Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Western New York State, the city of Corning enjoys a rich history as one of the premier centers for glassmaking and innovation.

Glassmaking began here in the late 1860's when the Houghton family relocated the Brooklyn Flint Glass Works to Corning and renamed it the Corning Flint Glass Works. Thomas G. Hawkes, began the second generation of cut-glass manufacturers by establishing the Hawkes Rich Cut Glass Works in 1882. By the end of the century, Corning had gained the reputation as the "Crystal City".

One of Corning's most remarkable glassmakers was Frederick Carder (1863-1963), an English-born designer who was the director of Steuben Glass Works from 1903-1933, and was art director at Corning Glass Works from 1933-1944. He created glass colors and shapes and pioneered many decorative processes.

The Corning Museum of Glass, which opened in 1951, is an independent, non-profit, educational institution, dedicated to the art, history, research, and exhibition of glass and glassmaking. The Museum houses the world's premier glass collection and is one of the top four visitor attractions to New York State.

After almost a century and a half, Corning Inc. still remains a world leader in innovative glass products. Today the Corning area has a number of flourishing glass making studios where glassmakers from around the world come to practice and share their craft with others Crystal Valley Urn Company began based on the belief that a beautiful hand blown, hand crafted, fine quality art glass urn would make a meaningful memorial and befitting tribute to a life well lived.

Internationally recognized glass artist, Tom P. Kelly, personally creates or oversees the creation of each hand blown and crafted urn. Owner of Vitrix Hot Glass Studio, Tom has been integrally involved in the production of works that have been published and exhibited and can be found in fine stores and galleries across the US and in Canada, Europe and Japan. His glass working skills and aesthetic sensitivity are especially appropriate for the creation of these fine quality urns. Tom and his team of craftsmen are committed to uncompromising quality and craftsmanship and to the satisfaction of our customers.

Every piece is carefully inspected before being inscribed with the date, number and artist's signature. A "Certificate of Authenticity" is our assurance to you that you are receiving the very finest hand crafted art glass urn available.