WHEATONARTS RESUMES SIX-DAY OPERATING SCHEDULE APRIL 3
On Tuesday, April 3rd, Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center returns to a six-day operating schedule, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WheatonArts starts the spring season with two new exhibitions in the Museum of American Glass, an exhibit in The Gallery of Fine Craft, educational programs and special events such as the annual PAWS for Art on April 8, the biennial Paperweight Fest April 26 – 28 (open to the public on April 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.), and ECO Fair on May 5.
Museum and Gallery exhibitions:
■ Beauty Beyond Nature: The Glass Art of Paul Stankard. Museum of American Glass, April 3 through December 30. This exhibition, organized by the Robert M. Minkoff Foundation and guest curated by Andrew Page for the Robert M. Minkoff Foundation, celebrates the botanical sculptures, evolution and major developments of American Master, Paul Stankard – drawing from his first attempts at creating a paperweight to showcasing his most complex orbs.
■ Symbiotic Spheres: The Interlocking Worlds of Glass, Science and Art. Museum of American Glass, April 3 through December 30. This expansive exhibition, curated by Brooklyn artist Benjamin Wright, features over 20 contemporary artists whose work is inspired by science. The artwork on display will allow visitors to explore the role of creativity endemic to both science and art while showcasing glass as a medium that provides a challenge to their perceived divide. At every turn, glass materially magnifies, distorts and illuminates our transdisciplinary world of wonder. Visit our website to learn more at wheatonarts.org.
■ Flowers by Flame. Gallery of Fine Craft, April 3 through May 13. This gallery exhibit explores the use of flowers as a theme in Contemporary American Art Glass. Throughout the American Studio Glass Movement, flowers have been integral in paperweight designs. These floral designs were created using a variety of techniques including millefiore, flameworking, and California-style furnace. These same techniques are also used today to create not only paperweights but also goblets, vases, perfume bottles, marbles, and sculpture. This show celebrates contemporary glass artists creating unique and innovative designs working in floral themes. Artists include John Deacons, Ken Hanson and Ingrid Kastles, Lotton Art Glass, Janis Miltenberger, Diane Quarles, Cathy Richardson, Colin Richardson, and Paul Stankard.
■ Voices and Colors: Vietnamese Dong Ho Paintings. Down Jersey Folklife Center, May 11 through July 22. The exhibition will feature the works of the master artists Nguyen Thi Oanh and Nguyen Huu Tao created in the unique style of the Dong Ho woodblock printing and painting. The artworks present a continuation of the work of Nguyen Huu Sam, recognized by UNESCO as a “living human treasure”. The Dong Ho folk paintings are included in the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of Asia and the Pacific. The featured artworks reflect several major themes, including folk and mythical stories, local landscape, history and legendary heroes, daily life and worship, as well as good luck wishes and blessings. Upcoming events:
■ April 8 – Paws For Art, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dogs Invited! This is an admission free, Wheaton Wide Open event created in partnership with the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter (CCSPCA). Pet owners and their dogs are invited to WheatonArts for a day of art and fun. Features the “WheatonBarks 2 Dog Show” with prizes for adults and children, an agility course and activities for dogs, animal-themed glass-blowing demonstrations, rescue organizations, pet-related vendors, and pet-themed, hands-on family activities. Pet food donations for the shelter are welcome.
■ April 28 – Paperweight Fest 2018. Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, in conjunction with the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collectors Association, presents a “Dealers Fair” during Paperweight Fest 2018 on Saturday, April 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to explore this special paperweight exhibition in the Event Center, access is included with general admission. Paperweight Fest, a biennial event, is a chance for collectors, artists, and dealers to converge at WheatonArts and celebrate this longstanding tradition and form of artistic expression. Participants must pre-register to attend the majority of Paperweight Fest sessions, presentations, and demonstrations included in the program. Presenting artists at the Fest include Paul Stankard, David Graeber, Kanako Matsuura, Cathy Richardson, and other well-known glass artists. Early discounted registration ends April 6. The entire Paperweight Fest event runs April 26 through April 28. Session descriptions, fees, and registration forms can be found at wheatonarts.org.
■ May 5 – ECO Fair: Artful Living, Home Made and Hand Grown. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Produced in partnership with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, this admission free, Wheaton Wide Open event showcases homegrown native plants, herbs and vegetables, handmade items from New Jersey artists and craftspeople, Rutgers Master Gardener’s butterfly tent, environmental organizations, wellness information and a variety of hands-on crafts and activities for families. CU of Maurice River brings in keynote speaker and award-winning author, Heather Holm, presenting the fascinating world of native bees and the plants that support them. A book signing will take place after her 2 p.m. presentation.
Upcoming classes and programs:
A variety of classes and workshops begin in April. Advanced registration is required. Walk-ins are welcome only if the class is not full. WheatonArts members receive a ten percent discount on classes and materials. For dates, descriptions, fees, and to register, call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit www.shop.wheatonarts.org. Classes offered in April include:
■ “Crazy Hair Planter Head” with Tessa Peterzak on April 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ages 6 and above. Class limit: 15. Class fee: $35, materials fee: $10. Get into the gardening spirit by creating your own planter. You will receive a pre-thrown, medium-sized clay pot which you will make your own by adding clay elements to create facial features. After firing, you will receive a packet of seeds to plant in your pot to grow wild “hair”. Perfect for both children and adults. Registration closing is April 6.
■ “Metal Casting: Cuttlefish Bone Casting” with Frederick Marshall on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Class limit: 12. Class Fee: $100. This workshop will introduce you to the ease and speed of cuttlefish bone casting. Pouring molten metal into the skeleton of a sea creature, you will create several simple to complex designs for finished pieces or parts to be used for fabrication. Some basic jewelry techniques and metal coloring will also be demonstrated. Registration closing is April 6.
■ “Glass Blowing Intensive: Next Steps” with Skitch Manion on April 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Must be 16 years of age or older to participate. Class limit: 9. Class fee: $350. You will spend two full days in our glass studio, learning to blow glass with a highly experienced staff. Designed for those who have learned that basic techniques and are now ready to practice making larger items. Prerequisite: At least one session of Glass Blowing Intensive. Registration closing is April 6.
■ “Collagraphs”, a Family Art Workshop on Saturday, April 14 with sessions from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Suggested for ages 6 and above. In this workshop, you will learn the printmaking technique called collagraphy. We will be using cardboard, foam core board, and mat board. Family Art Workshops are free with admission on select Saturdays throughout the year. Visit our website for listings and registration. Walk-ins welcome if seats are available. 3
■ “Story Circle”, Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in the Museum Lobby. Every Saturday, come and enjoy a reading of one of our favorite childern’s books followed by story book cube activities. Story Circle is free, however, to visit the Museum exhibits an admission ticket is require.
WheatonArts resumes its six-day operating schedule on April 3. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 special outdoor events. For more information about WheatonArts exhibitions, programs and events, call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, or visit wheatonarts.org.
WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for additional 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, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey Cultural Trust. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State, and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.
