New family art festival and glass art party to debut at Wiregrass Museum of Art

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOTHAN, Alabama — October 14, 2022 — The Wiregrass Museum of Art (WMA) is introducing two new events at the end of the month, The Glass Pumpkin Party, and The Pumpkin Patch, a free family art festival. Both events are part of the museum’s series of community-focused events and programs in celebration of its upcoming 35th anniversary, marking its mission and role in the Wiregrass since its founding in 1987.

“The Glass Pumpkin Party, and The Pumpkin Patch festival were created with our community in mind, to provide residents and visitors with fun, unique experiences and ways to make memories with family and friends. Art brings people together, whether it’s for an after-hours spooky cocktail party with live glass blowing at The Glass Pumpkin Party, or by making art with kids and families at The Pumpkin Patch festival. Both of these events reflect the museum’s commitment to the art and artists of our time – a core value that has been part of WMA’s work for the past 35 years, “ said Dana-Marie Lemmer, WMA’s executive director and curator.

The Glass Pumpkin Party will be held at WMA on Friday, October 28th from 6-9 p.m., and is a unique evening event where attendees will experience live glass blowing and a one-of-a-kind glass art installation. This party is an evening preview event for the first chance to view and shop more than 300 glass and ceramic pumpkins created by artists Devan Cole and Forrest Buford with Hot Glass Academy, glass artists John Shoemaker and Sam Haas, and ceramic artist Kate O’Toole.

Glass and ceramic pumpkins will be on display and available for purchase during both events at WMA.

A live glass blowing demonstration from Hot Glass Academy will be presented in the museum’s outdoor space, and attendees can indulge in specialty seasonal cocktails and decadent hors d’oeuvres. Attendees can curate their own collection of glass pumpkins, available at price points from $30-300, to feature in their home or business each autumn, or to enjoy year-round, while supporting the Wiregrass Museum of Art and exhibiting artists with each purchase. Event ticket holders will be entered into a raffle to win a medium-sized glass pumpkin created on site by Hot Glass Academy at the event, with the option to buy additional raffle tickets. Tickets ($25) are available online at https://www.wiregrassmuseum.org/events/the-glass-pumpkin-party/ or over the phone at 334-794-3871.

The installation will be open at WMA for two days only, on Friday evening and Saturday during the The Pumpkin Patch: A Family Art Festival held in the museum’s garden the next day.

The Pumpkin Patch, a free family art festival on Saturday, October 29th, will be held from 10am – 3pm at the museum in downtown Dothan. Attendees can enjoy WMA’s garden transformed into a giant pumpkin patch, with hands-on artmaking stations throughout. Families can take home their own painted pumpkin, and up to five handmade works of art made through action painting, 3D paper sculptures, and printmaking at hands-on artmaking stations. A special ‘Portrait-O-Magic’ will create custom portrait drawings for attendees, and everyone can decorate a custom bag to carry home their art and creations.

Galleries will be open for all visitors, with a special art scavenger hunt to bring families together to enjoy and talk about art together. Hot Glass Academy will be demonstrating live glass blowing outside at the festival, and will have an installation of glass pumpkins indoors, with the opportunity to purchase and collect works of glass art. WMA’s Teaching Artists Sara Ivey and Aimee Burr will also be demonstrating live painting and paper marbling, and high school students with Dothan Tech’s pre-engineering program will be presenting demonstrations, as well.

Costumes are encouraged for all ages, and free popcorn, lemonade, and candy will be available to all. Food trucks will be on site for additional paid offerings. Attendees can also visit the WMA pop-up shop to buy museum merch, including its popular ‘Art Elevates the Everyday’ t-shirt, mugs, stickers, patches, and more.

These events, as well as the museum’s upcoming Pajama Ball, a New Year’s Eve Party, and 2023 Art in Bloom programs, provide opportunities for local residents to celebrate WMA’s 35th anniversary and its focus on building a creative and innovative community in the Wiregrass to make the region a better place to live, work, and learn.

For more information about these events, contact the museum at 334-794-3871, or visit wiregrassmuseum.org.

About Wiregrass Museum of Art

Wiregrass Museum of Art inspires a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts by providing innovative educational programs that engage diverse audiences through the collection and exhibition of quality works. Since its inception in 1987, WMA has offered educational programs, nationally-acclaimed art exhibitions and community events throughout the year. Its Board of Trustees guides the long-term vision and strategic goals, while its membership, City and County support, and grant funding provide the resources needed to fulfill its mission.

WMA’s galleries are open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment. General admission is always free.

Contact:

Melissa Rea

Director of Advancement, WMA

334.794.3871

mrea@wiregrassmuseum.org