A visit to Newport might lead to a glass float treasure

Published 2:37 am Thursday, November 23, 2006

NEWPORT – No stormy beachcombing or wave dodging is required to find one of 200 luminous artisan collectibles, blown by Pyromania Glass Studios and given away by Newport merchants this winter.

The rules for the sixth Glass Treasures giveaway are simple. Between Nov. 1, 2006, and Jan. 31, 2007, visit one of the businesses listed at www.newportchamber.org or on a map available from the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce (800-262-7844). Fill out an entry form and return it to the float display at the business; enter at any – or all – of the merchants. Weekly drawings will be held throughout the winter, with the remainder of the floats given away Jan. 31, when each business will select two names from its entry pool. Winners will be notified by mail.

The floats are now in production at Pyromania Glass Studios. Visitors can watch the Schmitz family – Dennis and Patricia, and their daughter Andrea – in action from the gallery of their Aquarium Village studio in Newport’s South Beach neighborhood. The ancient art of glass blowing is alive and well, just a stone’s throw from the Oregon Coast Aquarium and other family attractions.

The Glass Treasures promotion is designed to introduce Northwest travelers to the busy “value season” in Newport. In this cozy central coast destination, families explore two historic lighthouses, exhibits at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the sights and sounds of the vibrant Bayfront, the arts of Nye Beach and the shopping throughout Newport, all while enjoying the best lodging rates of the year.

For decades, Japanese glass floats were a big find on Oregon’s coastline, having drifted thousands of miles after fishing boats lost these smooth, crystalline balls, used to keep their nets afloat. It was a tradition among coastal visitors to scour the beaches for them, and many locals still adorn their cabins or porches with them.

Now, a new glass float tradition is rising on the coast, with a few artisan glass ball blowing shops showing up in the last couple of decades and creating beautiful, ingenious works of art. They come in a myriad of colors and unique designs, and are now considered one of the more treasured finds on the coast – even if you can just buy them.