Experience the WheatonArts and Cultural CenterWheatonArts is a not-for-profit arts organization, and a leading resource of American craft with an emphasis on the medium of glass, a stronghold in New Jersey’s cultural history. Programs include museum and gallery exhibits; interpretive demonstrations in various craft mediums; an artist fellowship program; outreach and on-site school programs; artists internships and residencies; classes and workshops on various art mediums; collectors’ seminars; special weekend events, including an annual fine craft festival. All serve to educate a multi-level audience on the role of crafts in both traditional and contemporary life.
Today, WheatonArts consists of 45 acres with 18 buildings. The Museum of American Glass houses a collection of over 22,000 objects, both historic and contemporary. The fully operational glass factory presents daily, interpretive demonstrations for the public with artists showing traditional and contemporary glassblowing techniques. In the Craft Studios, artists demonstrate the traditional crafts of pottery and flameworking. The Down Jersey Folklife Center, an 1876 Centre Grove Schoolhouse, a 13,000 square foot Event Center, one-mile looping Nature Trail, and four award-winning Museum Stores including The Gallery of Fine Craft, complete the attractions.
Programs are presented in the following facilities at WheatonArts: The Museum of American Glass houses one of the world’s largest collections of American glass. Over 6,500 pieces are on display in the 20,000 square foot exhibit area. Behind it, the fire burns on in an amphitheater-styled hot Glass Studio architecturally modeled after the original 1888 factory. Here studio artists perform live demonstrations using both traditional and contemporary techniques in glass blowing and casting. It is recognized throughout the country as a valuable resource to the glass art community, and The Creative Glass Center of America, a well-established artist residency program of 35 years, has hosted over 360 fellowships at the Glass Studio.
Craft Studios: Ceramics and Flameworked Glass are interpreted daily to visitors by skilled artists. A Stained Glass Studio and Paper Studio are opened during special events.
Down Jersey Folklife Center researches and documents regional expressive traditions in New Jersey’s southern eight counties. The Center presents ongoing programs and exhibits based on this research for a wide variety of audiences.
Gallery of Fine Craft is dedicated to excellence in the development of studio glass art and regional craft through the representation of established and emerging artists.
Nature Trail: A one mile looping nature trail extends through the WheatonArts campus and pinelands area.
