In The Media
Jordan Valley Glassworks has been featured in several publications and media outlets throughout the years. View videos and articles below to find highlights on the ornaments we created for the Governor, to an episode of “Destination Michigan” on PBS, and more.
East Jordan Artwork Travels Abroad
A group of East Jordan artists joined together to make artwork that will travel across the globe.
Jordan Valley Glassworks Commercial
Commercial
PBS: Destination Michigan
Season 2, Episode 10 of Destination Michigan on PBS, featuring Jordan Valley Glassworks (clip is 4 minutes 48 seconds).
East Jordan Glassblowers Create Ornaments for Governor
Watch as Easy Jordan Glassblowers masterfully craft ornaments for the Governor.
EXTRA: Watch glassblowers create the Governor's ornaments
Michigan Magazine - Show 2014 aired 3-31 & 4-1 2015 JORDAN VALLEY GLASS WORKS
Day Trip in East Jordan
Beautiful East Jordan
Featured Articles
PHOTOS: Jordan Valley Glassworks
April 1st, 2016
In a nondescript building at 209 State St., East Jordan, the crew of Jordan Valley Glassworks have been creating blown glass art for more than 20 years.
Led by chief craftsman Jay Bavers, craftsman and color specialist Glenna Haney, Jay’s wife, Shellie Bavers, and their grown children Bill and Beth Bavers, the team has produced pieces for collectors throughout the country (including special orders for the past two Michigan governors!).
We caught up with them last week as they produced a glass fish.
Hometown Tourist: Jordan Valley Glassworks
October 26th, 2018
Glassblowing is a beautiful and unique form of artwork, and in East Jordan you can find Jordan Valley Glassworks.
It’s a working studio you can visit to see the craft in action, ask questions and be amazed by the ways that liquid can be transformed into solid glass.
Jordan Valley Glassworks stems from more than 100 years of Jay’s family being in the glass business.
Focus On: Jordan Valley Glass Works
Date Unknown
Jay Bavers’ grandfather was an experienced glass blower from Russia who immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, in 1911.
At the young age of five, Bavers watched in fascination as his grandfather would take molten glass and form it into the most amazing creations.
As he grew older, Bavers soaked up everything he could, learning his grandfather’s techniques, and eventually applying them to his own artwork.
A Day At Jordan Valley Glassworks
December 20th, 2012
Jay Bavers’ Russian grandfather first taught the East Jordan glassblower the details of the craft.
At Jordan Valley Glassworks, glassblowing remains a family affair, as Bavers and co-owner Glenna Haney rely on assistance from Bavers’ wife, daughter, son and grandson.
Jordan Valley has been going for 14 years and, despite a recent dip due to the effects of the Great Recession, Bavers and Haney are optimistic for the future.
In Northern Michigan, a life made in glass
December 20th, 2012
Jay Bavers and Glenna Haney labor in a small studio in the Northern Michigan community of East Jordan.
But their blown-glass creations have garnered fans from Lansing to Siberia.
Jordan Valley Glassworks, which Bavers and Haney co-own, is a business built on the desire to present the new or unique, but also to satisfy the individual buyer.
Through those personal connections, Jordan Valley has created success.
Niijima Floats of Rememberance
May 21st, 2019
An East Jordan glassworks company continues a tradition of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Jordan Valley Glassworks will be creating and releasing Niijima floats into area waters this weekend.
Each float is engraved with the name of a northern Michigan soldier and the war they lost their lives in.
Jordan Valley Glass Headlines Show at Charlevoix Circle
May 14th, 2010
This month one of our favorite local glass studios and a very special local art gallery combine to put on a spectacular show in our neighboring town of Charlevoix.
The Ancient Art of Glass Blowing is Alive and Well in Northern Michigan
April 28th, 2009
Glass is truly ancient. People have been making things out of glass about 3,500 years! In pre-Roman times, glass makers were making vessels, but glass blowing had not yet been invented.
These early glass jars were made by wrapping hot glass around a core made of clay and dung (yuck). Glass blowing was invented in the Roman Empire in about 50 BC.
LOCAL GLASSWORKS IMPRESSES IN JORDAN VALLEY & BEYOND
November 30th, 2008
Jay Bavers first discovered glass-working at the age of six months old. His grandfather, who emigrated to the U.S. from Russia, had opened a glass shop in Brooklyn, New York, and the young Bavers lived above the glass shop with his family; so it’s been something he truly has grown up with.
Artists Market Artists Jay Bavers and Glenna Haney Featured in The Graphic
February 6th, 2009
The February 26, 2009 issue of issue of The Graphic features an interview with Artist Market glass blowers extraordinaire, Jay Bavers and Glenna Haney.