The WheatonArts and Cultural Center has appointed Alexander Rosenberg the new director of the Wheaton Glass Studio. Rosenberg steps into his role as director after having completed a Creative Glass Fellowship at the Millville, New Jersey, nonprofit in 2018, serving on the fellowship’s selection committee, and also working as a guest lecturer for virtual programs under Covid-19 restrictions. With planned pandemic closures keeping its doors shut for the winter season, WheatonArtsis intent on kicking off its 2022 program season off with a fresh start under Rosenberg’s leadership. The organization is planning to reopen on April 1st, 2022.
In an email exhange with the Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet, Susan Gogan, WheatonArts' Executive Director, explained that Rosenberg came to the institution right before the world shifted at the advent of the coronavirus. Pre-pandemic, WheatonArts was already looking to restructure their program staff and bring new energy to the institution. Once Covid-19 hit, however, all resources were redirected to maintaining operations under the impact -- financial and otherwise -- of the pandemic. With their usual fellowships and visiting artist residencies postponed for almost a year, WheatonArts was not able to consider their original staff renewal priorities until recently. Rosenberg, in the meantime, had become a prominent figure within the institution.
The former Creative Glass Center now exists as the streamlined Wheaton Glass Studio with Rosenberg at its head. As Glass Studio Director, Rosenberg will oversee the Creative Glass Fellowship among other programs. Having completed residencies at glass institutions all over the world, Rosenberg boasts a diverse resume alongside his international list of exhibitions and awards, including repeat appearances on the Netflix reality show BlownAway. In his new role, Rosenberg’s unique experiences, skills, and vision will be put to use, giving back to the Wheaton community through residency programs, educational programs, special projects, and shaping the creative direction of the Glass Studio.
Well into his second month as director of the Glass Studio, Rosenberg is heavily involved with rebuilding Wheaton’s staff and special projects teams in preparation for WheatonArts’ comeback from the pandemic. While the winter season remains relatively quiet for the Wheaton community, the upcoming spring season promises new beginnings for both Alexander Rosenberg and the WheatonArts and Cultural Center as whole.