Cumberland County College
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Communications & Marketing
Contact: Keith Wasserman, Executive Director
kwasserman@cccnj.edu
College to Partner with WheatonArts in Major Caribbean Heritage Program
VINELAND – Cumberland County College will play a key role in an ambitious six-month arts and cultural program celebrating Caribbean culture in the region.
Organized by the Down Jersey Folklife Center at WheatonArts and the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission, the program Shades of Past, Colors of the Present: Preserving Caribbean Cultural Heritage in New Jersey will feature exhibitions, educational programs, arts workshops and celebrations from now until December in multiple locations throughout the area.
“The college community is very excited about our participation in these programs,” said Dr. James Piccone, Dean of Arts and Humanities. “We have students, faculty and staff taking part. And they come from a true cross-section of departments, including sociology, foreign language, music, fine arts and Clay College. This project is going to be special.”
Exhibitions and events include:
• Caribbean Carnival: Tradition of Artistry, Visions of Change, an exhibition in the Folklife Galleries at WheatonArts from July 8 through November 27
• SANKOFA: Reflections on Cultural Heritage and Shared Humanity, an exhibition in the Gallery of Fine Craft at WheatonArts from July 8 through August 14
• Between Worlds – In a World, an exhibition in the Rowan College Gallery at Rowan College at Gloucester County from September 8 through October 28
• Oil Down: (A Recipe for) Uniqueness Born from Differences, an exhibition at Cumberland County Community College Gallery at Clay College from December 1 to December 31
• An Epistle of Resilience, a traveling exhibition that will be featured at local libraries throughout Cumberland County, dates to be announced
• Classes and Workshops in the following areas: mask making, clay instrument making, storytelling, drumming and dancing, painting, found object art, palm weaving, and coconut and bamboo carving, fall dates to be announced
• Caribbean Communities and Cultures: Preservation and Adaptation, a conference for educators and interested community members at WheatonArts on October 28
• Caribbean Cultural Heritage: A Day Celebration!, a one day Festival bringing together music, dance and visual arts that represent the many faces of the Caribbean cultural heritage at WheatonArts on September 17
About Cumberland County College
Cumberland County College – ranked in the top 2% of U.S. community colleges -- is a comprehensive community college that is accessible, learning-centered, and dedicated to serving a diverse community of learners and employers through quality innovative programs, services, and the appropriate use of technology for life-long learning. It also serves as a catalyst for creating collaborative relationships across the country that enhance the quality of life through excellence in education, community leadership, and economic growth.
About WheatonArts
With a history spanning four decades, WheatonArts has earned regional, national and international recognition for its unique collections and programs. The Museum of American Glass, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, houses one of the most comprehensive collections of American glass in the country…from the first glass bottles made in America to celebrated works by Dale Chihuly and other contemporary artists who work in glass. Visitors experience the art of glassmaking, ceramics and flameworking in the Artists Studios. From April through December the Museum of American Glass and Gallery of Fine Craft present special exhibitions. WheatonArts also offers traditional and multi-cultural programs, classes, workshops, performances, and weekend festivals. The award-winning Museum Stores offer traditional and contemporary art and craft in all mediums.
About the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission
The Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission promotes the arts and history of the county from the bayshore to Vineland and all points between.