WheatonArts Returns to a Six-Day Operating Schedule

MILLVILLE – WheatonArts returns to a six-day operating schedule beginning April 3. The arts organization will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 31, 2012.
The special narrated shows in the Glass Studio resume at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Ceramics Studio is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Sweets Suite Bake Shoppe Café will add new items such as a choice of salads and red velvet cupcakes to their menu. The Education/Folklife Center will present a new exhibit, “Traditional Costumes of the Balkans,” when it reopens on June 1. Appointments for the “Make Your Own” Experiences (Glass and Pottery) also resume this month.
Once again, WheatonArts has partnered with Museums on Us®, a customer-benefit program offering Bank of America customers free admission on the first full weekend (consecutive Saturday and Sunday) of every month in 2012. WheatonArts will offer one free general admission to Bank of America cardholders (must present card at the gate) beginning in April and continuing through December. (Offer does not cover guests.)
Exhibitions:
■ “Pioneers of American Studio Glass: Edris Eckhardt, Maurice Heaton and Frances and Michael Higgins” in the Museum of American Glass through Dec. 31, 2012. This exhibit illustrates the work of these artists who were among the forerunners of the American Studio Glass Movement American Studio Glass Movement.
■ “Celebrating 50 Years: American Studio Glass” in the Museum of American Glass. March 30 through Dec. 31, 2012. This exhibit provides viewers with a comprehensive history and understanding of the American Studio Glass Movement. The selected works from the museum’s permanent collection represent the founders of the movement and the subsequent generations of artists who have brought esteem to the field.
■ “Passing The Torch” in The Gallery of Fine Craft. March 30 through May 6, 2012. This contemporary flamework exhibit showcases the work of invited glass artists, aspiring flamework artists, members of the ISGB (Glass Bead Society) and marble artists.
■ “The Fire Continues” The Gallery of Fine Craft. May 19 through July 1, 2012. An invitational of contemporary American studio glass artists presented in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the American Studio Glass movement.
■ “The Artistry of Rick Ayotte: From The Collection of Gordon Park” in the Museum of American Glass. June 1 through Oct. 14, 2012. Nearly 100 paperweights will be on display in the museum lobby.
Programs and Events:
■ April 1 – “Paws For Art” Dogs Invited! WheatonArts, in partnership with the Cumberland County SPCA, will celebrate dogs and the joy and enrichment they bring to our lives. This free community day event opens WheatonArts’ gates to humans and dogs alike. Pet owners are invited to bring their dogs onsite to engage in various animal-themed activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
■ April 20 to May 6 – Cloches and Avian Domiciles: A WheatonGreen Installation. Glass cloches (bell jars) in various shapes and sizes plus bird houses will be installed on the grounds. Cloches will be available for sale in the museum stores ranging in price from $40.00 to $250.00.
■ May 5 – Eco-Fair. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Free “Community Open House” produced in partnership with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority. Visitors will learn how to protect the environment and practice eco friendly living. Dozens of environmentally minded vendors and community organizations will be on site. The day also features “eco-friendly” Glass Studio demonstrations, hands-on crafts for children, exhibits, nursery stock, herbs, flowers, entertainment, food and refreshments.
■ May 6 – A Free Community Day. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features a variety of eco-focused, family friendly, hands-on activities throughout the day, special exhibits in the Museum of American Glass, plus creative demonstrations in the Artist Studios.
■ June 2 – Paperweight Fest in the Event Center. Noon to 5 p.m. Presented in association with the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collector’s Association. See a select group of paperweight dealers, artists and galleries in the Event Center.
■ June 29, 30 and July 1. Celebration: 50/Forward. A weekend of experimentation in the Glass Studio and camaraderie in celebration of 50 years of American Studio Glass with glass artists Paul Marioni, Dick Maquis, Paul Stankard, Hank Adams, Tina Aufiero, Deborah Czeresko, Stephen Paul Day, Jim Harmon, Pike Powers, Matt Szosz, and Mark Zirpel.
In addition, WheatonArts is offering a wide variety of multi-session classes, workshops and weekend intensives beginning April 11. Advanced registration is required. Walk-ins are welcome only if the class is not full. To register, call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, extension 100, or e-mail Beverly Narbut, Office Manager, or visit the WheatonArts website at www.wheatonarts.org for descriptions and fees about all of the classes and workshops offered from April through August.
April Multi-Session Classes, Workshops and Intensives:
■ Blowing I. April 11 – May 9. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ages 18 and above.
■ Fusing and Slumping. April 11 – May 9. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ages: 16 and above.
■ Blowing III. April 13 – May 11. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ages: 16 and above.
■ Glass Mosaics. April 21 – May 5. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ages: 16 and above.
■ The Art of Sushi. April 13 – May 9. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ages: 12 and above.
■ Blowing Intensive. April 14 & 15. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: 16 and above.
■ Silk Painting. April 14. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ages: 14 and above.
WheatonArts is open Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 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. 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 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/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 receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State. Additional funding provided through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.