Where Fire Meets Art Blenko Glass Takes Center Stage at Handcrafted Weekend

Where Fire Meets Art

Blenko Glass Takes Center Stage at Handcrafted Weekend

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

If you’re looking for a weekend filled with creativity, heritage, and hands-on excitement, mark your calendar now—because Handcrafted Weekend in Greenup County is bringing something truly extraordinary to the spotlight in 2026.

What began as a cherished quilt show at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park has grown into a full-scale celebration of Appalachian artistry, thanks to the collaboration between the Greenup County Quilt Guild, the Greenup Extension Community Arts Program, and Greenup County Tourism. And this year, one name is generating major buzz: Blenko Glass Company.

For 2026, Blenko Glass Company will be performing live glassblowing demonstrations throughout the entire day on Saturday, transforming molten glass into stunning works of art right before your eyes. This isn’t something you see every day—especially not this close to home.

Visitors will be able to watch master artisans shape, stretch, and blow glowing glass into beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations. Even more exciting? Every piece made during the demonstrations will be given away to attendees. It’s an unforgettable chance to not only witness a mesmerizing craft but potentially take home a piece of it.

You’ll also have the opportunity to browse and purchase handcrafted items from their display booth, making it easy to bring a bit of this iconic artistry home.

Founded in 1893, Blenko Glass Company has been a cornerstone of American glassmaking for over a century. Now based in Milton, West Virginia, the company is world-renowned for its vibrant, hand-blown glass—each piece crafted using techniques passed down through generations. Blenko isn’t just a glass company—it’s a living piece of Appalachian history.

Their work has been displayed in museums, collected by enthusiasts across the country, and even commissioned for use in historic landmarks and government buildings. Despite its national reputation, Blenko remains deeply rooted in regional tradition, continuing to produce handcrafted glass using time-honored methods rather than mass production.

That’s what makes their presence at Handcrafted Weekend so special: you’re not just watching a demonstration—you’re witnessing a legacy.

Bringing Blenko to Greenup County connects local audiences directly with one of the most respected names in American craft, making this year’s event truly exceptional.

Handcrafted Weekend takes place April 11–12, 2026 at the Jesse Stuart Lodge, and admission is free.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. glassblowing throughout the day + live music at 5:00 p.m.) Sunday: Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Make a full day—or even a full weekend—of it. Enjoy a meal at Angler’s Cove Restaurant, stay at the lodge, and soak in everything the park has to offer.

While Blenko is a major highlight, the entire lodge will be alive with creativity. Handcrafted Weekend is designed as an immersive experience where visitors can meet artisans, watch them work, and try these skills for themselves.

You’ll find:

Quilting and fiber arts filling the conference rooms

Crochet, knitting, and cross-stitch upstairs

Woodcarving, pottery, basketmaking, jewelry, and more throughout the lodge

A special feature includes Kevin Toney of Silver Run Ranch, who will demonstrate the full process of turning alpaca fiber into beautifully woven pieces—complete with a few friendly alpacas on site.

In the main lobby, Luthiers will be building instruments by hand, while live old-time music—hosted by John Ryster—fills the air Saturday evening and continues into Sunday. Bring your instrument and join the jam, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere by the fireplace.

You’ll also meet talented regional artists like Jill Robertson and Jenn Amburgey, who will be demonstrating their work and inviting visitors to engage in the creative process.

From glowing glass and roaring forges to soft fibers and hand-carved wood, Handcrafted Weekend is a celebration of everything that makes Appalachian craftsmanship so rich and enduring.

The presence of Blenko Glass Company truly elevates the Hand-Crafted experience to something truly unforgettable.

It’s not every day you get to watch a century-old tradition come to life in front of you—especially one that burns this bright.

So, bring your family, invite your friends, and make the short trip to Greenbo. This is one weekend you won’t want to miss.