Paperweight Fest 2023 Schedule

A close-up of a bright multi-colored paperweight with ocean images contains two orange-striped fish and a white & black striped fish. There is multi-colored plant life between the fish.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Make-Your-Own Experiences (by appointment)

Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Registration in the Arthur Gorham Paperweight Shop

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Combined Artist Fair & Dealer Fair
Light Refreshments

Dinner on own
DVPCA Fairfield Hospitality Room is Open in the Evening

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Breakfast on own
“Big, Bigger, Biggest” ID Contest begins

9:00 a.m. – Noon
Registration in the Event Center

9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Greetings from Susan Gogan, Executive Director WheatonArts, and Jim Lefever, DVPCA

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
“Making Murrine In America” presentation by Stephen Boehme

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
“The New England Glass Co. at the New York Crystal Palace Exposition” presentation by John Hawley

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch Break (provided)

12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Meet the Artist Sessions (select 1)
David Graeber, Clinton Smith, Gordon Smith

1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meet the Artist Sessions (select 1)
Damon MacNaught, Melissa Ayotte, William Manson

2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Collaborative artist demonstrations and auction in the Glass Studio featuring Mayauel Ward, Melissa Ayotte, Alison Ruzsa, and Clinton Smith

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Artists & Dealers Fair
Dinner on your own
DVPCA Fairfield Hospitality Room is open in the evening

Image of Melissa Ayotte, who is wearing protective glasses, a long sleeved, light pink shirt, light green protective forearm sleeves, and light blue jeans. With one arm raised, Ayotte holds a metal rod and is directing the hot glass, at the end of the rod, towards a lit torch. The torch's light blue flame turns orange as it hits and extends past the glass.

Friday, May 19, 2023

Breakfast on own

9:00 a.m. – Noon
Late Registration

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Remarks and notices from Jim Lefever, DVPCA

9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
“Receive This Glass,” a presentation celebrating Paul Stankard by David Graeber and Gay Taylor

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Break

10:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Artists Panel: Christina Callahan, Damon MacNaught, Gordon Smith, and Mayauel Ward discuss “Historical Influences on Current Work.”

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch Break (boxed lunches provided)

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
“Old American Personalized Paperweights” by Jim Barton

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Break

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
“Songs without Words” presentation by Rick Ayotte

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm
“Big, Bigger, Biggest” contest presentation and results by Jim Lefever

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Artists & Dealers Fair with Light Refreshments
Dinner on own
DVPCA Fairfield Hospitality Room is Open in the Evening

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Breakfast on own

10:00 a.m. – Noon
Collaborative demonstration and live auction in the Glass studio with Gordon Smith, Clinton Smith, Chris Sherwin, and friends.

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dealers Fair is Open to the Public and Gather Attendees

a Wheaton [re] Gather

a Celebration of the Life and Work of Paul J. Stankard
Paperweight Fest attendees have the option of purchasing tickets (at a reduced fee) to attend the Wheaton [re] Gather, a celebration of Paul Stankard’s life, work, and 80th birthday. This fundraising event, normally scheduled in June, was rescheduled to make it easier for Fest attendees to join the celebration. Campus-wide activities will be highlighted by collaborative Glass Studio demonstrations with Paul Stankard and Friends, curator tours of the Museum of American Glass featuring Amber Cowan’s solo exhibit Alchemy of Adornment, and special fare catered by Feast Your Eyes Catering. Proceeds benefit WheatonArts Glass Studio programs.

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Demonstrations & Activities

5:00 p.m.
Cocktails & Dinner

Registration

Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event. Click the button below for online registration.