Press Releases 2009

January "Winter Weekends"

CONTACT: Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director

TEL: (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108

FAX: (856) 825-2410

E-MAIL: jpeterson@wheatonarts.org

WHEATONARTS PRESENTS SERIES OF CLASSES, DEMONSTRATIONS AND INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES IN JANUARY

MILLVILLE, NJ – WheatonArts’ “Winter Weekends,” a series of classes, demonstrations and interactive activities for children and their families, begin January 17 and continue every Saturday and Sunday through March 22.

In January the following hands-on activities are free and take place in The Gallery of Fine Craft.

■ “Nature Craft Series” – Saturdays only. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include pine cone feeders, Huichol Indian (Mexican) stick weaving, seed and bean mosaics, Native American dream catcher from the Ojibwa culture, gourd creatures, fruit and vegetable stamping, and planting s

■ Selected Hands-On Activities – Saturdays and Sundays. January 17 through March 22. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include crayon and non-toxic stamps and markers, make-your-own bracelet, decorate a spiral mobile/spinner, tissue paper craft, still life in “Sketchers Corner,” origami crane and origami box, duct tape wallet, and make-your-own greeting card.

The following “fee-based” workshops begin at 2 p.m. and last 45 minutes to an hour in length. Class sizes are limited. No pre-registration. Member discounts do not apply for these workshops.

■ January 17. Torn Paper Découpage with Daryle Abeling. Ages 9 and up. Cost: $12.00 per person. Enjoy this popular craft of decorating objects with layers of torn paper. Using colored tissue, students will learn the techniques of layering, creating textures and decorative patterns, and sealing. Students will complete a decorative box and learn how common household materials such as old wrapping paper, magazines, or fabric can be used to make projects at home.

■ January 18. Design A Diorama with Deb DiMarco. Ages 10 and up. Cost: $12.00 per person. What do a museum exhibit, a dollhouse, and a miniature model of a movie scene have in common? All of these are examples of the diorama, a three-dimensional replica or scale model of a landscape, nature scene, or cityscape. Students will learn how to design “scenes” and backgrounds, how to place objects to reinforce the illusion of space, and other techniques used to present a realistic view of a large scene in a small space. Students should bring materials of their choice for a chosen theme such as magazine cutouts, photos, small figures or objects, or mementos. Imaginative ideas are welcome as you decide on a nature scene, a historic event, a personal experience, or a scene from a popular book or movie.

■ January 24. The Art of Mehendi (Henna Painting) with Vaishali Patel. Ages 10 and up. Cost: $12.00 per person. Learn about this traditional art form from India. This elaborate form of painting on the hands and feet has been practiced for centuries and used for festive celebrations, especially weddings. Henna, cones and patterns will be provided.

■ January 25. Etching Imagery On Flat Glass with Brandon Smith. Ages 10 and up. Ages 5 and up only if accompanied by an adult. Cost: $12.00 per person. Learn about this unique etching process. Students will begin by cutting out and designing an image of their choice. Next, students will learn the basics of etching on glass using sandblasting techniques. This is an introductory class. A hands-on project to take with you will be part of this glass experience.

■ January 31. Carving In Soap with Art Parkin. Ages 6 and up. Cost: $12.00 per person. Known as "the Lost Art,” soap carving was highly popular in the 1950s and 1960s in classrooms across America. Now, you can learn this fun craft from a WheatonArts master carver. You will begin by understanding how basic carving tools are made from wooden popsicle sticks. Then, using various patterns of animals, flowers, plants and assorted shapes, you will learn the basic techniques and skills to produce your selected design on a single bar of soap.

For more information about the "Winter Weekends" classes and activities call WheatonArts at 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, extension 113, or visit online at www.wheatonarts.org.

In January, February and March WheatonArts is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WheatonArts offers free admission during these three months only. It is free to shop and stoll. The Museum of American Glass and all of the museum stores are open. The Glass, Pottery and Flameworking Studios and Down Jersey Folklife Center are closed during these three months. They will reopen April 1 when WheatonArts returns to its six-day operating schedule.

For more information about WheatonArts, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit online at www.wheatonarts.org.

WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for special accommodations. 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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