In celebration of West Virginia Day, Blenko Glass Company proudly debuts its 2025 WV Day Collection, a trio of handcrafted glass pieces inspired by the state’s deep ties to railroads, craftsmanship, and community. This year’s release includes the Full Steam Ahead Decanter, the Holler Song swung companion piece, and a commemorative suncatcher—all crafted to honor the Mountain State’s 162nd birthday on June 20, 2025.
 
Each piece draws inspiration from the iconic Cass Scenic Railroad #2 engine and the decommissioned tracks running through Blenko’s Milton campus—tracks that brought founder William J. Blenko to the region over a century ago and are still crossed by glassblowers and visitors every day.

The 2025 WV Day Collection - Full Steam Ahead

A striking cobalt blue vase topped with a stopper shaped like rising smoke, Full Steam Ahead pays tribute to the mighty steam engines that helped build Appalachia, and the artistry of glassblowing that continues to define Blenko today. Inspired by the Cass Scenic Railroad, this collector’s item is limited to 162 pieces, each one individually numbered in gold and hand-signed by John Blenko and designer Ashley Boggs. It will be available through auction starting June 20.

"This piece was inspired by the history surrounding the decommissioned railroad tracks at Blenko,” said designer Ashley Boggs. “From our founder’s dream, to the generations of glassblowers who’ve walked across those tracks, and the visitors who still cross them today—these rails connect us all. Just like glassmaking, trains aren’t the fastest or most efficient anymore, but their magic endures. My hope is that this piece encourages people to pause and reflect on preserving traditions, celebrating history, and honoring the enduring spirit of Appalachia.”

Holler Song

The companion piece to Full Steam Ahead, Holler Song is a swung vase in warm Citrine, each uniquely shaped by hand. Its curved handle echoes the form of a train’s whistle pull, a soulful nod to the sounds that have long defined life in the hills. Holler Song is now available for pre-order, and will be available for purchase in-store at the Blenko Visitor Center starting June 20.

WV Day Suncatcher

Rounding out the collection is a commemorative suncatcher in Dreamsicle, a vibrant orange hue that captures the glow of a mountain sunrise. The suncatcher features a mountain railroad design and will be available in limited quantities. A portion of the proceeds from this piece will benefit the Friends of Cass, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic Cass Scenic Railroad and supporting educational programming, restoration, and heritage tourism in the area. Learn more about their work at friendsofcass.org.

Celebrate with Us – June 20–21

Stop by this Friday & Saturday (9am-5pm) to stamp your very own West Virginia suncatchers! For $49, you’ll get the chance to stamp two beautiful suncatchers. Just stop in and our friendly staff will get you signed up when you arrive—no tickets or pre-booking required.

Choose from a lineup of iconic designs, including:
* State Bird: Northern Cardinal 
* State Tree: Sugar Maple 
* State Butterfly: Monarch Butterfly 
* State Flower: Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) 
* State Fish: Brook Trout 
👀 And the ever-mysterious Mothman

🛑 Please note: This experience is for ages 14 and up, and closed-toed, sturdy shoes are required to enter the factory floor.

Come celebrate 162 years of Almost Heaven with a hands-on activity that’s uniquely West Virginia and supports local handmade right here at home.

About West Virginia Day

West Virginia Day, celebrated each year on June 20, marks the state’s creation in 1863, when it separated from Virginia during the Civil War. It remains a proud celebration of independence, resilience, and Appalachian identity. Blenko has honored the holiday for decades by creating limited-edition pieces that reflect the values and history of the Mountain State.
 
About Blenko Glass Company

Founded in 1893 by William J. Blenko, the company originally specialized in stained glass for churches and public buildings. After several early ventures and relocations, Blenko found its permanent home in Milton, West Virginia in 1921, where it remains a living symbol of American craftsmanship.
 
For more than a century, Blenko has produced hand-blown, art glass and functional ware, blending bold color with traditional techniques passed down through generations. Today, it stands as one of the last remaining glasshouses in the U.S. still making mouth-blown glass, and its Milton factory, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, draws thousands of visitors annually to witness the magic of glassmaking in person.