Visual Arts Center of New Jersey

Saturday Art Camp for Kids (ages 6–9)
2023-07-08
Saturday Art Camp for Kids (ages 6–9)
10 AM–1 PM
Explore a variety of art media and creative themes over the course of six Saturdays. In each session, campers will create two projects. Featured project themes will include: Art Around America, Buildings & Cities, Animals & Wildlife Art, Appetite for Art, Art Around the World, and Art in Nature.
Six Sessions: July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12.
Tuition: $420 for all 6 weeks

Vivid Stage Summer Solos 2023 - Hissy Fits
2023-07-05 18:30 - 20:00 UTC
The weekly solo reading series returns to the Art Center this summer! All tickets are $20 (advance sales only) and readings will be done on the lawn of the Art Center. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs, picnic, and/or snacks! Rain dates for all performances are the Thursday following the scheduled date.
Hissy Fits by Jerico Bleu featuring Emaline Williams and directed by Christopher Young introduces us to a mother fighting to understand her son as he blooms into his sexuality. We follow Leigha over the course of 30 years as she faces the challenges of raising a gay son in East Tennessee.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Summer Art Camp: Week 3
2023-07-05 - 2023-07-07
ART AROUND AMERICA (3 DAYS) (ages 5–9)
July 5–7, 10 AM–3 PM
Celebrate Independence Day through artwork inspired by American artists and famous landmarks. During this patriotic week, we’ll make art projects such as dioramas of Yellowstone National Park and pastel projects inspired by American artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
WATERCOLOR EXPLORATION AND ESSENTIAL DRAWING TECHNIQUES (3 DAYS) (ages 10–12)
July 5–7, 10 AM–3 PM
Watercolor Exploration: Watercolor is a classic painting medium that builds upon drawing skills while also incorporating color theory. The foundations of watercolor painting and color mixing will be explored as tweens are introduced to a variety of techniques, including basic washes, layering of paints, and how to create strong compositions with the interplay of dark and light values.
Essential Drawing Techniques: This camp is perfect for the tween looking to develop the foundational skills of drawing. Tweens will strengthen their observational skills and gain familiarity with diverse media—such as graphite and charcoal—through various drawing projects and proven methods used by artistic giants like Andrew Loomis and Charles Bargue. Students will have a greater understanding of linear perspective and the structures of light and shadow as they are guided through their drawings.
PAINTING WITH PASTELS AND COMICS, CARTOONS & ANIME (3 DAYS) (ages 13+)
July 5–7, 10 AM–3 PM
Painting with Pastels: Pastel straddles the line between painting and drawing. During this camp, teens will be introduced to the essentials needed to draw and paint using pastels. This will include fundamentals such as drawing, light and shadow, composition, color theory, and basic perspective. Both still life and landscapes will be the subject matter for finished works of art.
Comics, Cartoons & Anime: Calling all comic, cartoon, and anime lovers! Teens will explore drawing popular characters and work on simple and effective techniques for creating their own character concepts. Master a unique style of creating cartoon, anime, and comic art.

Summer Art Camp: Week 2
2023-06-26 - 2023-06-30
COMICS, CARTOONS & CHARACTERS (ages 5–9) WAITLIST ONLY
June 26–30, 10 AM–3 PM
Dive into the world of cartoons, comics, and popular characters in everyone’s favorite camp! Create super fun art projects of familiar friends, like printmaking inspired by characters from Where the Wild Things Are, ceramic trolls, and paintings of The Grinch.
ASSEMBLAGE AND ART JOURNALING (ages 10–12)
June 26–June 30, 10 AM–3 PM
Assemblage: Tweens will transform everyday items into expressive, personal sculptures! Imagine all the artistic possibilities in combining materials such as paper, plastic, clay, and wire with found objects. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, tweens will learn various techniques to manipulate materials and create one-of-a-kind sculptures.
Art Journaling: Art journaling is a wonderful habit for everyone, not just artists! Keeping a journal that contains one’s inspirations, frustrations, dreams, and fears is a way to creatively process everyday life. Tweens will make their own journal with simple bookbinding techniques and will fill its pages both inside and outside of camp. Tweens are encouraged to share their journaling journey during camp.
NEW! DRAWING WITH PEN & INK AND SCULPTURE TECHNIQUES (ages 13+)
June 26–June 30, 10 AM–3 PM
NEW! Drawing with Pen & Ink: From quick sketches to detailed drawings, this camp will teach teens the tricks and techniques of pen and ink! Teens will explore techniques such as loose sketching, cross-hatching, and stippling as they learn how to create contrast and texture with ink. Teens will also learn to create softer drawings using ink and a brush. Some basic drawing skills will also be covered.
Sculpture Techniques: Create art in the round! Teens will go beyond hand-building—they will learn more advanced techniques to refine and build their sculptures. Campers will work with a variety of sculpture materials and tools to complete a 3D sculpture during this camp.

