WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft Hosts Successful New Jersey’s Heartland Introduction

WheatonArts Executive Board President Keith Ragone (second from left) presents Pascale Sykes Foundation President Frances P. Sykes with a commemorative glass key created by WheatonArts to mark the introduction of the New Jersey’s Heartland destination marketing campaign at the grand opening of the WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft on October 3, 2015. Joining in the ceremony, which was held in the WheatonArts Museum, were (from left to right) Julie Acton, Freeholder Director of Salem County, Ragone, Sykes, WheatonArts Development Coordinator of Special Projects Angela Speakman, Pascale Sykes Foundation Executive Director Colleen Maguire, Wheaton Arts Executive Director Susan Gogan, and Salem County Freeholder Doug Painter.

“Joaquin who?” was New Jersey’s Heartland’s take on not allowing a few gusts of wind and a little bit of rain to keep us away from WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft. We formally introduced New Jersey’s Heartland to residents of the region and the thousands of tourists who flocked to Millville, NJ, on October 3 & 4 for the festival that featured artists from New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. In attendance and honored for their contribution at the grand opening festivities were members of the Pascale Sykes Foundation, which is the driving force behind New Jersey’s Heartland’s destination marketing campaign.

The lucky winner of our one-of-a-kind glass pumpkin giveaway staged in conjunction with WheatonArts was at the Festival of Fine Craft to pick up her prize. Take a look at the video of our Cat Stefanelli receiving her beautiful glass pumpkin

Mark Patten, Cat Stefanelli, President of Pascale Sykes Foundation Fran Sykes and Masterpiece Advertising President Phyllis Lacca

The weather didn’t stop many thousands of visitors from enjoying the artistic atmosphere of the festival. There were thousands of handmade items to purchase, including beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, clothing, and baskets. Many artists staged live demonstration of their crafts, creating unique and beautiful art from glass, clay, fiber, and wood.


As always, the main attraction of the Festival of Fine Craft was the glass pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch showcased more than 3,000 beautiful blown-glass pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Another big hit was the Create Your Own Silk Scarf tent by Ebru RichSilk Designs of Pennsylvania. Visitors were able to take a turn at trying the “Turkish marbling technique,” which is the art of creating multicolored patterns by scattering color dyes on a pan of oily water.


Our New Jersey’s Heartland team had time to set out to do what everyone loves to do best, EAT! The food vendors at the festival did not disappoint. There were a variety of food options to choose from, such as My Four Suns – Korean Fusion of Hamilton, which was serving delicious pork belly mac and cheese! Peace Pie of Cape May was also there making mouth watering ice cream sandwiches with a layer of pie filling.

After filling our bellies with delicious eats, we headed to the Beer and Wine Garden, which made its debut at last year’s festival. It featured local New Jersey’s Heartland wines from Auburn Winery of Pilesgrove and Balic of Mays Landing. Flying Fish Brewery was also there pouring pints.

When we were not off exploring the festival, we were at our own tent meeting New Jersey’s Heartland residents and visitors from near and far. We were fully stocked with apple cider, muffins, and Halloween candy!


Visitors to the festival could take a chance at our unique “Everyone’s A Winner” spinning wheel.


Everyone who stopped by to say hi got a chance to spin the wheel and win fun prizes, ranging from a magnet and tumbler to backpack and wet wipes!


We are happy to have met so many of our fellow New Jersey’s Heartland residents. Despite the weather, the WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft turned out to be an incredible event and tremendous success! We’ll keep you updated on upcoming events where you can visit New Jersey’s Heartland!