Safari Dance: A South African Success Story In Dania Beach

Ardmore Ceramics is an extraordinary South African success story and you can see their work in Dania Beach. From humble beginnings on a remote farm in KwaZulu-Natal, Ardmore has grown since 1985 into a vibrant studio of around 60 artists from the local community. Potters, sculptors and painters collaborate to make the unique works of art that reflect the exuberant flora and fauna of Africa. Leopards, Zebras, Giraffes and Monkeys burst with life from the lush foliage to form whimsical vases and bowls. The Ardmore elephants can even dance!

The Ardmore artists work in the spirit of Ubuntu meaning “we are because of others.” Hear their uplifting story at WMODA (Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts) and choose from a huge selection of Ardmore Ceramic Art and Design for sale on Friday, November 12th, 2021 & Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Start your Holiday shopping at WMODA. Proceeds benefit the educational programs at WMODA, a 501c3 not-for-profit museum.

Meet the Ardmore Ceramics experts at WMODA on Friday, November 12th, 2021 and Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at the Safari Dance Exhibition. Ed Pascoe and Tom Munro from the Pascoe Gallery will join Louise Irvine, the curator of the museum’s fabulous Safari for the Soul exhibit, to introduce the latest arrivals from the Ardmore Ceramic Art Studio in South Africa.

Ed and Tom have recently returned from a trip to South Africa with some American collectors of Ardmore. They have lots of news to share from Fée Halsted, the founder of Ardmore and her talented team of artists. They will also have amazing works of art from their new shipment for sale in the museum.

Louise Irvine has been privileged to go on safari several times and is a frequent visitor to the Ardmore studio. She is looking forward to showing guests around the magnificent Ardmore collection at WMODA and the new Safari Dance exhibit. As well as unique examples of ceramic art for sale, the WMODA shop also features the Ardmore Design collection of pillows, table linens and other home décor which make wonderful gifts for the Holidays.

The Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts is a world-class museum in Dania Beach, Florida, celebrating the fired arts of ceramics and glass, the museum is rated a top attraction in Broward County by TripAdvisor. WMODA is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum is located at 481 South Federal Highway on the Second Floor, 5 minutes south of the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Dania Beach, Florida, for more information, call: (954) 376-6690.

About The Museum
The Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts was founded in Dania Beach, Florida in 2014 by Arthur Wiener and family. The museum celebrates the fired arts of ceramics and glass, visitors can see beautiful pottery and porcelain art from the 18th century to the present day. The Wiener Museum introduces the work of British pottery pioneers, such as Josiah Wedgwood and Sir Henry Doulton, as well as European designers from the eras of Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

The glass galleries at the Wiener Museum showcase the art of French designer Renée Lalique and Venetian maestros from Murano, as well as local glass artists working in South Florida. The highlight of the Hot Glass Gallery is a spectacular collection by Chihuly. Contemporary Ceramic Art from the Ardmore Studio in South Africa, which is one of the favorite exhibits at the Wiener Museum, hosting a varied program of exhibitions and cultural events.

Arthur Wiener - Founder & Benefactor
Arthur Wiener acquired his first piece of pottery in 1965 when he traveled to London, as a young college graduate, armed with Frommer’s Seminal Guidebook Europe for $5 a day. He blew his daily budget on a Royal Doulton character jug of Merlin the magician, which caught his eye in a china shop window because of the Star of David image on the handle. Merlin certainly cast a spell on Arthur as he went on to become an avid collector of Royal Doulton figures and character jugs. In the early years, Arthur scoured antique shows where he met specialist Royal Doulton dealers, including Ed Pascoe and Arron Rimpley, who have helped him build his collection. Arron has worked with Arthur for over 25 years and facilitated the museum opening at his Gallery of Amazing Things.

In addition to his vast collection of Royal Doulton figures and character jugs, Arthur became fascinated with the art pottery produced at Doulton’s Victorian Studios in Lambeth, London and Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, including impressive exhibition pieces for the World Fairs of the 19th and the 20th centuries. The largest piece in the collection is a colossal 6 foot tall Doulton Faience Vase, commissioned by the Gaekwar of Baroda. Arthur then began acquiring ceramic art from the British Arts & Crafts Movement and exploring European design from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.

Arthur’s collection comes right up to date with contemporary ceramic art from the Ardmore Studio in South Africa, he is very happy that his acquisitions have helped uplift this remote and rural community.

In recent years, Arthur has become passionate about American Studio Glass, notably the work of Dale Chihuly and the Hot Glass Gallery at WMODA, which boasts a spectacular forest of Chihuly’s Macchia and Ikebana designs, alongside his Persian and Venetian forms.

In 2014, with his home and storerooms overflowing with his treasures, Arthur decided to open the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts to share his love of ceramics and glass with a wide audience. His remarkable legacy has created a unique educational and cultural resource in South Florida, an important new study center for British and European ceramics and American studio glass.

“I want to share my love for the fired arts and leave a legacy to educate and inspire future generations about the importance of art in our lives and culture,” said Arthur Wiener.