Employee Spotlight: James Woodson – Glass Making Experience Ambassador 

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on a familiar face to many Blenko visitors: James Woodson, our Glass Making Experience Ambassador and Mobile Unit Demo Artist — and someone who has worn just about every hat in the hot shop. 

James rejoined the Blenko team full-time in December 2022, marking his second chapter with us and bringing over 20 years of glassworking experience. His journey with Blenko has been anything but one-dimensional, having served as a weekend demo artist, trainer, maintenance supervisor, lead furnace technician, product manager, and now the face of our hands-on weekend visitor experiences and our mobile unit demos. 

A talented and versatile glass artist, James is exceptionally skilled in flameworking (check out Perpetual Glassworks down in the VC!),  a precise and delicate technique that he’s mastered over years of practice. In fact, every one of our iconic water bottle necklaces is handcrafted by James himself in his flameworking studio, a perfect example of the care and artistry he brings to his work. He’s just as comfortable shaping glass at the end of a pipe in the hot shop as he is working with a torch in his studio.

What makes James truly stand out is his unique mix of technical expertise, customer connection, and contagious enthusiasm. He’s incredibly flexible, always willing to jump in where needed, and has a natural way of making visitors feel both welcome and inspired. Whether he’s guiding guests through a hands-on glass experience, answering questions about technique, or crafting a tiny masterpiece over flame, James brings energy, knowledge, and a deep love for the craft to everything he does. 

Thank you, James, for your decades of dedication, your talent, and the positive spirit you bring to Blenko every single weekend!