MILLVILLE, NJ –WheatonArts will resume its six-day operating schedule on April 3. The arts organization will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through December 31.

WheatonArts is home to the Museum of American Glass, with the most comprehensive collection of American 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. The visitor experience also includes artist demonstrations in the Glass, Ceramics, Flameworking and Woodcarving Studios. The museum stores feature one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts in all media. WheatonArts offers an opportunity for visitors to participate in special “Make Your Own” programs (for a fee) such as making a paperweight, blowing into a bowl or vase form and bead making (appointment necessary).

In addition, WheatonArts presents special exhibitions in the Museum of American Glass, Down Jersey Folklife Center and Gallery of Fine Craft, educational programs and family-oriented events.     

Upcoming:

■ Sunday, April 1 - Easter Egg Hunt. Under three years of age at 10:30 a.m. and four to eight years of age at 11:30 a.m. Eggs have special surprises and treats hidden inside them.

■ Sunday, April 1 - "2007 Creative Glass Center of America Fellowship Recipient Exhibition” opens in the Gallery of Fine Craft. A selection of work created by the 12 artists selected as Fellows in 2007.

■ Saturday, April 7 - “Celebrating Connections: Contemporary Glass By Mid Atlantic Artists” exhibition opens in the Museum of American Glass. Over 60 artists will be represented.

■ April 12 and May 10 – Folk Music Appreciation with Jim Albertson. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Down Jersey Folkife Center. All levels. Class limit: 15 people. Registration fee: $10.00 per person. The class is an appreciation of folk music survey using recorded and live examples of folk songs and tunes. Call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, extension 109, to register.

■ Saturday, April 21 - Blood Drive. Donors receive a coupon for one free general admission for a future visit to WheatonArts.

■ April 14, 21 and May 5 and June 2 – Ukrainian Embroidery with Vera Nakonechny. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Down Jersey Folklife Center. All levels welcome. The class is limited to eight people. Registration Fee: $60.00 per person. The kit is included in this fee. Nakonechny will teach a variety of designs and embroidery techniques originating in different regions of Ukraine. They will include: “Hlad” - satin stitch; square and round “ochka”; “nightingale’s eyes”; Protiahanka” - faget stitch; drawn work or needle weaving; and Ukrainian cut work. Call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, extension 109, to register.

■ Friday, May 11 - Creative Glass Center of America Fellows Open Studio. The new Fellows present a slide show of their work followed by a demonstration. Glass Studio. 7 p.m. Free admission.

■ Saturday, May 12 - Eco-Fair: Green Living For Your Home and Garden. Presented by WheatonArts and the Cumberland County Improvement Authority. Meet Mike McGrath from WHYY “You Bet Your Garden.” Attendees to McGrath’s program at 11 a.m. receive a composter for only $25.00 (retail value: $99.00) First come, first served. You’ll also meet professionals involved in environmental services and products. Talk with nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving the quality of life. Participate in eco-friendly, hands-on activities and visit with native wildlife. The day also features special presentations, live music, a tour of Maurice River Bluffs, and kids’ activities. Food and refreshments will be available. The event is included in the price of admission to WheatonArts.

WheatonArts is closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Open Memorial Day and July 4. Admission: Adults $10.00, $9.00 Senior Adults and $7.00 Students. Children five and under are free. Free to shop and stroll except during outdoor special events. For more information, call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, or visit www.wheatonarts.org.

WheatonArts strives to make exhibits, events and programs accessible to all visitors. Provide two weeks notice to accommodate needs.

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. WheatonArts 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 and the State Office of Travel and Tourism.

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