ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FINE CRAFT AT WHEATONARTS OCTOBER 7 AND 8

MILLVILLE, NJ (August 22, 2017) – The 19th annual Festival of Fine Craft takes place at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center on October 7 and 8, rain or shine. This event, sponsored by OceanFirst, features the work of more than 150 juried, contemporary, and traditional artists. Throughout the WheatonArts campus, artists working in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed medium, wearable art, wood, and more will display their work. Visitors will have the chance to interact with these artists and watch several unique demonstrations throughout the two days, in addition to the regularly offered WheatonArts demonstrations in the Glass, Pottery, and Flameworking Studio. Special demonstrating artists during the Festival include Maryann Cannon of Copperplate Studio, Mary May of Mary May Baskets, Stephen Morse of Sea Robin Studio, Pauletta Berger of Handwovens by Pauletta, wood carvers Art Parkin and Hop Edwards, Allan Feinberg of Art in Coin, Doug Starry of Starry’s Woodshop, among others.

The crowd-favorite “Glass Pumpkin Patch” will be displayed in the center of WheatonArts’ campus. More than five thousand glass pumpkins make up the patch and come in all sizes, shapes, and colors; each of which has been uniquely handcrafted by WheatonArts’ resident glass blowers. Visitors are encouraged to find their favorite glass pumpkin, as they are all available for purchase. Proceeds from the glass pumpkins go to supporting arts educational programming. Along with the “Glass Pumpkin Patch,” the Festival includes a Beer and Wine Garden (Permit #48065), featuring Cape May Brewery and Bellview Winery. South Jersey’s own PackageGoods Orchestra will perform music for audiences of all ages. A variety of food vendors will also line the grounds, including kettle corn, Italian specialties, barbeque, seafood, grilled items, salads, and gourmet desserts.

Families are invited to engage in the creative process during the Festival by participating in complimentary art-making activities such as pendulum painting, creature printmaking, mosaic rocks, scarecrow construction, and sidewalk chalk, offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Artistic hands-on opportunities, like creating your own silk scarf, aluminum casting, and basket weaving, are available throughout the grounds for additional fees. Furthermore, visitors have a special opportunity to participate in a community art project called “Memory Objects”. The project, led by C.G.C.A. Fellowship recipient Mark Kobasz, encases in glass photographs and scans of memory objects brought in by individuals to become incorporated into a large installation.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Fees are $10.00 adults, $9.00 senior adults and $7.00 students. Children five and under are free. Festival special: Admission ticket grants access for both days with a Tomorrow Pass, available upon request. Parking and shuttle service are free of charge.
For more information about WheatonArts’ programs, call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, or visit wheatonarts.org. WheatonArts is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through December. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events, and programs to all persons with disabilities. Please provide two weeks notice for additional needs. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey Cultural Trust. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State, and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

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About WheatonArts
With a history spanning four decades, WheatonArts has earned regional, national and international recognition for its unique collections and programs. The Museum of American Glass, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, houses one of the most comprehensive collections of American glass in the country – from the first glass bottles made in America to celebrated works by Dale Chihuly, Paul Stankard, and other contemporary artists who work in glass. Visitors experience the art of glassmaking, ceramics and flameworking in the Artists Studios. From April through December the Museum of American Glass and Gallery of Fine Craft present special exhibitions. WheatonArts also offers traditional and multi-cultural programs, classes, workshops, performances, and weekend festivals. The award-winning Museum Stores offer traditional and contemporary art and craft in all mediums.

Print a PDF of the Press Release ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FINE CRAFT AT WHEATONARTS OCTOBER 7 AND 8

Select images from last year’s Festival of Fine Craft can be found on the WheatonArts Flickr account.