On Saturday, October 3, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will reopen its spring exhibitions that were closed this past March due to Covid-19. To provide the safest viewing experience possible, visitors must make reservations through artcenternj.org for limited, one-hour time slots. All four

Sign up now and start the season by focusing on sculpture, photography, drawing, printmaking, and more! And with both in-person and online options, there's a safe, inspirational workshop to fit your every need. Click here to find out more and to register.

Please join us on January 12 at 7 PM for a conversation between Art Center Curator, Mary Birmingham, artist Yvette Molina, and artist Elisabeth Smolarz as they discuss the communal storytelling projects currently on view at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Click here

On Monday, January 18, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will participate in Summit’s Day of Justice, Equality, and Service to Others. From 1-3 PM, the Art Center will host a virtual community project titled, How to Fly. The project will entail decorating individual

On Saturday, February 6, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will reopen its winter/spring exhibitions. To provide the safest viewing experience possible, visitors must make reservations through artcenternj.org for limited, one-hour time slots. All four exhibitions—(de)coding; Spandita Malik: Threads of Identity; Scaffold: Equity of

Registration is now open for Summer Art Camp at the Art Center. Register by February 15 to take advantage of our early-bird pricing! Click here for more information and to sign up now.

In correlation with her exhibition Spandita Malik: Threads of Identity, currently on view in the Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Gallery, VACNJ is offering a limited seating, in-person embroidery workshop with the New York-based Artist. Malik, who is originally from India, asks each participant to bring

These pandemic times have been tough for parents. Take some time for self-care and join this five-week virtual art therapy session and learn to use active art-making and the creative process to reduce stress and anxiety. Each session will be limited to 10 people and

International Women’s Day is Monday, March 8. In celebration of that date, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will host a virtual artist talk with Spandita Malik, Elan Cadiz, and Rasika Reddy, all women artists with solo exhibitions on view at the Art Center

This year, our road trip has gone online! Join VACNJ curator Mary Birmingham on Wednesday, March 24, for a virtual road trip exploring the growing trend of quilts in contemporary art.  She will share her impressions of three recently closed exhibitions: Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch at The Bronx

In-Person Small Group Spring Break Art Camp (ages 5–9) Monday, March 29–Friday, April 2 Join us for a special Small Group Spring Break Art Camp for kids ages 5–9! Young artists will learn from our talented teaching artists, create unique art projects, and socialize with

In-Person Small Group Spring Break Art Camp (ages 10–12) Monday, March 29–Friday, April 2 Join us for a special Small Group Spring Break Art Camp for weens ages 10–12! Young artists will learn from our talented teaching artists, create unique art projects, and socialize with

Join VACNJ Curator Mary Birmingham as she moderates this conversation with several of the exhibiting artists featured in the Art Center’s Main Gallery exhibition (de)coding. Learn how each artist creates codes in their work and what the word "decoding" means to them. Participating artists: Gina Adams,

The deadline to apply for our members 2021–2021 exhibition season is Sunday, May 2. The Members Committee is accepting applications from members to exhibit their work at the Art Center as well as other community spaces in Summit. You may submit a proposal for a

We invite you to join us on Saturday, May 8th, 1–5 PM, as we will celebrate the opening of feature solo exhibitions by two New Jersey artists. In the Main Gallery, Nancy Cohen will show a series of large-scale drawings made from paper pulp and

ANNUAL SPRING GALA May 22, 2021 7:30 PM via Zoom & Small-Party Pods Click here for more information.

Take a journey through the life of the iconic Frida Kahlo—discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life. Making use of the latest technology to deliver previously unimaginable quality, this film takes an in-depth look at key works throughout her career.

Raku-Fest Returns to the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Saturday, June 12 & Sunday, June 13, 10 AM­–5 PM We are excited to announce the return of a classic Art Center event: Raku-Fest! Raku-Fest showcases a unique ceramic firing process in which red-hot ceramic

Click here to learn more about all our Summer Art Camp offerings! Register now for the most creative camp in town! In-person and online options are available for kids, tweens, and teens of all skill levels. Full-day and half-day options too, including before and after

Kids (ages 5–9) NEW! Summer Sampler WAITLIST ONLY June 21–25, 10 AM–3 PM Sample all that summer art camp has to offer! Try projects inspired by our upcoming camp sessions, as well as a few based on classic summer pastimes. Projects will not be repeated later

Join Wendy Robinson as she opens her Member Exhibition, My Kingdom of Animals in Ann's Place Gallery on Sunday, June 27, 1–4 PM.   The exhibition will be on display from June 26–September 12.  For more information, click here.

