Kisses & Kindness
By Louise Irvine Kissing and hugging are discouraged in these days of social distancing, but touch deprivation has become a serious consequence of the pandemic and is causing mental health issues, particularly among those living alone. As we approach Valentine’s Day, let’s all think of different ways that we can
The Falls of Fairy Glen
By Louise Irvine Hundreds of porcelain fairies seem to dance in time to Dave Rosenthal’s synchronized music entitled The Falls of Fairy Glen, which can now be heard in our Fantastique exhibition while viewing the spectacular Lladró chandelier. The original composition was written by Dave to light up the Niagara
The Art of the Heart
By Louise Irvine How did the heart come to be symbolized in the shape we are so familiar with in Valentine cards and emojis? The symbol does not bear much relation to the actual form of a human heart, but it has become part of the universal language of love.
Music in the Museum
By Louise Irvine The gift of music adds a new dimension to WMODA as demonstrated by our two spectacular pianos. Not only are they both exceptional musical instruments, but they also look stunning in their settings. In December, Bonnie Schur donated her mahogany Steinway Grand Piano from 1943, which she
The Mermaid’s Top
By Louise Irvine At our Mermaid Tale event on Halloween, Rhanu Mershark wore a glass bikini top designed by Chelsea Rousso. The collaboration was such a success that Chelsea offered to make a customized mermaid top, especially for Rhanu to wear at our Fantasy, Fashion & Fun event on January
Who’s Who – Dave Rosenthal
By Louise Irvine The Niagara chandelier, recently donated by Lladró, has transformed our Fantastique exhibit and inspired multidisciplinary artist, Dave Rosenthal, to compose original music to accompany his stunning video of the porcelain fairies dancing in a waterfall of lights. Dave is a self-professed “Sound and Light Chaser”. As a
Who’s Who – Chelsea Rousso
By Louise Irvine Chelsea Rousso is a glass artist, fashion designer, writer, and teacher. She specializes in kiln-formed fused glass and holds regular classes for aspiring glass artists at her studio in Lauderdale by the Sea and at the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts in Dania Beach. Before moving to
A Fairy Tale Comes True at WMODA
By Louise Irvine Hundreds of visitors to the Gallery of Amazing Things have taken selfies with Lladró’s spectacular Niagara chandelier featuring a cascade of porcelain fairies illuminated by a waterfall of twinkling lights. The Lladró masterpiece has been at the center of weddings, mitzvah celebrations, and Holiday parties. Now the
The Midas Touch
By Louise Irvine The legend of King Midas, who turned everything he touched to gold, has inspired Louise’s article on gilding in the fired arts. However, the glistening exhibits at WMODA do not rely on the magic of the gods but on the expertise of European porcelain artists. The first
Who’s Who – George Hawthorn
George Hawthorn is the museum’s longest serving volunteer and is known to the WMODA team as the “voluntold” as he is the husband of our director, Louise Irvine. Ten years ago he thought he was retiring to Miami Beach but Louise had other ideas! He helps with editing, proof-reading and