MILLVILLE, NJ (August 24, 2017) – WheatonArts and Cultural Center is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Rody O’Rourke, who has joined the arts nonprofit organization as Director of Development. O’Rourke will oversee all aspects of the development department, including fundraising events, campaigns, and planned giving programs.

“I was inspired by WheatonArts’ mission to ‘engage artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity.’ O’Rourke said. “WheatonArts is a cultural anchor in South Jersey, as well as a leading force in the national glass community and it is an honor to join their team.”

O’Rourke comes to WheatonArts with over 25 years of experience in the arts as Director of the Accent Gallery, a fine art and American craft gallery in Ocean City, New Jersey. In this role, she established relationships with art collectors as well as an ongoing partnership with Shore Medical Center, successfully generating an art collection for a new addition to the hospital. She was also engaged in conducting collections for a number of other companies in New Jersey and for private collectors in New York, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. O’Rourke has also worked with non-profits in leadership positions, serving as a board member of the Ocean City Art Center and the Community Art Projects (for public art in Ocean City).

Most recently, O’Rourke was a Major Gifts Officer with United Methodist Communities. In addition to securing major and planned gifts, she also has valuable experience in grant writing, special events management, building community relationships, marketing, and developing strategic partnerships. This background has helped O’Rourke to make a smooth transition into her current position with WheatonArts.

“We are delighted to welcome Rody to our senior leadership team. It is already clear that Rody’s valuable experience in the arts, as well as her proven fundraising success, will serve our organization well” said Susan Gogan, executive director of WheatonArts.

WheatonArts is open Tuesday through Sunday, April through December, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, 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 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.

About WheatonArts

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, 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 and 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.

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