Kids (ages 5–9) Art Around America June 28–July 2, 10 AM–3 PM Celebrate Independence Day through artwork inspired by American artists and famous landmarks. During this holiday week, we’ll make art projects like prints inspired by American artist Robert Indiana, mixed media cityscapes, and ceramics

Kids (ages 5–9) Mini Masters July 5–9, 10 AM–3 PM Kids become mini masters while experimenting with art media and techniques used by famous artists. Create a sculpture like those made by Picasso, design a mixed media work based on Alma Thomas’s paintings, and paint

  Join the Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater for the return of Summer Solos (formerly Monologues@MONDO), the weekly solo reading series! All tickets $20 (advance sales only) and readings will be done on the law of the Art Center. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs, picnic,

Artist and board-certified art therapist Melissa Diaz will reference the creation of community art initiatives and the concept of collaboration to discuss both professional development and personal and community wellness. Diaz will speak about her journey as an art therapist, how it intersects with her

Kids (ages 5–9) Animals & Wildlife Art  WAITLIST ONLY July 12–16, 10 AM–3 PM This week of camp is like taking a trip to the zoo, but way more creative! Explore the exciting world of animals and their amazing habitats. Kids will create projects such as

Join the Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater for the return of Summer Solos (formerly Monologues@MONDO), the weekly solo reading series! All tickets $20 (advance sales only) and readings will be done on the law of the Art Center. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs, picnic, and/or

Kids (ages 5–9) Color Explosion  WAITLIST ONLY July 19–23, 10 AM–3 PM Explore color! This camp introduces kids to the bold pop-art movement and other ways in which vibrant colors can be used in artwork. Kids will create projects that play with colors, such as multi-colored

Join the Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater for the return of Summer Solos (formerly Monologues@MONDO), the weekly solo reading series! All tickets $20 (advance sales only) and readings will be done on the law of the Art Center. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs, picnic, and/or

Kids (ages 5–9) Creative Creatures  WAITLIST ONLY July 26–30, 10 AM–3 PM Let your imagination run wild! This week, campers will make art featuring wildly creative creatures. Join us to make crazy and creative projects such as ceramic dragons, monster drawings, and a pastel Pegasus. In-Person

Join the Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater for the return of Summer Solos (formerly Monologues@MONDO), the weekly solo reading series! All tickets $20 (advance sales only) and readings will be done on the law of the Art Center. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs, picnic, and/or

Kids (ages 5–9) Art Around the World August 2–6, 10 AM–3 PM Kids will “travel” the world and learn how different cultures create art. Print henna-decorated hands from India, illustrate a Celtic initial, and create Mexican-inspired ceramics. Your camper will become fluent in the universal

Kids (ages 5–9) Art & Nature August 9–13, 10 AM–3 PM Summer is the perfect time to find beauty in our natural world and celebrate it through art. Kids will be inspired by nature to create projects such as patterned leaf drawings and a ceramic

Kids (ages 5–9) NEW! Appetite for Art August 16–20, 10 AM–3 PM Dig in! This NEW week of camp will feature art projects inspired by delicious foods and snacks. Campers will learn several art techniques while creating projects like clay pizzas, mixed-berry collages, and candy-wrapper

Kids (ages 5–9) Comics, Cartoons & Characters August 23–27, 10 AM–3 PM Explore the world of cartoons, comics, and popular characters in this favorite week of camp! Create super art projects like a baby-Yoda drawing, a Harry Potter Patronus painting, and superhero and alter-ego illustrations.

Nancy Cohen: Atlas of Impermanence and Katrina Bello: Knowable Earth will re-open to visitors on Friday, September 3. Click the links above for information on the individual shows. These shows will be on view through September 26.

Nancy Cohen and Katrina Bello will be at the Art Center to talk about their shows Nancy Cohen: Atlas of Impermanence and Katrina Bello: Knowable Earth. Come listen to the artists talk about their processes, development, and techniques, and how they use art to relate to themes of environment

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, in partnership with Summit Downtown, Inc. and Summit PAL, will co-host the return of Arts + Cars, the Summit Downtown Art Festival on Sunday, September 19, 2021, from 10 AM–5 PM. This outdoor event will feature art for

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, the Art Center will open its fall exhibitions, The First Water Is the Body and Athena LaTocha on October 9, 1–6 PM. The First Water Is the Body features the work of 16 makers that belong to and operate in relation with Indigenous communities

