Bring your party hats and come up the hill to join us in celebrating Wharton Esherick’s 136th birthday on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM. Festivities include woodworking, printmaking, and weaving demonstrations, readings, storytelling, a pop-up exhibition of birthday-related archives, and timed, open Studio walkthroughs. We’ll also be hosting a few friends from partner organizations for this birthday bash. Guests will be able to enjoy special access to the 1956 Workshop along with light refreshments and cupcakes!
Our artist demonstrators for the day include:
Philadelphia print-based artist Katie Garth, who will be running a hands-on printmaking activity. Included with your admission, you will be able to print and take home your very own napkin with Katie Garth’s Esherick-inspired designs!
Fashion designer and fiber artist Dana Meyer will be running a textile demonstration for visitors that highlights the wonderful and recently discovered weavings made by Letty Esherick.
WEM staff members and furniture makers Sophie Glenn and Larissa Huff will be leading guests in our woodworking demonstration!
We are also excited to host our friends at:
Historic Yellow Springs – Historic Yellow Springs is a living village steeped in a distinguished history, tradition, and folklore that stirs the imagination of those who visit. The village spans 300 years of American history, and notably served as the site for the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Country School between 1916 and 1952. Today, the village includes 11 buildings and 142 acres. HYS continues to host a wide range of fine art, sculpture and ceramic classes for adults, teens and children, and boasts of some of the best art shows in the area. Yellow Springs will be sharing an hands-on clay mural activity during the event.
Rose Valley Museum – The Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge stewards the history and material culture of Rose Valley, Pennsylvania, an intentional Arts and Crafts community begun by William Lightfoot Price. The Museum houses a large collection of Rose Valley Shops furniture, pottery, and printed materials, as well as information about the community spanning from the 1600s to the present day. Be sure to check out Rose Valley Museum’s open houses and excellent roster of events — and say hello during Esherick’s birthday event to chat with folks from Rose Valley and see a selection of materials from their collection.
Ticket Details:
$50 Adult
$30 Child (ages 5-12)
$30 for Members – Join or renew today to purchase your ticket at this special price!
Tickets are non-refundable. The event will be held rain or shine.
Can’t make the party? Consider a gift of support to celebrate Esherick’s birthday!
WEM represents Esherick’s artistic home, a home to his truest expression of self and his boundless creativity. Your support ensures the preservation and celebration of this special place for generations to come! Thank you!