MILLVILLE, NJ (September 9, 2016) – On October 1 & 2, the annual Festival of Fine Craft returns to Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center.  This event, sponsored by OceanFirst Bank, will feature the work of over 130 juried artists.  In its 18^th year, the Festival, a 2016 Sunshine Artist Magazine 200 award winner, is known throughout the region for its reputation for excellence.  Artists working in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed medium, wearable art, wood, and more will display their work throughout the WheatonArts campus over both days. Visitors can watch unique artist demonstrations throughout that day, in addition to the regularly offered WheatonArts Studio demonstrations, and interact with artists during booth chats.  Demonstrating artists for the Festival are:

• WheatonArts Studio Glass artists (indoor, in Glass Studio)
• WheatonArts Ceramics artists (indoor, in Pottery Studio)
• WheatonArts Traveling Glass artists (outdoor)
• Mary Ann Cannon of Copperplate Studio (intaglio etching)
• Mary May of Mary May Baskets (basket making)
• Stephen Morse of Sea Robin Studio (mold making)
• Pauletta Berger of Handwovens by Pauletta (weaving)
• Cherelle Oriolo of WheatonArts Paper Studio (paper artistry)
• Jersey Jerry Broomsquire (broom making)
• Bob Broschart (woodturning)
• Art Parkin and Hop Edwards (wood carving)
• Allan Feinberg (coin jewelry)
• Doug Starry (chair caning)
• Jim Sharpless (mold making)
• Third Star Fiber Arts Guild (weaving)
• Clay College artists (pottery)

In addition to the multitude of artists represented at the Festival, the renowned “Glass Pumpkin Patch” will be displayed in the center of the WheatonArts campus.  Thousands of glass pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors, made by WheatonArts resident artists, make up the patch.  All glass pumpkins are available for purchase.  Along with the “Glass Pumpkin Patch,” the Festival includes a Beer and Wine Garden, featuring local beer from Cape May Brewery and wine from Bellview Winery, and music by PackageGoods Orchestra.

“The Festival of Fine Craft has become a signature annual event at WheatonArts,” said Chief Operating Officer Cathy Nolan.  “The high quality of the work, the idyllic outdoor setting, and the fun activities for the whole family – attending the Festival is a really special experience.  It’s become an annual tradition for thousands of people from the Mid-Atlantic region.”

Family arts activities, which are included with admission, will be offered throughout both days from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Activities include:

• Straw Blown Spooky Tree Art
• Paper Bag Monster Puppets
• Day of the Dead Masks
• Scarecrow Construction
• Sidewalk Chalk

Artistic hands-on opportunities, like creating your own silk scarf with Ebru Rich Silk Designs, are available throughout the grounds for additional fees.  During the Festival visitors have the opportunity to visit the Museum of American Glass, Glass, Pottery, Paper, and Flameworking Studios and Museum Stores.

Also, a variety of food vendors line the grounds. They include kettle corn, Italian specialties, barbecue, seafood, grilled items, salads, and gourmet desserts. Top Shelf Mobile Cuisine, on-site at WheatonArts, offers made-to-order sandwiches, salads, beverages and baked goods.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. The Festival is included in the price of admission to WheatonArts. Fees are $10.00 adults, $9.00 senior adults and $7.00 students. Children five and under are free. Festival special: Admission ticket grants access for both days with Tomorrow Pass, available upon request. Parking is free.

For more information about WheatonArts’ programs, call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, or visit wheatonarts.org. WheatonArts is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5p.m., through January 3, 2016. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Please submit requests for press images to wheatonartsnews@wheatonarts.org.

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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About OceanFirst Bank

OceanFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:OCFC) is the holding company for OceanFirstBank. OceanFirst Bank, founded in 1902, is a community bank with $4.2 billion in assets, $3.2billion in loans, $3.2 billion in deposits, and 50 branches located throughout central andsouthern New Jersey.  OceanFirst Bank delivers commercial and residential financing solutions,wealth management, and deposit services and is one of the largest and oldest community‐based financial institutions headquartered in New Jersey.  For more information call 1‐888‐OCEAN33 or visit www.oceanfirst.com.

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 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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Click here for a PDF of the Festival of Fine Craft at WheatonArts news release.