Summer Art Camp: Week 1
2023-06-19 - 2023-06-23
SUMMER SAMPLER (ages 5–9) WAITLIST ONLY
June 19–23, 10 AM–3 PM
Try it all! Summer Sampler includes at least one art project from each upcoming camp theme, plus a few inspired by classic summer pastimes. Projects will not be repeated later in the summer should your camper be lucky enough to join us for multiple weeks.
PRINTMAKING TECHNIQUES AND SCULPTURE TECHNIQUES (ages 10–12)
June 19–23, 10 AM–3 PM
Printmaking Techniques: In this unique camp, tweens will create their own limited-edition prints while learning various techniques, styles, and tools of printmaking through demonstrations and hands-on practice. This camp will cover techniques including plexiglass drypoint and mono-printing as tweens create original prints that are either one-of-a-kind or editionable.
Sculpture Techniques: Create art in the round! Tweens will go beyond hand-building to learn more advanced techniques to refine and build their sculptures. Campers will work with a variety of sculpture materials and tools to complete a 3D sculpture during this camp.
EVERYTHING CLAY AND ESSENTIAL DRAWING & PAINTING TECHNIQUES (ages 13+)
June 19–23, 10 AM–3 PM
Everything Clay: This camp is perfect for the teen looking to explore various types of clay. During the week, teens will get to use the pottery wheel to throw and embellish a functional ceramic piece that will be glazed and fired in the kiln. Teens will also learn the techniques for working with paper clay, from building an armature to give the clay structure to decorating their creations using paint, decoupage, or other materials. Finally, teens will explore polymer clay by making everyday objects in miniature.
Essential Drawing & Painting Techniques: This camp is perfect for the teen looking to develop the foundational skills of drawing and painting. Teens will use their observational skills and gain familiarity with diverse media (such as graphite, charcoal, acrylics, and watercolors) through drawing exercises that may include gesture drawings, blind contours, and contour drawings. Linear perspective, color theory, and building form with light and shadow will also be covered as teens render their artistic creations.

Members Art Show & Collectors Week Exhibition Opening
2023-06-16 18:00 - 20:30
The Members Committee is excited to announce the Members Art Show & Collectors Week! This exhibition is a celebration of art made by our members and will open on Friday, June 16, from 6–8:30 PM, with an awards presentation at 7:30 PM.

Members Art Show & Collectors Week
2023-06-16 - 2023-06-25
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Members Committee is proud to present our annual Members Art Show & Collectors Week, a celebration of art made by our members! The event will run through Sunday, June 25, when it will close with a closing toast and art pick-up at 3:30 PM.
The Art Center doors will be locked during camp hours (10 AM–4 PM). Those wishing to view the exhibition Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 23 must call the front desk via the exterior intercom next to the parking lot door to gain access.
AWARD WINNERS
Guest Judge: Elizabeth Wiech

