WHEATONARTS TO HOST DEALERS FAIR DURING PAPERWEIGHT FEST ON MAY 14, 2016

MILLVILLE, NJ (April 29, 2016) – Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, in conjunction with the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collectors Association, presents a Dealers Fair during Paperweight Fest 2016 on May 14, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The general public is invited to explore this special paperweight exhibition in the Event Center during Paperweight Fest. Access to this special exhibition on Saturday afternoon is included in general admission. Paperweight Fest, a biennial event, is a chance for collectors, artists, and dealers to converge at WheatonArts and celebrate this longstanding tradition and form of artistic expression.

This year’s Fest theme is “All in the Family” and will highlight the artistry of Ray and Bob Banford, a father and son team that starting working together in glass in the 1970s. In general, collaboration is common in glassmaking. Pieces in the Dealers Fair, as well as other Fest exhibitions, represent both collaborative and individual artist work.

Paperweights date back to the 1800s and were considered a luxury item. Letter writing was a popular
activity during this time period, so paperweights had a functional purpose as well as a decorative one. Over the years, different techniques evolved, like the distinct use of millefiori and a focus on flameworked detail.

More about Paperweight Fest
Participants must pre-register to attend the majority of Paperweight Fest sessions, presentations, and demonstrations included in the program. The entire Paperweight Fest programming runs from May 12 to May 14, 2016. Session descriptions, fees, and the registration form can be found by visiting wheatonarts.org. Presenting artists at the Fest include Paul Stankard, David Graeber, Gordon Smith, Mayauel Ward, Ken Rosenfeld, and other well-known glass artists.

WheatonArts has served as an arts and cultural crossroads in the heart of South Jersey for over four decades. Whether it is the fascination with glassmaking and American glass, the cultural traditions of those who have shaped the region, or the artists and educators who share their unique talents through classes, workshops and demonstrations, WheatonArts offers a unique experience to all who visit.

WheatonArts is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from April 1 to December 31, 2016.
For information on admission and programs, visit wheatonarts.org or call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800.

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.

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Get a PDF of this General Audiences Paperweight Fest 2016