Employee Spotlight - Ray Adkins - Hot Shop
Oh, you should ask Ray. He’ll definitely know!
Ray Adkins joined the Blenko family in August of 1981, and over the last four decades, he has become one of those steady forces you don’t always hear coming, but you absolutely feel when he’s there. With more than 40 years of experience at the bench, Ray’s knowledge isn’t flashy. It’s earned, hard-won, and carried with purpose.
These days, Ray works closely with apprentice glassblowers, helping them learn and implement old techniques that might otherwise fade away. His commitment to preserving tradition is especially visible in pieces like the Sun bottle, a design born from Ray himself and a true reflection of his understanding of form, balance, and history.
Soft-spoken and steady, Ray carries the mindset of someone who’s earned his place. He’s a fighter who stands firm, trusts the work, and believes that effort is the foundation of everything we build. When he does speak, it’s often brief, sharp, and followed by a smirk, a quiet reminder that experience and dedication will always outlast noise.
Ray’s presence in the hot shop is a reminder that craftsmanship is built day by day, lesson by lesson, and generation by generation. Blenko is proud to celebrate Ray Adkins, his grit, his humor, and the legacy he continues to shape every time he steps up to the bench.
