April Fools
By Louise Irvine Fish and rabbits might appear to have little in common, but they are both associated with April 1st superstitions. In France, April Fool’s Day is known as Poisson d’Avril, literally April’s Fish, and sweethearts exchange romantic cards and play light-hearted pranks. In Britain, uttering “Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit!”
Volunteering at WMODA
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the WMODA volunteers. In our reopening year, these sterling supporters have served as Gallery Guides, greeters, demonstrating artists, administrators, and even gardeners. Last year, “Flipper” Julio Difilippo clocked the most volunteer hours. Like Chihuly, he loves gardens and has
Rhapsody in Blue
By Louise Irvine Research for the Majolica International Society Convention, held this year in Fort Lauderdale, has shed new light on our celebrated Mermaid “Flower Bearers” jardiniere, which starred in the 1982 musical film Annie. This monumental Minton majolica piece was once owned by Warner Brothers and also featured in
Safari Social
By Louise Irvine We celebrated International Women’s Day early at WMODA with the arrival of Megan Holles from Ardmore in South Africa and Kim McCall from Safari Royale. During her Safari Strut presentation, Megan told the amazing story of Ardmore Ceramic Art and Design over the last 40 years and
Dan the Man!
By Louise Irvine “Dan the Man” is a popular phrase used to describe a skilled and impressive guy. It’s the perfect description for glass artist, Dan Alexander, who recently took the WMODA team on a tour of the Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg, followed by a glassblowing demonstration at the Morean
Making a Splash!
Eleven talented artists from Florida’s glass community and overseas made a splash at the preview of our latest exhibition, celebrating the sea as envisioned by contemporary glass and ceramic artists. They enjoyed catching up at the party and seeing all the new work at WMODA, including Chihuly’s works on paper
Amulets of Light
WMODA members were invited to an exclusive workshop in February, led by Chelsea Rousso, to design and create a fused-glass amulet. Designed for protection and power, these glass symbols are a visual reminder of strength, healing, and intention. Chelsea was awarded a grant from the Broward County Cultural Division for
Dragons of Fire
by Louise Irvine Last month, Arthur Wiener, the museum’s founder and benefactor, sponsored an artist dinner and glassblowing demonstration featuring Jason Christian at the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts in Lake Worth Beach. The WMODA team first met Jason during a visit to Dale Chihuly’s Boathouse Studio in Seattle, where










