Around 400 visitors celebrated International Museum Day at WMODA on May 18. Many brought their family heirlooms for evaluation by Linda Saft ISA AM at our popular Treasure or Trash event. She was particularly struck by an incredible Imari charger decorated with rabbits and a beautiful pair of Old Paris Porcelain vases. One visitor caught everyone’s attention as he struggled in with a huge pottery seal which turned out to be Mottahedeh Italian porcelain. He was told by his father, who purchased it in the 1960s, that it was used as a soap dish in a very grand home.
Several talented artists in our community exhibited their work at our Fired & Found Arts Fair. Our ‘Glass Girls’ - Chelsea Rousso, Anne Orvieto, and Scherry Donato featured their latest kiln-formed glass designs and inspired many visitors to take up the art of fused glass at our next workshop with Chelsea on June 7. Eduardo Prado showed his striking new glass sculptures and Wendy Chercass mesmerized visitors with her intricate beadwork.
We also had two exhibitors presenting glass from Murano, which is a great attraction at WMODA. Sergio Gnesin displayed vintage Venetian sculptures and contemporary flame-worked beetles by Emmanuel Toffolo. Italianissimo made their debut at WMODA with their range of Murano glass jewelry made in Italy. Sales were brisk all day in the shop and the proceeds benefitted the educational programs at WMODA.
Betsy Alexis gave demonstrations of her stained-glass techniques and also inspired guests to make jewelry from recycled materials. Her first 30-minute jewelry class stretched to an hour and a half as students became so engrossed in the process.
Lloyd Goradesky showed the latest designs in his ‘Let Love Guide Your Way’ collection. His mini weather-vanes sold well as desk top accessories. They make wonderful gifts for spreading Lloyd’s message of love and kindness. Orders can be placed through the WMODA shop.
If you missed this fun event, remember you can visit the WMODA shop during the museum’s opening hours - Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. There’s no admission charge if you are just shopping for artsy gifts.
