PAPERWEIGHT FEST 2023
MAY 17—20, 2023 EDT
Presented in association with the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collectors Association.
WheatonArts invites all glass enthusiasts to join us at PAPERWEIGHT FEST 2023 as we celebrate its 48th Anniversary, also known for many years as “Paperweight Weekend.”
Experience the Unique Art of Paperweights!
Get caught up in the history & techniques of glass paperweights with unique presentations, attend break-out sessions with world-class paperweight artists, watch live demonstrations as artists create with molten hot glass, and shop individual weights with Artists & Dealers!
We express our sincere gratitude to the community of paperweight artists, dealers, and collectors who have collectively been a pillar of support as we continue to advance our mission “to engage artists and audiences in the evolving exploration of creativity.”
Hands-on Glassmaking Options
Make-Your-Own Experiences
Fest participants can sign up for different hands-on experiences in the Glass Studio on Wednesday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Options include making an air trap or heart paperweight, vessel, or pumpkin.
One-on-One Collaboration – SOLD OUT
Experience collaborating with artist David Graeber to create a contemporary Flamework paperweight. David has generously donated his time to provide two lucky participants with a one-on-one creative collaboration for 1.5 hours per person. David will professionally encase set-ups. SOLD OUT. Reservations were honored in the order in which requests were received.
*NEW* Glass Fusing
Create a 4”x 4” plate/panel using Caithness Millefiori! This unique opportunity combines the design aesthetic of Millefiori paperweights with the technique of glass fusing. Use a variety of Caithness Millefiori to create your unique design, beginning with a clear glass base.
All hands-on experiences require a waiver of liability. Please note your interest on the registration form. We will send details of the appointment time in your registration confirmation email.
Hotel Offer
WheatonArts has partnered with Fairfield Inn & Suites to offer a group rate for those traveling to attend Paperweight Fest. The offer includes a complimentary breakfast buffet, wifi, guest laundry, a 24-hour Business Center, a Fitness Center, an indoor heated pool, and more. A Hospitality Room will be open in the evening for Paperweight Fest registrants to gather as well!
Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites
Address: 301 Bluebird Lane, Millville, NJ 08332
Phone: 856.776.2400
Booking Dates: Wednesday, May 17 through Sunday, May 21, 2023
Last Day to Book: Friday, April 14, 2023
Special Group Rate: $134 per night
Fest Highlights
Program speakers include Rick Ayotte, Jim Barton, Stephen Boehme, Christina Callahan, Dave Graeber, John Hawley, Damon MacNaught, Gordon Smith, and Mayauel Ward.
Demonstrating artists currently include Alison Ruzsa, Chris Sherwin, Clinton Smith, Gordon Smith, and Mayauel Ward, with more to come.
Meet the Artist breakout sessions will host Melissa Ayotte, Dave Graeber, Damon MacNaught, William Manson, Clinton Smith, and Gordon Smith.
Exhibit & Sale
A select group of paperweight dealers, artists, and galleries will be exhibiting in the Event Center! Open to registrants only on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Open to the public on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meals
The registration fee includes all meals listed in the program. Please advise at the time of registration if you are a vegetarian.
The Fest begins on Wednesday, May 17, with Make-Your-Own Experiences throughout the day and the Artist and Dealer Fair in the evening.
Thursday, May 18, is a busy day with two presentations in the morning, two “Meet the Artist” sessions, collaborative artist demonstrations in the early afternoon, and the Dealer Fair in the late afternoon.
Friday, May 19 brings three presentations and an artist panel discussion and Dealer Fair.
On Saturday, May 20, there will be artist collaborative demonstrations in the morning before the WheatonArts’ Wheaton [re] Gather fundraiser event. Paperweight Fest attendees have the option of purchasing tickets (at a reduced fee) to attend the Wheaton [re] Gather, a celebration of Paul Stankard’s life, work, and 80th birthday. This fundraising event, normally scheduled in June, was rescheduled to make it easier for Fest attendees to join the celebration.
Registration
Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event. Click the button below for online registration.
