CONTACT: Cathy Nolan, Chief Operations Officer TEL: (856) 825-6800, ext. 115 / FAX: (856) 825-2410 E-MAIL: wheatonartsnews@wheatonarts.org
MILLVILLE, NJ (September 12, 2019) – Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center is celebrating 21 years of the Festival of Fine Craft on October 5 and 6, rain or shine! This event, sponsored by Avalon Flooring and OceanFirst, features the work of more than 150 juried contemporary and traditional artists, craft demonstrations, a Beer & Wine Garden, family art activities, a giant glass pumpkin patch, and more! Throughout the WheatonArts campus, visitors will see artists working in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, wearable art, and wood, exhibiting and selling their unique works of art. Special demonstrating artists during the Festival include traditional fiber weaving by Pauletta Berger of Handwovens by Pauletta, woodturner Tom Cambria, coin-cut jewelry making by Allan Feinberg of Art in Coin, encaustic (wax) painting by Anna Scaramazza of Anna’s Art Gallery, and many more! The Festival’s signature “WheatonArts Glass Pumpkin Patch” is an experience in itself—a glimmering outdoor installation of over six thousand glass pumpkins of all colors, shapes, and sizes—each uniquely handcrafted by WheatonArts’ resident glass artists! Located across from the Pottery Studio, all of these glass pumpkins will be available for purchase at discounted rates, with proceeds supporting arts educational programming at WheatonArts. The Festival also includes a Beer & Wine Garden (permit #73917), featuring Cape May Brewery and Bellview Winery. Additionally, visitors can enjoy live musical entertainment from South Jersey’s own Package Goods Orchestra. A variety of specialty and gourmet food vendors will line the food court with refreshments for purchase. “Scarecrow Construction” is notably one of the favorite family activities each year, with a wild assortment of clothing and plenty of straw to create lifesize scarecrows to take home! Everyone can engage in the creative process with additional complimentary art-making activities (Halloween paper face masks, corn mosaics, and beaded spiders) both days of the Festival, thanks to a special PNC Arts Alive grant. Other fee-based artistic hands-on opportunities, such as designing a silk scarf and basket weaving, will be available throughout the grounds. For added fun, visitors can sign up to win one of the hourly door prizes donated by the Festival artists at the Information & Door Prize Booth after entering through the front gate. Names will be drawn and posted throughout the day. Stop in the Glass Studio at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. both days to watch a glass blowing demonstration and enter for a chance to win a beautifully handcrafted glass vase or plate! Must be present to win for the Glass Studio giveaway. The Festival of Fine Craft is included with general admission to WheatonArts! Admission is $12 adults, $11 senior adults, $7 students, and free for WheatonArts members and children ages 5 or younger. Experience the Festival along with special exhibitions in the Museum of American Glass and Down Jersey Folklife Center, as well as artist demonstrations in the Hot Glass Studio, Pottery and Flamework Studios. Admission ticket special: Ask for a “Tomorrow Pass” upon exiting the Festival on Saturday to get free access to the Festival on Sunday! Available by request only. Parking and shuttle service are also available free of charge. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. For more information call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, or visit wheatonarts.org. WheatonArts is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through December. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Please 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. ___________________________________________________________ About WheatonArts With a history spanning nearly five decades, WheatonArts has earned regional, national and international recognition for its unique collections and programs. The Museum of American Glass, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, houses 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, Paul Stankard, and other contemporary artists who work in glass. Visitors experience the art of glassmaking, ceramics and flameworking in the Artists Studios. From April through December the Museum of American Glass, Gallery of Fine Craft, and Down Jersey Folklife Center 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. ###
