Fenton unveils glass hats

WILLIAMSTOWN - The designing women of Fenton Art Glass are showing their style in a new collection of glass hats.

Using handcrafted artisan glass, each Fenton designer chose her favorite color hat and decorated it with a special motif.

Each designer hat is offered in a limited edition of 2,500 pieces, bears the signature of the designer and the signature of the artist who handpaints it. A custom display stand accompanies each hat.

The "Red Hatters Matter" piece was inspired by the fun and freedom of reaching 50 years old, said design director Nancy Fenton. She suggested a red hat with a purple feather to honor this enthusiastic society of women, The Red Hatters.

Other hat items include:

"Posy Parade" designer hat in fern green by C.C. Hardman

"Bye-bye Butterfly" in cobalt blue by Stacy Williams

"Pretty in Pink!" in rosemilk by Kim Barley

"Wildflowers" in violet by Robin Spindler.

Fenton Glass also is unveiling pieces dedicated to the Irish. "Milk glass sparkles with Swarovski crystals in a shamrock design created by designer Robin Spindler," according to a press release.

Fenton artisans handcraft fresh milk glass into little lambs, slippers, angels, birds and more, said company spokesman Terry Nutter.

"Each piece is meticulously handpainted in delicate detail and punctuated with a sparkling crystal," Nutter said.

Nutter said the Irish Treasure collection from Fenton is delightful to give or to own, perfect to begin a collection, an ideal gift for the parish priest, and a charming decorative accent for St. Patrick's Day.

Each handpainted piece is signed by the artist who completes it.

Approaching its 100th year, Fenton Art Glass Co. represents American handcrafted glass artistry, Nutter notes. "Fenton is known for its wide range of colors, handpainting and handcrafting."

Three generations of Fenton family members remain active in the business.