Telling a story with glass blowing

For the fourth year, Ryan Poignon is demonstrating glass blowing at the Seneca County Fair this week. Poignon is the owner of The Poignon Project art studio at 227 E. Perry St. He will be demonstrating glass blowing in the Kneeskern building at four times daily through Saturday – 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Each show lasts 40-45 minutes. "I get to turn my entertainer voice on for the week," Poignon said. He said he changes up each show so each audience will get to see something different. During each demonstration, Poignon will be giving away four pieces of glass he has blown. In addition, he will have discounted pieces available for purchase. Types available will be ornaments and jewelry and pendants for kids. "This is a time for me to have fun and talk about myself," Poignon said. He said blowing glass is like telling a story. "I like to entertain," he said. In addition to glass blowing, Poignon will have his fortune-telling chicken machine on-site. "It goes over very well," he said of the machine. "It is another way for those to win prizes and a fun way for the kids to win." Poignon said he started educating himself on glass blowing after high school. "You had to learn a lot before you could touch glass," he said. He has been blowing glass on his own for the last nine years. He got into glass blowing because of his grandmother, he said. She has collected Tiffin glass and Poignon said those who made glass at the Tiffin Glass factory were considered "rock stars" in the community. "It is not easy to get into," he said. Poignon said having glass blowing at his studio is a tribute to those who made glass before him. "They created an opportunity for artists and I wish it could have continued in the community," he said. Poignon said he is thankful to the Seneca County Fair for allowing him to show his craft. "It was an opportunity I could not pass up," he said. "I have built many relationships I wouldn't have if it wasn't for the fair."