Marylou Hilyer Award
Trish Gianakis
Alter Ego, 2023
Mixed media digital art
Curtis Hilyer Memorial Award for Watercolor
Diana Kung
Hibiscus and Hummingbird, 2000
Watercolor on silk
The Juergen and Katie Thieck Memorial Award for Photography
Barbara Beeman
The Station, 2022
Photograph
Marian Anderson Memorial Award for Portraiture
Carol Cassel Baker
Wise Woman in Hat, 2022
Oil on canvas
Martha Barns Memorial Award for Ceramics
Emilie Whitley
Louis Vuittuna, 2023
Ceramic
Martha Venturo Award for Landscape
Bruce McClellan
Sky Fire Sunset, 2019
Oil on canvas
Rani Sinha Memorial Award for Ceramics
Victoria Munro
Woven Container 6, 2022
Ceramic
Rani Sinha Memorial Award for 17 and Under
Aanya Rangavajjula
Albert – The Peacock, 2023
Pastel on paper
Rani Sinha Memorial Award for 17 and Under
Louis Whitley
Bagged Bird, 2023
Oil on canvas

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Mary Jean Canziani
One Way of Living, 2023
Acrylic on repurposed book
Glen Guarino
Serafina, 2022
Ebonized mahogany
Joanne Leone
Remembering, 2020
Acrylic and pencil on canvas
Roy Nuzzo
Go Gently Into This Night, 2022
Oil on panel
Ida Ochoteco
Pink Sarambi, 2022
Mixed media collage
Aviva Sakolsky
Mending a Rended Heart, 2004
Mixed media
Margarita Somnolet
Forest of Lights, 2023
Alcohol ink on paper
Anna Sponheimer
Felix and Fiona, 2022
Oil on canvas

Entry Deadline: Members Art Show & Collectors Week
2023-06-12
Members Art Show & Collectors Week

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Members Committee is excited to announce the Members Art Show & Collectors Week! This exhibition is a celebration of art made by our members. Register early to guarantee a spot! Space is limited. (Haga clic aquí para leer las instrucciones de entrada en español.)

Artwork Accepted: Monday, June 12, 10 AM–8 PM
Exhibition Opening: Friday, June 16, 6–8:30 PM, awards presented at 7:30 PM
Closing Toast & Art Pick-up: Sunday, June 25, 3:30 PM
NEW THIS YEAR—an opportunity for our members under 18! For the first time, the Art Center will have an exhibition of artworks of our members 17 and younger. The youth members’ works will be displayed on the Art Center’s second floor.
Want to Exhibit Your Work? Here’s How!
All Art Center members are welcome to hang one original work of art. Space is limited, so register in advance to guarantee your spot. Then bring your artwork to the Art Center’s Main Gallery at 68 Elm Street, Summit, New Jersey on Monday, June 12 from 10 AM–8 PM.

$30 entry fee
One artwork per member. Maximum size is 36 x 36” for 2-D work (including frame) and 24 x 24 x 36” for 3-D work.
A guest juror will select five works from the adult members show to receive awards.

The Fine Print:

Works must be dropped off in person on Monday, June 12 from 10 AM–8 PM. Works must be picked up in person on Sunday, June 25, 3:30–5 PM; Monday, June 26, 12–7:30 PM; or Tuesday, June 27, 12–5 PM.
Artists may send a representative for drop-off or pick-up but must have a letter signed by the artist authorizing them to submit and/or pick up artwork. Artists under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian drop off and pick up artwork.
Space is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to members that register in advance. Space is limited, so register early!
Wall-mounted works must be wired and ready to hang. A limited number of pedestals and tables will be available for sculpture on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are displaying hand-crafted jewelry or other small items, you must provide your own display armature(s).
All artworks must be family-friendly in content. The Art Center retains the right to refuse an artwork for any reason.
Artists can choose to have their artworks for sale. Commission is 20% to the Art Center and 80% to the artist. Artists can choose to donate all proceeds to the Art Center’s programs.
Sold work can only be picked up by the purchaser during the designated pick-up times listed above.
Any artwork not picked up by 5 PM on Tuesday, June 27 becomes the property of the Art Center.

