WheatonArts and Cultural Center, located in Millville, NJ, needs your help and support. This past week, promised funding was frozen by Gov. Jon Corzine to this nonprofit cultural center and all nonprofit groups in NJ. The grants had been committed to the running of the facilities since July. Overall, 10 million dollars have been frozen statewide.
Housed on 65 wooded acres, WheatonArts, formerly known as Wheaton Village, consists of The Museum of American Glass, Hot Glass Studios, and various stores targeted mainly at the glass industry in southern NJ. They feature special exhibitions, programs, workshops, performances, and weekend festivities.
“This funding freeze has created a financial emergency. It may result in jobs lost, programs cut, vendors not being paid and other financial obligations,” said Susan Gogan, Executive Director, in a Dec. 10 e-mail to the staff.
“What are we going to do?” said Lynne O’Neill, manager of the General Store.
In the General Store, you can find unique Christmas gifts for your family and friends. You can also shop online.
Although Black Friday was successful in WheatonArts, O’Neill hopes locals will visit more often.
“We just wish people would remember us more during the rest of the year. It’s kind of sad,” she said. “The local people are our biggest challenge.”
The vast majority of visitors to the center are not from the Cumberland County area.
You can visit seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of the year. They are closed on Christmas, and close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The shops and museum have no entrance cost. It is located directly off of Route 55, exit 26. Simply follow the signs.
View WheatonArts in a larger map
Exhibitions taking place:
Museum of American Glass
“Treasures From The Collection” Through Jan. 3, 2010
“Handmade Gift” Through Jan. 3, 2010
The Gallery of Fine Craft
“The Handcrafted Gift” Through Dec. 24, 2009
Down Jersey Folklife Center
“Understanding Others: Philippine Traditional Arts and Culture” Through Jan. 3, 2010.
Photographs of WheatonArts (all taken by me, some this month and some back in June when I brought my friend from NC to visit the sights):
Thank you for visiting WheatonArts and thank you for mentioning the recent funding freeze for all New Jersey arts organizations. It is quite disturbing. Please tell your family and friends to visit http://www.ArtPrideNJ.com to learn more about this situation. The site provides contact information for all NJ legislators. We need everyone’s help right now.