The Fenton Art Glass Co. recently announced that it will cease its operations over the next few months. “This decision was difficult,” said George W. Fenton, president. “Since the announcement in June regarding our efforts toward financial restructuring, we took many steps to try to continue the company’s operations. Ultimately, those efforts were not successful.”

The Fenton Gift Shop will remain open, and its management will be exploring ways to continue to offer visitors and tourists the glassmaking experience. “We hope to see many of our customers and friends later this summer and into the fall season,” said Randy Fenton, gift shop president. The company’s website will remain open for shopping as well.

“After discussions with our largest creditor, we agreed on an orderly plan to wind down our business,” said George Fenton. “We want to pay off as much of our debt as possible before we cease operations altogether, and this plan allows us to do that. We met with our employees, and we expect to continue some level of glass production and glass decorating to fill orders for our products. We want to thank those in the local community for their support, and we want to thank our larger customer community. Most of all, we want to thank all of the current and past employees of Fenton Art Glass who have been part of the Fenton tradition of glassmaking.”

The company’s website is located at www.fentonartglass.com.