Press Releases 2008

Six Day Schedule Announced

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

WHEATONARTS RETURNS TO SIX-DAY OPERATING SCHEDULE ON APRIL 1 

MILLVILLE, NJ –WheatonArts will resume its six-day operating schedule on April 1. 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, Ceramic, Flameworking and Woodcarving Studios. The museum stores feature one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts in all media. The “Make Your Own” programs (fee based and appointments required) provide visitors an opportunity to create a paperweight, blow a bowl or vase form and make beads. In addition, WheatonArts presents special exhibitions in the Museum of American Glass, Down Jersey Folklife Center and Gallery of Fine Craft throughout the year.

Upcoming Exhibitions

■ April 5 – “Treasures From The Collection: Museum of American Glass.” Museum of American Glass. Since the founding of the Museum of American Glass 40 years ago, the museum’s collection has steadily grown to the current number of 15,000 pieces of American glass. The exhibition celebrates 40 years of collecting and focuses on the most significant 125 pieces in the collection. The examples range from a glass jar attributed to the first successful glass factory in America to pieces of contemporary studio glass. The treasures were chosen not only for their appearance and craftsmanship but also for their historical importance in telling the story of glass manufacture in the U.S.

■ April 12 – “Contemporary Flamework.” The Gallery of Fine Craft. The Gallery annually displays works by featured artists participating in Salem Community College’s International Flameworking Conference. This year the Gallery brings the artists’ works back to the exhibition space and adds work by other favorite artists.

■ May 9 – “Living Traditions Portrayed: Indian Folk Arts and Crafts.” Down Jersey Folklife Center. Items from the Newark Museum, private collectors residing in the area, and artists who live and work in New Jersey will be arranged so as to compare both different regional versions of identical art forms and the use of different materials to make objects meeting the same creative needs. Also on display will be jewelry, costume and dancing dolls, toys, puppets, leather crafts, silver filigree and other metal works, brass and paper crafts. The exhibition story will be told not only by the objects on display, but also by pictures, written narratives, audio- and video-materials that will help visitors better understand and appreciate the mastership of the folk and traditional artists.

Upcoming Programs and Events

■ April 5 – Families Participate Day. A variety of hands-on workshops and activities for families offered throughout the day. Included in the price of admission to WheatonArts. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m. No pre-registrations will be accepted. Food and refreshments available for purchase.

■ May 3 – Eco-Fair: Green Living For Your Home and Garden. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Meet Mike McGrath from WHYY “You Bet Your Garden.” Receive a composter for only $25.00 (retail value: $99.00. Limited quantities. First come, first served). Educators, related businesses and organizations will provide information, resources, products and solutions for people to live healthier, eco-friendly lives. The day features the Grand Falloons “Earth Science Circus,” spotlight presentations through-out the day, eco-friendly crafts for children, music and strolling entertainment, food and refreshments, and door prizes. Presented in partnership with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority.

■ May 9 - Creative Glass Center of America Fellows Open Studio. The new Fellows demonstrate and explain their glassmaking techniques. Glass Studio. 7 p.m. Free admission.

■ May 17 – Paperweight Fest. Exhibition and sale in the Event Center. Noon to 5 p.m. only.

■ June 7 and 8 – Fantasy Faire: A Festival of Medieval Arts and Folklife. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented in partnership with Mystic Realms, Ltd., the day is a mix of Medieval, Renaissance and Restoration history from throughout the world, mixed with myths, legends and fantasies. Merchants and vendors on site. Food and refreshments available for purchase.

■ June 21 and 22 – Marble Weekend. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet marble dealers, craftspeople and artists from around the country. Special demonstrations by featured artist Drew Fritts, marble exhibits and sales, marble games, related memorabilia, artist demonstrations, both from the tank and at the torch.    

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. Special Offer: $20.00 Family Rate every Sunday in April (two adults and all children under 18 years old).

Family Season Pass: $55.00 (free admission for two adults and all children under 18 living in the same household). Call the Development Office at extension 110 to learn about the benefits of membership. For more information about WheatonArts, 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. 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/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 funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

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