Self-Expression Through Art: A Workshop for Teens
2023-06-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Trying to balance it all as a teen can feel overwhelming, and at times, difficult to put into words. Using art as a tool for expression can help to identify, manage, and cope with various sources of stress and anxiety. Join art therapist Megan Tuttle in a safe space to create and have open and honest conversations! After graduating with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Art Therapy, Tuttle began working with teens as a Behavioral Health Counselor and eventually began working with various populations providing art classes and art therapy. In all of her programs, she strives to create an environment that promotes a sense of freedom and self-discovery where there is no such thing as a “bad” emotion.
This workshop is free to the public, but registration is required. (Click here to register.) This is the sixth session in a series of six that will take place at the Art Center this spring. Teens are invited to attend as many or as few sessions as they prefer:
Monday, March 13, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 10, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 24, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 8, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 22, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, June 5, 3:30–5 PM

Olas Caribeñas/Caribbean Waves Last Look
2023-06-04 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a last look at our spring exhibitions, part of the interdisciplinary initiative Olas Caribeñas/Caribbean Waves. This event will go from 2–4 PM, is free and open to the public, and will feature an informal discussion with exhibiting artists, a musical performance by Kike Banquez y Sus Tambores, a book signing for The ABCs of Paradise Found, and refreshments. Plus, join us for a special thank-you glass of bubbly at 3 PM recognizing the 70 artists who donated to this year’s Gala Art Auction!
Schedule:

2 PM: Musical Performance by the Oscar Kike Banquez Ensemble, Refreshments
2:30 PM: Book reading/talk and opportunity to meet the authors and purchase the book
3 PM: Musical Performance by the Oscar Kike Banquez Ensemble, Refreshments

The ABCs of Paradise Found
KAREN AMANDA TOULON, AUTHOR
Karen Amanda Toulon is an award-winning journalist, having worked with global news organizations including Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC and CBS Radio Network. She serves on the board of directors for organizations in support of global and local news. The ABCs of Paradise Found is a homage to Karen’s Caribbean ancestry and the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor. Her husband, artist Eric Rhinehart, illustrated the story. Born in London and raised in New York, Karen received her BA from Dartmouth College and her MS from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Karen and Eric have two daughters, and two Balinese cats who preside over their home in Chatham, New Jersey.
ERIC RHINEHART, ILLUSTRATOR
Eric Rhinehart is a painter, photographer, and graphic designer who has worked as an illustrator and art director for corporate clients for more than 30 years. His watercolors have been exhibited in solo and group shows in New York, New Jersey, Miami, Washington, D.C., and his hometown, Detroit.
Eric earned his BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York.
The ABCs of Paradise Found is his first book collaboration with his wife, Karen Toulon. They are working on a second book about cats and complex relationships.

KIKE BANQUEZ y SUS TAMBORES
NJ-based Oscar “Kike” Banquez is one of the leading exponents of traditional music from Colombia’s Caribbean coast living in the U.S. A gifted clarinetist and band leader, Kike cut his chops in his native Colombia, playing with Toto la Momposina among other storied tradition bearers. Now residing in Arlington, his ensemble Kike Banquez y sus Tambores, represents an important dimension of one of the nation’s fastest growing Colombian communities, located in Hudson and Essex counties respectively.

Self-Expression Through Art: A Workshop for Teens
2023-05-22 15:30 - 17:00
Trying to balance it all as a teen can feel overwhelming, and at times, difficult to put into words. Using art as a tool for expression can help to identify, manage, and cope with various sources of stress and anxiety. Join art therapist Megan Tuttle in a safe space to create and have open and honest conversations! After graduating with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Art Therapy, Tuttle began working with teens as a Behavioral Health Counselor and eventually began working with various populations providing art classes and art therapy. In all of her programs, she strives to create an environment that promotes a sense of freedom and self-discovery where there is no such thing as a “bad” emotion.
This workshop is free to the public, but registration is required. (Click here to register.) This is the fifth session in a series of six that will take place at the Art Center this spring. Teens are invited to attend as many or as few sessions as they prefer:
Monday, March 13, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 10, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 24, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 8, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 22, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, June 5, 3:30–5 PM

Deadline to Propose a Community Gallery Exhibition
2023-05-15
Attention Members! The VACNJ Members Committee is seeking exhibition proposals for works in any medium from current Art Center members. All proposals received by May 15 will be placed into consideration for the 2023–2024 exhibition season for the Art Center’s second-floor members galleries—the Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II and the Ann’s Place Gallery. For more information and for submission instructions, click here. Not a member? Click here to become one today!

