Press Releases 2006

Now Open Six Days!

CONTACT: Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director
TEL: (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108
FAX: (856) 825-2410
E-MAIL: jpeterson@wheatonvillage.org

wheaton village returns to six-day operating schedule

MILLVILLE, NJ –Wheaton Village resumed its six-day operating schedule on April 1. The Village is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.         

Wheaton Village is often described as “a dynamic arts community.” It is home to the Museum of American Glass, with the most comprehensive collection of American historical glass in the country, the Creative Glass Center of America, a fellowship program for international artists working in glass, and the Down Jersey Folklife Center which showcases the various ethnic and occupational groups that define the region through changing exhibits and displays. Visitors watch highly skilled artists at work in the Glass, Ceramics, Flameworking and Woodcarving Studios. In addition, the Village’s museum stores feature one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts in all media plus free gift wrapping. Visitors can participate in special “Make Your Own” programs (for a fee) such as making a paperweight or blowing into a bowl or vase form (appointment necessary). The Village offers a variety of educational programs designed for students of all ages throughout the year.

Upcoming events, programs and exhibitions include:

■ “The Fires Burn On: 200 Years of Glassmaking in Millville, New Jersey” in the Museum of American Glass. Through December 31.

■ “2006 Fellows” in the Gallery of Fine Craft. Through June 11. An exhibit and sale of work created by the twelve international artists selected as 2006 Creative Glass Center of America Fellows.

■ “Artigianato Popolare: Italian Folk Arts and Crafts” in the Down Jersey Folklife Center. May 12 through December 31. Exhibition includes woodcarving, ceramics and porcelain, weaving, traditional male and female costumes, embroidery masks, dolls, puppets, metal work, music instruments, and other objects.

■ Fresco Painting Class with Jesse Gugliermo Demolli. May 13 (Part 1) from 1 to 4 p.m. and May 14 (Part II) from 2 to 4 p.m. Fee. Call for more information or to register.

■ Glass Painting for the Artist: Flowers of the Italian Renaissance with J. Kenneth Leap. May 20 (Part I) and May 21 (Part II). Fee. Call for more information or to register.

■ Italian Bobbin Lace Class with Laura Friesel. June 3 (Part I) and June 10 (Part II). Fee. Call for more information or to register.

■ Tarantella Dance Workshop with Paul Torna. June 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. Fee. Call for more information or to register.

■ “Vetro di Venezia and Its Influence on American Glass” in the Museum of American Glass Special Exhibition Gallery. June 9 through November 5.

■ “Crafts of Italy” in the Gallery of Fine Craft. June 24 through October 8. An exhibition and sale of objects handcrafted in Italy in a variety of media.

■ Paperweight Fest. May 20. Exhibit and sale of traditional and contemporary paperweights by renowned artists and dealers in the Event Center and demonstrations by today’s leading glass artists in the Glass Studio. Event is included with the price of admission to the Village.

■ Wheaton Village Golf Classic. May 23. Vineyard Golf, Egg Harbor, NJ. Call for details.

■ Free Hot Glass Demonstrations by the Creative Glass Center of America Fellows. May 26 at 7 p.m. Light refreshments. Fellows: Piper Brett, Philadelphia, PA; Ayako Ikeda, Philadelphia, PA; Yasuko Miyazaki, Japan; and Andrew Newbold, Philadelphia, PA.

■ Sicilian Puppets Making Workshop with Ann and George Neff. June 24 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Fee. Call for more information or to register.

■ Marble Weekend. June 24 and June 25. Featured artist is Geoffrey Beetem. Over 80 artists and dealers will be in the Event Center. Visitors will see antique and contemporary marbles and related memorabilia, marble making demonstrations from the tank and at the torch, and the local Boy Scouts of America Marbles Tournament Finals. Food and refreshments. Register for the weekend or come for the day. Event is included with the price of admission to the Village.

Wheaton Village, will become “Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center,” effective July 1. To celebrate, visitors are invited to attend a free “open house,” July 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Among the day's highlights: special demonstrations in the Down Jersey Folklife Center, Glass and Crafts Studios; museum tours; musical entertainment; children’s activities; giveaways; food and refreshments.

Wheaton Village is closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission: Adults $10.00, $9.00 Senior Citizens and $7.00 Students. Children five and under are free. Shopping and strolling is free except during outdoor special events. For more information, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit www.wheatonvillage.org.

Wheaton Village strives to make exhibits, events and programs accessible to all visitors. Call for details.

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Wheaton Village received a general operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. Additional funds provided by the New Jersey Cultural Trust.

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