MILLVILLE, NJ (November 8, 2021) — WheatonArts invites you to experience Latin American folk art through two exhibitions juxtaposing old and new Guatemalan fiber arts and modern painted glass works depicting human tragedy on display through December 31, 2021. 

Discover Mayan Traje: A Tradition in Transition in the Down Jersey Folklife Center. This exhibition features masterpieces of fiber arts created by Guatemalan Maya artists over a hundred years till modern days. The displays of “old” and “new” forms of Guatemalan weavings encourage viewers to engage in a deeper conversation about the preservation and transformation of traditions. The weaving patterns are interpreted in the context of a broad spectrum of regional, ritual, and aesthetic meanings. Most of the displayed artworks are from the Friends of the Ixchel Museum (FOIM) collection — a major partner in presenting this rare exhibition. The others are provided by private collectors or created by artists, such as master weaver Armando Sosa.

In the WheatonArts’ 1876 Schoolhouse, Persistent Memories: Portraits on Glass features the work of Argentine American artist Paula Meninato. She uses the optical qualities of paint on glass in her work to depict the human toll behind the criminalization of Latin Americans during the ten years of Argentine military dictatorship that disappeared 30,000 civilians, known as the Desaparecidos. “Through portraits on glass, I aim to capture the unimaginable tragedy behind the loss,” notes Meninato. Some pieces were created during an artist residency at WheatonArts, specifically for this installation. The exhibition also features videos following the creative process to further emphasize the concepts of disappearance and invisibility.

WheatonArts is currently open from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, April through December. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Event programming is subject to change. For more information, 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. 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.  

Both Folklife exhibitions are part of Reflections & Expressions: Communities & Cultures of Central & South America, a project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. Additional project support is provided by the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission. This Down Jersey Folklife Center project series edition was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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About WheatonArts: With a history spanning 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 glass artists. Visitors experience the art of glassmaking, ceramics, and flameworking in the Artists Studios. From April through December, the Museum of American Glass 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.    

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