Finding fine art
By Jennifer Colton - Argus Observer
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 12:59 PM PDT
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| John Kirby, co-owner of Kinney & Keele True Value Hardware in Ontario, handles an example of Fenton Art Glass in the store’s display Tuesday. A member of the Fenton family will sign pieces of the collectors glass at the store April 28. |
Ontario - It will be a special day for glass collectors and a special honor for an Ontario business when Kinney & Keele True Value Hardware hosts a signing event with Mike Fenton, purchasing manager and safety director of Fenton Art Glass — and grandson of the company’s founder. The event will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 28 at Kinney & Keele. Founded in 1905, The Fenton Art Glass Company, based in Williamstown, W.Va., is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the country, according to the company’s Web site. The firm designs and produces limited edition glassware in a full spectrum of colors and designs, many with handpainted details.
“They only put each piece out for so long and then they break the mold,” Mara Slinker, Kinney & Keele advertising manager, said Tuesday. “Fenton glass is very popular, it has a very avid following.”
Kinney & Keele originally sold fine glass from Imperial and Westmoreland glass companies before taking over as the area Fenton dealer, John Kirby, co-owner of Kinney & Keele Hardware, said.
“We’ve always had fine glassware,” he said. “It’s just been part of our tradition. I have pictures going back to the ’50s of having fine glassware (in the store). Fenton is the only one left made in the U.S.” The store is now in its third year as a “showcase dealer” of Fenton Glass, committing to certain display and sale limits, and making them eligible to sponsor a Fenton Family signing event.
“We’ve been on a list for Michael Fenton for three years,” Slinker said. “It’s very hard to get a family member. We’ll have people come from Boise for the signing.”
Pieces purchased between now and April 27 can also be left at the store for signing before the event.
“That way they don’t have to wait in line,” Slinker said.
During the weekend when Fenton visits Ontario, he will also conduct sessions in Twin Falls, Meridian, and La Grande, Debbie Stutheit, Kinney & Keele office manager, said.
At Kinney & Keele, sales of Fenton glass peak around Mother’s Day, Christmas and Easter, Slinker said.
“Right now we’ve sold $8,000 worth of Fenton this quarter (in the past three months),” Debbie Stutheit, said, and numbered pieces are especially sought after.
“After that 15-hundredth one is made, it goes away,” she said. “When you get a numbered piece, it’s truly a one of a kind.”
The store will also offer a trunk show during the event — selling special collectable pieces only available at that specific event.
“People go from show to show to pick up these pieces,” Slinker said.
After the Ontario signing, Fenton will travel to La Grande.
for a signing April 29.
