more. There is just something about the whole process of taking silica sand in a solid state, heating it to an extreme temperature that transforms it into a liquid, manipulating the liquid, molding it and watching it as it takes shape right in front of your very eyes. Hot glass is a medium not widely available to all artists, yet one that all should be so lucky to experience.”

In 2008 Wilkerson was selected by the Professional Golfers' Association of America to create a glass trophy for the Nationwide Tour Players Cup at the Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, W.Va.- a $1 million pro golf tournament held each year in July.

All guest artists will conduct public demonstrations at the Glass Studio, located in Carriage House Glass in Oglebay Resort. Cress and Wilkerson will conduct individual workshops on a first come, first served basis. The Museums are open to the public 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday –Sunday.

The Glass Museum features more than 3500 examples of historic glass and china made in Wheeling from 1820-1952. The museum focuses on the history, products and legacy of the five major glass companies that operated in Wheeling: Ritchie; Sweeney; Hobbs, Brockunier; Central and Northwood. Also on display is the famous Sweeney Punchbowl, which weighs 225 pounds, stands five feet tall and is the largest piece of cut glass tableware ever produced.

For more information on the Museums of Oglebay Institute or on special glass artist events, call 304.242.7272 or visit on the www.oionline.com