WheatonArts Open Six Days Beginning April 1

MILLVILLE — WheatonArts returns to a six-day operating schedule beginning April 1. The arts organization will be open Tues. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Jan. 4, 2015.
The Museum of American Glass joins the state-wide celebration of the 350th anniversary of New Jersey with two new exhibitions.
■ “NJ350: Through the Lens of Glass.” April 1 through Jan. 4, 2015. This major exhibition explores the relationship between glass and South Jersey through use of the renowned collection and archives of the Museum of American Glass, oral histories of local glassmakers, and examples of current glass craft and artistry of artists currently working in the region.
■ “Durand: Made In New Jersey.” April 1 through Jan. 4, 2015. To celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of this home grown company during New Jersey’s 350th anniversary, over 50 pieces of Durand Art Glass will be on display. Only in operation from 1924 through 1931, the “fancy shop” at the Vineland Flint Glass Works in Vineland, NJ made an impact on the American glass world with their Durand Art Glass line. Drawing from the same decorative Art Nouveau trends as Tiffany and Quezal, Durand Art Glass had its own style, earning them a gold medal at the Sesquicentennial International Exhibition in 1926.
■ “Keepers of the Flame: A Celebration of Contemporary Flamework.” April 1 through May 4 in The Gallery of Fine Craft. This exhibit and sale represents both the traditional and whimsical side of some of today’s leading flamework artists. Included will be delicate floral sculptures, delightful insect perfume bottles and paperweights, aquatic themed vessels and cosmic marbles. Many of the artists featured in the International Flameworking Conference at Salem Community College will also be represented.
Upcoming programs and events include:
■ March 29 – “If You Give A Moose A Muffin.” A free program presented by Centenary Stage Company. In the Event Center at 2 p.m. The second story in the series, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” written by Laura Numeroff, where a young host is run ragged with outrageous requests by a surprise guest.
■ April 6 – “Paws For Art” Dogs Invited! A free event created in partnership with the Cumberland County SPCA. Pet owners and their dogs visit for a day of art and fun. Guests are invited to participate in the “Wheaton Barks Dog Show” with prizes for adults and children, an agility course, pet supplies and goodies, a children’s animal art exhibition, hands-on family activities, canine concessions, and more. Pet food donations are welcome. Visit http://www.wheatonarts.org/calendar/2014/paws4art.
■ May 3 – Eco-Fair. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A free community event, produced in partnership with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority. In addition to environmentally minded community organizations and vendors, this year’s show showcases New Jersey artists and craftsmen in celebration of New Jersey’s 350th anniversary. The day features eco crafts for children, special demonstrations, nursery stock, herbs, flowers, entertainment, food and refreshments.
■ May 17 – Paperweight Fest. Noon to 5 p.m. in the Event Center. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collectors Association. Hundreds of traditional and contemporary paperweights are on display and for sale.
■ June 20 – Studio Wide Open with the Spring Creative Glass Center of America Fellows. In the Glass Studio at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. The artists present a special evening of glassmaking and offer behind-the-scenes tours of their studios. Light refreshments are offered.
A variety of multi-session classes, workshops and weekend intensives begin April 9 and continue through August. 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, e-mail bnarbut@wheatonarts.org or visit wheatonarts.org for descriptions and fees about all of the classes and workshops.
April Multi-Session Classes:
■ Blowing I: Beginning Glassblowing April 9 to May 7. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
■ Fusing and Slumping. April 9 to May 7. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
April Workshops and Intensives:
■ Blowing Intensive. April 12 and 13. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
■ Bobbin Lace Making. April 26. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
■ Casting Intensive. April 26. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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 wheatonarts.org.
WheatonArts has partnered with Museums on Us®, a customer-benefit program offering Bank of America customers free admission on the first full weekend (consecutive Sat. and Sun.) of every month in 2013. 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.)
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.