VACNJ Curator Mary Birmingham will lead a tour of The First Water is the Body and Athena LaTocha on Monday, October 11. This tour is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Artist and board-certified art therapist Melissa Diaz will reference the creation of community art initiatives and the concept of collaboration to discuss both professional development and personal and community wellness. Diaz will speak about her journey as an art therapist, how it intersects with her

Looking for the perfect stone to complete your piece? Dikra Gem Inc. will visit the Art Center on Tuesday, October 19, at 7–9 PM, to offer their collection of faceted and cabochon stones, beads, pearls, and more for purchase. Both students and faculty are welcome

Raku-Fest at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Saturday, October 23 & Sunday, October 24, 10 AM­–4 PM Join us for Raku-Fest! Raku-Fest showcases a unique ceramic firing process in which red-hot ceramic pieces are transferred directly from the kiln into a container of

In this workshop, participants will be looking for, building, and creating art inspired by everyday symbolism using collage materials and drawing supplies.

The Film Society of Summit and the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey are bringing together a panel to discuss the documentary Conscience Point. VACNJ Curator Mary Birmingham will moderate a discussion with native rights activist Becky Hill-Genia and Treva Wurmfeld, producer/writer/director/editor of the film

In this virtual workshop, participants will be encouraged to search and find items in their personal spaces that can be transformed into layered multimedia expressions. Canvas paper, watercolors, magazines, and found items around personal space will be listed to bring to this virtual workshop.

VACNJ Curator Mary Birmingham will lead a tour of The First Water is the Body and Athena LaTocha on Saturday, November 13. This tour is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Dive deep into your history! Combine elements of your family’s symbolism, explore traditions, and utilize language to produce a unique family mandala. Participants will need to bring a set of watercolors, watercolor paper, collage materials, glue, scissors, and printed text or poetry to this workshop.

Join us on Friday, December 3, for an evening of fine food, fine drink, and fine conversation with exhibiting artist Athena LaTocha and VACNJ Curator Mary Birmingham. This intimate affair will begin at 6:30 PM with a champagne gallery reception, followed by an elegant buffet

VACNJ Curator Mary Birmingham will lead a tour of The First Water is the Body and Athena LaTocha on Saturday, December 4. This tour is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Join us on Saturday, December 4, from 2–3 PM, to listen to artist Athena LaTocha speak about her practice. Her installation After the Falls was created specifically for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to relate to the land in our region. This event is free

Give the kid or tween in your life the gift of creativity this winter season! This year, our popular winter-break art workshops are returning in-person to our socially distanced Art Center studios. During each session, young artists will learn techniques in a featured medium while

Winter Break isn't just for the kids. Spend your break sharpening your art-making skills or trying something new! Click here to see what's being offered and secure your spot!

Winter Semester begins on Monday, January 10. Click here to register.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make our communities more equitable and take action to build the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. The Visual Arts Center of New

Join guest curator Maria Hupfield and several of the participating artists in our current exhibition, The First Water Is the Body, for this virtual discussion of the show and their work. The exhibition, which opened in October and is closing on January 23, was recently

In this hybrid In-Person/Virtual drawing-based workshop, Art Educator in residence Dennis Redmoon Darkeem will ask participants to focus on the present moment to inspire new ideas of personal history and storytelling. Participants will be creating connections to personal belongings, gratitude, and new outlooks for the

In conjunction with the closing of our fall exhibition, The First Water is the Body, VACNJ presents a lunchtime scholarly virtual talk with Karelle Hall titled People of the Tidewater: Nanticoke and Lenape Resilience and Revitalization. "Water is essential to the lives of the Nanticoke

WINTER/SPRING EXHIBITIONS February 4—May 22 Claiming the Narrative Claiming the Narrative is a group exhibition of figurative work that seeks a more authentic representation of our diverse society. Depicting people who have been marginalized, ignored, or even erased from the narrative of Western Art History,

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will host an informal artist introduction and celebratory reception for the women featured in Parvathi Kumar: Everyday Blackness on Saturday, March 26, from 4–6 PM. You can register for the free event by clicking here. This event is

Monday, April 11–Friday, April 15 Join us for a special small group Spring Break Art Camp for kids ages 6–9 and tweens ages 10–12! At the Art Center, young artists will learn from our talented teaching artists, create unique art projects, and socialize with friends

Join us for this virtual artist talk with Curator Mary Birmingham and artists featured in the Art Center's Main Gallery group exhibition Claiming the Narrative, on view through May 22. This event is free and open to the public. Click here to register.    About