The Jan Rutland Artists' Space

(Click here to learn about dedication ceremony.)

The museum and 2nd floor The Jan Rutland Artists' Space are open open Monday - Friday, 10AM – 4 PM. Through changing exhibits, tours, and a research library, the National Bottle Museum preserves the history of the mouth blown bottle industry. “The Artists’ Space” features changing exhibits of important artwork in diverse styles, ranging from post impressionism to folk art, once again representing the art, history and technology inherent in all things created by hand. The National Bottle Museum® is located at 76 Milton Ave. in Ballston Spa, NY. For additional info, CONTACT US.

Jody Wheeler art exhibit now on display ...

All photos of this event by Rodney Wheeler - video below by Mary Hauprich Reilly.

An exhibit showcasing creations by nationally acclaimed children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler will be displayed in the Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the National Bottle Museum at 76 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa until February 3. Acting Museum Director Larry Rutland said he hopes parents, grandparents and educators will take advantage of this golden opportunity to bring young readers to the museum to view images crafted over the past three decades by one of the nation’s most popular children’s book illustrators. At last count Wheeler – who is a graduate a Ballston Spa High School -- had some 75 titles in her portfolio, ranging from fiction titles for young readers to nonfiction titles for middle readers as well as keepsake memory books, activity books, calendars, greeting cards and many other products. Included are illustrations that introduced such characters as E.T., The Extraterrestrial and collaborations that have breathed new life into characters in remakes of such titles as Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline, Don Freeman’s Corduroy the Bear and those in some of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books – specifically the Farmer Boy books about the early days of Laura’s husband Almanzo Wilder. Wheeler has most recently completed illustrations for An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott and The First Noel (both from Ideals Publishing) as well as a book based on characters created by the late Ezra Jack Keats titled Roberto Walks Home. (To view samples, visit www.wheelerillustration.com or www.zazzle.com/wheelart.) “The invitation to exhibit samples of my illustrations in my hometown means so much to me,” says Wheeler, who often draws upon memories of her upstate New York childhood when painting images to accompany stories for young readers. Area youngsters and their families were treated to an unforgettable afternoon with Wheeler during December when she came to the museum to read aloud from a copy of The Night Before Christmas that she had illustrated for Ideals Publishing. Co-sponsored by the Anastos Media Group, The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, The Ballston Spa Lion’s Club, Legacies Unlimited US, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation and Stewart’s, the uplifting program also offered complimentary refreshments, coupons for free ice cream cones and door prizes designed to inspire budding artists and authors. CLICK HERE to read "A Portrait of Illustrator Jody Wheeler" by Ann Hauprich. CLICK HERE to see videos of Jody Wheeler demonstrating the illustrating process to some children. A not-for-profit educational institution, the National Bottle Museum is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Group tours and field trips may be booked by calling 518.885.7589.

HIGHLIGHTS from PRIOR EXHIBITS     "Stuff Standing Still" by artist Stu Eichel Click Here. "Remembering the Shtetl" by Jewish painter & sculptor Chaim Goldberg - Click Here.     “Polish Landscape” provided by Polish Fine Art Click Here. "Sobel Exhibit" by artist Jehudith Sobel Click Here.     “A Lovely Opus” Group Exhibit from Galway Schools. Click Here. "The Carver and the Photographer" by Fine Art Photographer Sue Clark and Wood Carver Johnny Thorpe - Click Here.