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
Legendary Lladró
By Louise Irvine Lladró’s dream to light up the world with porcelain has come true as can be seen in their innovative lighting designs and their traditional figurative sculptures. WMODA is proud to present many of Lladro’s most spectacular limited-edition creations. As well as their distinctive glazed porcelain sculptures in
Golden Orbs – Paul Stankard
By Louise Irvine Tiny golden orbs encapsulated in larger crystal orbs are a specialty of flame-worker Paul Stankard. There are spiritual and poetic aspects to Paul’s use of floating golden orbs in his glass art. He finds joy in working with such a rare, precious metal to embellish his designs.
The Monkey and the Shark: An African Folk Tale
By Louise Irvine The old African folktale of The Monkey and the Shark brings two worlds together at WMODA this season. The wit and humor of the Ardmore artists from South Africa combines with the wonders of the deep symbolized by Rhanu, our mermaid in residence. On Saturday, January 16,
Christmas Frog Chorus
By Louise Irvine 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... But what about the frogs and why were they such a popular theme for Christmas cards in the 19th century? Instead of sending cards this year, Louise is
Star of Wonder – Rob Stern
A new star is shining bright this Holiday season. Rob Stern has developed his iconic Windstar sculptures into a “Star of Light” named Aurora after the natural light display in the earth’s sky and the Greek goddess of the dawn. Aurora heralds a new dawn in Rob’s decorative glasswork. The
Who’s Who at WMODA – Lori Brown
Lori Brown, our multi-talented graphic designer, is responsible for the visual identity of WMODA on-line and in print. Most recently, she has been working on our Ardmore exhibit A Safari for the Soul and she has created some striking adverts and event signs. Lori is also the museum’s webmaster and
The Greatest Show on Earth
By Louise Irvine The circus is literally in the blood of Fée Halsted, the founder of Ardmore. Her great-great-grandfather performed in Cooke’s Equestrian Circus as a clown, trapeze artist, and bare-back acrobat. Fée and her two daughters are champion equestriennes as well as talented Ardmore designers and the exhilarating magic