Press Releases 2008

"Culture In Context"

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

 DOWN JERSEY FOLKLIFE CENTER AT WHEATONARTS HOSTS NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM’S TRAVELING EXHIBITION

MILLVILLE, NJ – The Down Jersey Folklife Center at WheatonArts will present a new traveling exhibit from the New Jersey State Museum. “Culture in Context: A Tapestry of Expression,” March 7 through April 1, focuses on folk and traditional arts and crafts in three areas – home, work and community.

This multi-faceted project, developed in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) and New Jersey Network (NJN), has been organized under the guidance of guest curator Rita Z. Moonsammy. In New Jersey, folk cultures from around the world have taken root and flourish, each distinctive in its manner of expression yet linked in the human desire to create beauty and find meaning in all aspects of the life experience.

“Culture in Context” examines and celebrates this rich tapestry by focusing on the work created through NJSCA’s Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program. NJSCA established this program in 1995, recognizing that support for traditional arts and artists contribute to social stability and harmony at the same time that it increases the dynamic array of artistic resources of the state. Since then, the grant program has supported over 150 apprenticeships in cultural communities throughout the state, successfully encouraging the transmission of valued traditions in traditional settings “Culture in Context” will interpret this extensive body of material for the first time in the exhibition in the Museum’s galleries. The Museum is offering a wide selection of performances and demonstrations in the galleries and Auditorium, and, through web content, podcasting, a traveling exhibition and performances at New Jersey’s Folklife Centers and an exhibition catalogue, is providing possibilities for learning beyond the Museum’s doors.

The traveling exhibit takes a case study approach and incorporates objects, photographs and narrative about the work and artists. Works include a doll made by Shirley Elliott-Banks, an alpana by Dhriti Bagchi, a hooked pillow cover by Gail Dufresne, a wall hanging by Mann-Li Huang, a miniature Barnegat Bay sneakbox by Fred Reitmeyer, a berry basket by Mary May, glass mold by Robert Broschart, princess crown (in process) by Roberta Flores, baybayin flute by Ameurfina Nazario, miniature cuatro made by Diomedes “Yomi” Matos, and embroidery by Maria Panczak, Hanan K. Munayyer and Alpa Thakkar.

The project, Culture in Context: A Tapestry of Expression, is presented by the New Jersey State Museum/NJ Department of State and co-sponsored by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/NJ Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and New Jersey Network Public Television and Radio. Support for the exhibition and programming at the New Jersey State Museum, the traveling exhibition and programming at New Jersey Folk Life Centers, and the exhibition catalog has been provided by The Bunbury Company, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Friends of the New Jersey State Museum, Merrill G. & Emerita E. Hastings Foundation, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the New Jersey Historical Commission. The website and additional media elements for “Culture in Context: A Tapestry of Expression” are a production of NJN Public Television and Radio in partnership with the New Jersey State Museum, ©2008. This exhibition was made possible in part by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This project is supported in part by grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Support for the exhibition casework has been provided by the Hyde & Watson Foundation.

The Down Jersey Folklife Center at WheatonArts offers special exhibits, programs and performances featuring the culture and tradition of major heritage communities that have settled in southern New Jersey.

In March, WheatonArts is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Folklife Center, Museum of American Glass, Glass Studio artist demonstrations and museum stores are included in the price of admission. A reduced admission fee is offered in March: Adults $9.00, Senior Adults $8.00 and Students $6.00. Children five and under are free. WheatonArts resumes its six-day operating schedule April 1.

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

The DJFC is a division of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Inc., a non-profit arts organization. The DJFC receives support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts; the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State; Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Bank of America and Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. The DJFC is further supported by residents and groups with an interest in the traditional art and culture of southern New Jersey.

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