Self-Expression Through Art: A Workshop for Teens
2023-05-08 15:30 - 17:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Trying to balance it all as a teen can feel overwhelming, and at times, difficult to put into words. Using art as a tool for expression can help to identify, manage, and cope with various sources of stress and anxiety. Join art therapist Megan Tuttle in a safe space to create and have open and honest conversations! After graduating with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Art Therapy, Tuttle began working with teens as a Behavioral Health Counselor and eventually began working with various populations providing art classes and art therapy. In all of her programs, she strives to create an environment that promotes a sense of freedom and self-discovery where there is no such thing as a “bad” emotion.
This workshop is free to the public, but registration is required. (Click here to register.) This is the fourth session in a series of six that will take place at the Art Center this spring. Teens are invited to attend as many or as few sessions as they prefer:
Monday, March 13, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 10, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 24, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 8, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 22, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, June 5, 3:30–5 PM

2023 Artists in Residence Application Deadline
2023-05-01
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is now accepting applications for an Artist in Residence program, which will take place from July 7–August 13. VACNJ’s Main Gallery will be transformed into a creative space for artists to reflect on their artistic practices, experiment with materials and techniques, and explore new ideas and approaches. Three artists will be invited to utilize the extensive resources at the VACNJ and engage with its surrounding communities. The public will witness the creative processes and interact with the artists in residence during talks, tours, and other events.

Shine On: 90th Anniversary Gala
2023-04-29 18:30 - 23:00

Self-Expression Through Art: A Workshop for Teens
2023-04-24 15:30 - 17:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Trying to balance it all as a teen can feel overwhelming, and at times, difficult to put into words. Using art as a tool for expression can help to identify, manage, and cope with various sources of stress and anxiety. Join art therapist Megan Tuttle in a safe space to create and have open and honest conversations! After graduating with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Art Therapy, Tuttle began working with teens as a Behavioral Health Counselor and eventually began working with various populations providing art classes and art therapy. In all of her programs, she strives to create an environment that promotes a sense of freedom and self-discovery where there is no such thing as a “bad” emotion.
This workshop is free to the public, but registration is required. (Click here to register.) This is the third session in a series of six that will take place at the Art Center this spring. Teens are invited to attend as many or as few sessions as they prefer:
Monday, March 13, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 10, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 24, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 8, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 22, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, June 5, 3:30–5 PM

Self-Expression Through Art: A Workshop for Teens
2023-04-10 15:30 - 17:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Trying to balance it all as a teen can feel overwhelming, and at times, difficult to put into words. Using art as a tool for expression can help to identify, manage, and cope with various sources of stress and anxiety. Join art therapist Megan Tuttle in a safe space to create and have open and honest conversations! After graduating with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Art Therapy, Tuttle began working with teens as a Behavioral Health Counselor and eventually began working with various populations providing art classes and art therapy. In all of her programs, she strives to create an environment that promotes a sense of freedom and self-discovery where there is no such thing as a “bad” emotion.
This workshop is free to the public, but registration is required. (Click here to register.) This is the second session in a series of six that will take place at the Art Center this spring. Teens are invited to attend as many or as few sessions as they prefer:
Monday, March 13, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 10, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 24, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 8, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 22, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, June 5, 3:30–5 PM

Spring Break Art Camp 2023
2023-04-03 - 2023-04-07 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Monday, April 3–Friday, April 7
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 in our indoor studios. This half-day camp (morning sessions for kids and afternoon sessions for tweens) will feature art-making in a small group, socially distanced environment. Please send campers with a water bottle and snack only (there will not be a lunch period) and in clothes that can get messy. Tuition: $355
Kids (ages 6–9)
8:45–9 AM: Drop-off
9 AM–12 PM: Artmaking Sessions
12–12:15 PM: Pick-up
Tweens (ages 10–12)
12:45-1 PM: Drop-off
1–4 PM: Artmaking Sessions
4-4:15 PM: Pick-up

Spring 2023 Semester Opens
2023-04-03 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States

