Welcome to the National Fenton Glass Society, Inc.     Formed in 1990, the National Fenton Glass Society is chartered by the State of Ohio as a not-for-profit corporation. The Society's purpose is to promote the study, understanding and enjoyment of handmade glass, the handmade glass industry and especially glass made by the Fenton Art Glass Company, of Williamstown, West Virginia. The NFGS strives to foster informed discussion among all who wish to learn more about this traditional art form. Dates for the 2012 NFGS convention are July 28, 29 and 30.  Check out the "Events" page for more information. The Comfort Inn will be the headquarters for the 2012 NFGS convention.  Room rates are $79.99 plus tax.   Dues are due for 2012.  To print a form to fill out, please refer to the top of the Flyer Fotos Nov Dec 11 page.  Don't let the Mar./Apr. issue of the Fenton Flyer be your last.  Please remit your dues to the NFGS office.   The May/June issue of the Fenton Flyer will be dedicated to the upcoming convention and it will include registration information.  The 2012 convention will be very exciting!  Special guest Robert Barber will be presenting seminars and signing glass.  This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet him and learn more about the glass known to collectors as "Barber".  The 2012 consignment auction will include items created while Robert Barber worked at Fenton, plus many other fantastic pieces including special bridesmaid dolls and glass hand painted by Louise Piper.  Check back for an auction listing, complete with pictures, about June 1st.        FENTON ART GLASS TO CEASE TRADITIONAL GLASS PRODUCTION AND SHIFT PRODUCT FOCUS Here is the complete press release that went out to media, Fenton clubs, etc. earlier today: FENTON ART GLASS TO CEASE TRADITIONAL GLASS PRODUCTION AND SHIFT PRODUCT FOCUS (Williamstown, W. Va., July 6, 2011). The Fenton Art Glass Company announced today that it would wind down production of its collectible and giftware glass products. The company has faced financial challenges since its restructuring in 2007, and recent developments combined to force the shutdown of its traditional glassmaking business. "The market for our pressed and blown glassware has diminished," company President George Fenton said. "We cannot sustain the overhead costs. Our employees have worked hard and efficiently, so this is a very sad day for us. Shortly, we will begin the process of shutting down our main furnace. Remaining employees will be finishing existing glassware from the company's inventory that will be available through the Fenton Gift Shop as well as the company's web site and Fenton dealers across the country." As a part of winding down the traditional business, Fenton Art Glass is exploring the sales of one or more product lines. "We know that our many customers and friends will have questions," Fenton said. "Our web site www.fentonartglass.com will be updated regularly beginning the week of July 11." Inquiries regarding sales of equipment and other assets should be directed to Fenton Art Glass at assetinfo@fentonartglass.com Management at the Fenton Gift Shop is evaluating the impact of the termination of traditional glassmaking at Fenton Art Glass. "The Fenton Gift Shop is in discussions with Fenton Art Glass, the glass manufacturing company, to provide customers with a wide range of samples and special decorations as well as final quantities of limited edition pieces," said Randall Fenton, President of the Fenton Gift Shop. "The annual Tent Sale in Williamstown starts July 8, and the Fenton Gift Shop and the outlet store in Flatwoods, West Virginia, remain open." Founded as a decorating company in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in May 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Co. constructed its factory in Williamstown during the fall of 1906. The first glass pieces were made there on January 2, 1907. During its 106-year history, Fenton introduced the first iridescent ware (now known as "Carnival glass") as well as classic patterns such as Hobnail and a wide variety of handmade colored art glass as limited editions.     This site views best using the Mozilla Firefox browser.   NATIONAL FENTON GLASS SOCIETY, INC. PO Box 4008 • Marietta, OH • 45750 Phone/FAX: (740) 374-3345  Email us at office@nfgs.org