Milton on the Mud
The Blenko Museum, Seattle, WA
October 2001 to October 2002

This inaugural exhibition celebrated the opening of the Blenko Museum's Seattle gallery space. The show functioned as a survey overview of all of Blenko's production from 1930 -2001, showing representative work of all seven of Blenko's Design Directors. The exhibition title derives from the local euphemism for the Blenko factory's location on the banks of the Mud River.

The gala opening was a two-night affair that brought out collectors from across the country, including representatives from Blenko, Jane Nickerson and Wanda Lewis and the then soon-to-be founding members of the Blenko Collectors Society, a club whose seed was planted thanks to the Blenko Museum.

We were honored to have the opening also serve as the public launch of Wayne Husted's first new designs for Blenko in 40 years, known as the "Olana" line. With a special gallery dedicated to Husted's new work, he was on site to interact with collectors and sign his work.

An important aspect of the opening included the unveiling of a special commission "Devil's Head" vase made as an exlusive limited edition to celebrate the public launch of the Blenko Museum. Designed by Hank Adams and all signed and numbered by the artist, only 50 were made. The design originated as a proposal for Blenko's 1994 line; however the vase was never put into production due to its outrageous nature. Only approximately 6 prototypes were produced but none in the Tangerine & Cobalt color combination of this edition.

all photos courtesy of Erskine Wood

Above: Wayne Husted, posing with his new glass designs, including lamp, at the Museum opening.

Below: Early Period Blenko displayed in this exhibition, click thumbnails to enlarge in new window.

Circa 1930's ruby vase, 5.25" tall