Artist Talk: Olas Caribeñas/Caribbean Waves
2023-03-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Join us on Saturday, March 18, from 2-4 PM, for an afternoon with the exhibiting artists of Olas Caribeñas/Caribbean Waves, the Art Center’s interdisciplinary initiative exploring the visual art and folklife traditions of the Caribbean diaspora in New Jersey. We’ll tour the Art Center’s galleries, hear from the artists, and engage in a Q&A session with visitors.
In the Main Gallery, we will hear from Jairo Alfonso about his exhibition Objectscapes. Alfonso is a Cuban-born artist who has been living and working in New Jersey for nearly a decade. This exhibition is a survey of artworks created in the last 10 years that are all similarly concerned with the cultural and societal meanings of everyday objects.
In The Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Gallery, we will hear from Los Herederos, a media arts non-profit organization, who is showcasing The Sonicycle, a mobile audio-visual unit that engages communities in sharing stories, music, and cultural traditions. This interactive digital caravan is fully outfitted with a DJ turntable, speakers, audio players, a projector, and recording equipment.
Finally, we’ll hear from figurative painter Kevin Darmanie, whose painting Jack & Jill is on display in the Art Center’s Stair-gazing gallery. Born in Trinidad & Tobago, Darmanie utilizes photographs of himself and his friends to create his portraiture, referencing elements of his own life and shared experiences to inform clean narrative works which explore complex relationships between image, object, gaze, and landscape.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Self-Expression Through Art: A Workshop for Teens
2023-03-13 15:30 - 17:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Trying to balance it all as a teen can feel overwhelming, and at times, difficult to put into words. Using art as a tool for expression can help to identify, manage, and cope with various sources of stress and anxiety. Join art therapist Megan Tuttle in a safe space to create and have open and honest conversations! After graduating with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Art Therapy, Tuttle began working with teens as a Behavioral Health Counselor and eventually began working with various populations providing art classes and art therapy. In all of her programs, she strives to create an environment that promotes a sense of freedom and self-discovery where there is no such thing as a “bad” emotion.
This workshop is free to the public, but registration is required. (Click here to register.) This is the first session in a series of six that will take place at the Art Center this spring. Teens are invited to attend as many or as few sessions as they prefer:
Monday, March 13, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 10, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, April 24, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 8, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, May 22, 3:30–5 PM
Monday, June 5, 3:30–5 PM

Evening with an Artist: Jairo Alfonso
2023-02-16 18:30 - 21:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States

SAVE THE DATE: Sonicycle Community Day
2023-02-11 12:30 - 16:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
Los Herederos, a media arts non-profit organization, will showcase The Sonicycle, a mobile audio-visual unit that engages communities in sharing stories, music, and cultural traditions. This interactive digital caravan is fully outfitted with a DJ turntable, speakers, audio players, a projector, and recording equipment. Los Herederos will use The Sonicyle to record stories from artists, performers, and community members in a public event at the Art Center on Saturday, February 11, from 12:30–4 PM. They will then produce a short audio documentary reel composed of oral histories, local soundscapes, and musical performances collected by folklorist Naomi Sturm-Wijesinghe and Los Herederos.
Click here to register for this free event.

Exhibition Opening: Olas Caribeñas/Caribbean Waves
2023-01-24 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States

MLK, Jr. Day of Justice, Equality, and Service
2023-01-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ, 07901, United States
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will participate again in Summit’s 25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Justice, Equality, and Service to Others on January 16, 2023. All ages and families are welcome to come to the Art Center from 1-4 PM to make a thank you card. The cards will be mailed to organizations that do social justice work in New Jersey.
All materials and supplies will be provided. VACNJ teaching artist and art therapist Megan Tuttle will be there to assist with materials and ideas.
Click here to register for this FREE event!

Winter Semester Begins
2023-01-09
VACNJ’s winter semester begins on Monday, January 9. Click here for more information and to register.

Members’ Shows Opening: Tracey Luckner and Annette Kushen
2023-01-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join us in our second-floor community galleries as we celebrate the opening of our newest members’ shows Tracey Luckner: Abstract Landscapes—Wayfinding, on display in the Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II, and Annette Kushen: Abstracted Illusions on display in Ann’s Place Gallery.

