Mom’s Glass

Jean M. Foschi

“My mom shared her love of antiques with me. My childhood home was full of pieces of vintage furniture she brought back to life through hours of refinishing. When I was seven or so, my mom picked up an old washboard at a garage sale. We were both delighted to discover that one of its drawers had a false bottom. We found a $20 bill in that false bottom – more money than what Mom had paid for the piece. It was a good day.

Mom collected lots of colorful art glass. The yellow vase is from a trip to Fenton Art Glass in West Virginia. We toured the Corning Glass Museum. When I was in middle school, Mom purchased a blue inkwell for me from Shively Jewelers in downtown DuBois, PA.

Every piece of glass Mom collected was interesting. Some of them had been her Mom’s. She bought things because she liked them and showed them in eclectic ways. Some of her pieces were signed by the artist. She was fond of cranberry and milk glass. The little dog is a pencil holder. She placed little surprises in her treasures. Surprises like the seed for a butterfly bush or a special note about the item.

I care for her art glass collection now. I’ve added some of my own pieces, but they don’t feel the same. I wonder if my kids will be interested in their art glass family heirloom.”

Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art is organized and toured by International Arts & Artists.