WheatonArts Honors Artists, Brothers at Paperweight Fest

MILLVILLE — WheatonArts and the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collectors Association honored Vineland, NJ residents and brothers, James and Nontes Kontes, at Paperweight Fest in May. They received the Millville Rose Society award in recognition of their 40 years of making paperweights. The Millville Rose Society Awards are presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution in support of the mission of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center…“To engage artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity.”
Paperweight Fest is a three-day, biennial event presented by WheatonArts and the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collectors Association. Paperweight collectors and enthusiasts meet artists and dealers, attend lectures and artist demonstrations, and participate in hands-on opportunities. On May 16, friends and family of the Kontes brothers plus Fest attendees, listened to Gay LeCleire Taylor, former curator of the Museum of American Glass at WheatonArts, present, “40 Years Together: The Kontes Brothers and Paperweights.” Also, Gordon Smith, who met the brothers while employed at Kontas Glass Company, spoke about their encouragement and guidance as he began experimenting with making his first paperweights. Smith is now well respected worldwide as an acknowledged master of the art of paperweight making.
Throughout the years, Nontas, age 93, and James, age 95, have developed their own distinctive paperweight style. Known for making strawberries and vegetables, they also perfected torsades, piedouches and baskets. In 1982, after 40 years in the manufacture of scientific glass, they sold their Kontes Glass Company but retained a partnership in H.S. Martin, Inc., a scientific glass company in Vineland, NJ, a former division of Kontes Glass.
In the June 2012 Treasures Magazine article, “South Jersey Paperweights Artists,” Richard V. Simpson, writes, “From the beginning, the brothers’ versatile designs are based in the traditional motifs favored in Victorian times: the variety of the Kontes brothers’ stylized fruit and vegetable paperweights are beyond excellence, their nonthreatening serpents and innocent-appearing lizards and salamanders are a joy to hold and study.” (http://www.treasuresmagazine.com/treasures/feature_articles/june_2012/the-kontes-brothers).
With a history spanning four decades, WheatonArts has earned regional, national and international recognition for its unique collections and programs. The Museum of American Glass has one of the most comprehensive collections of American glass in the country…from the first glass bottles made in America to celebrated works by Dale Chihuly and other contemporary artists who work in glass. Visitors experience the art of glassmaking, ceramics and flameworking in the Artists Studios.
From April through Dec. the Museum of American Glass and The Gallery of Fine Craft present special exhibitions. WheatonArts also offers traditional and multi-cultural programs, classes, workshops, performances and weekend festivals. The award-winning Museum Stores offer traditional and contemporary art and craft in all mediums.
WheatonArts is open July 4 and Labor Day. Closed 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 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, New Jersey Cultural Trust 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.