"Ripple Effect" Last Look
2023-01-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join us on Sunday, January 8, from 2-4 PM for a last look at our fall exhibition Ripple Effect, and an informal conversation with exhibiting artists Donna Conklin King, Chris Lopez, Martha McDonald, Drew Maillard, and Katie Truk. This event is free and open to the public, so don’t miss out. Get one last look at the show that kicked off our 90th Anniversary celebration!

Winter Break Workshops for Adults
2023-01-03 - 2023-01-08
5615 Torch Enameling
Instructor: Sue Sachs
Torch enameling is a fantastic way to add vibrant colors to your copper or fine silver pieces without the need for a kiln. In this fun and direct process, watch enamels transform from powder to colorful glass as your piece changes temperature with heat from a torch. Different techniques of torch enameling will be discussed, as well as methods for setting finished pieces. No experience necessary.
Tuesday, 1/3, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $115, Materials fee: $35
5616 Pastel Pet Portraits
Instructor: Amanda Ciurciu
Calling all animal lovers! Learn the skills that it takes to capture your animal companions using an incredibly versatile medium: pastels. Following demonstrations, you will be given an in-depth education on all the aspects of rendering a variety of animals including, but not limited to, how to pick colors from reference image; the importance of color theory; and how to create texture with layering. By the end of this session, you will have all the skills it takes to create pastel masterpieces of beloved animals or even your own pet.
Wednesday, 1/4, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $115
5650 NEW! Introduction to Gouache
Instructor: Amanda Ciurciu
Learn how to paint with a vibrant, versatile, water-based medium: gouache! This workshop will introduce students to the fundamental techniques of working with gouache while encouraging them to be as creative as possible.
Thursday, 1/5, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $115, Materials fee: $35
5609 Lampworked Glass Beads
Instructor: Stephanie Maddalena
Visit Venice without leaving the studio with this popular workshop! Learn to make beautiful Venetian-glass beads using glass rods and a hand-held torch.
Saturday & Sunday, 1/7 & 1/8, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $225, Materials fee: $65
5614 NEW! Practical Color Theory
Instructor: Sandy Ruda
Expand your knowledge of color theory and become a more confident painter! Learn about color schemes and gain hands-on practice with color mixing. Terms such as hue, value, saturation, and temperature will be discussed as they relate to painting. Through demonstrated step-by-step exercises we will put all of these concepts into practice as we study the most common problems artists face when choosing and mixing colors. Although we will be working with acrylic paints in this workshop, artists of any color medium such as oils, pastels, colored pencil, and watercolor will benefit from what is covered.
Saturday, 1/7, 10 AM–2 PM
Tuition: $95, Materials fee: $35
5652 NEW! Painting the Colors of Winter in Watercolor
Instructor: Mark de Mos
Creating a successful winter scene in watercolor is an exercise in both visual observation and careful color application. The whites in a snow scene are in reality very colorful, as the snow reflects the light source and other objects, while also allowing for shadows of varying shades and tints. This workshop will cover the basics of creating snow scenes from your own reference photos— photos can be snow-free and the instructor will demonstrate how to add snow to the scene! An optional technique to replicate falling snow using gouache will also be covered.
Sunday, 1/8, 10 AM–4 PM
Tuition: $115

Winter Break Workshops for Kids & Tweens
2022-12-27 - 2022-12-29
Give the kid or tween in your life the gift of creativity this winter season! In each session, young artists will learn a variety of art techniques while creating fun winter-themed projects.
Clay Snowmen Sculptures (ages 6–9)
Tuesday, December 27, 10–11:30 AM
Penguins in Paint and Pastel (ages 10–13)
Tuesday, December 27, 10–11:30 AM
Snowy Day Painting (ages 6–9)
Wednesday, December 28, 10–11:30 AM
Clay Treasure Boxes (ages 10–13)
Wednesday, December 28, 10–11:30 AM
Bejeweled Holiday Tree (ages 6–11)
AM Session: Thursday, December 29, 10 AM–12 PM
PM Session: Thursday, December 29, 1–3 PM
Winter Bird House Mixed Media (ages 10–13)
Thursday, December 29, 10–11:30 AM
