Membership

Members like you allow the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to be a cultural gem within our community. We are the state’s preeminent institution dedicated exclusively to showcasing, making, and learning about contemporary art.

Our members represent the heart and soul of all that we do. Be sure to check out these exciting new benefits for our members—one of the ways we show our appreciation for YOU!

Haga clic aquí para leer la información de membresía en español.

Basic Membership Includes:

• Unlimited free gallery admission
• Eligibility for exhibition opportunities
• Members-only tuition rate on Studio School classes
• Discounted admission to selected special events and programs
• Discounts on exhibition catalogs

Exciting New Benefits

• Invitation to VIP Exhibition Openings (all membership levels)
• New Neighbor Promotion (Introduce us to a new neighbor and we’ll offer them a free 3-month family membership, all membership levels)
• Class Registration Priority (Family +)
• Special Swag Bag (Friends +)
• Priority Access to Exclusive Artist Events & Tours (Contributor +)
• One-Year Subscription to Artforum Magazine (Supporter +)
• Exclusive tours of Kean University’s Art Exhibition (check your email for details)

Please note: You do not need a membership to take classes.

Become Part of the Art Center’s Members Committee

The VACNJ Members Committee is looking for three new candidates! The Members Committee is a group of members who select artwork for exhibitions in the community galleries and organize the annual Members Art Show & Collectors Week. The Committee’s mission is to provide a forum for Art Center students and members to display their work to the public in a manner that showcases the quality, professionalism, and caliber of each participant and is rewarding and festive, as well as an asset to the community.

If you have questions, contact Executive Director Melanie Cohn at mcohn@artcenternj.org. Applications are due on April 1, 2023.

Exhibition Opportunities

The Art Center offers a series of exclusive opportunities throughout the year for member artists, which are overseen by the Members Committee.  The Members Committee has three signature programs: an annual member’s exhibition in our Main Gallery; member exhibitions in the Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II; and The Summit Downtown Art Festival, in collaboration with Summit Downtown, which takes place in September. (Haga clic aquí para leer las instrucciones de entrada en español.)

Members Art Show & Collectors Week

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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).
5. All artworks must be family-friendly in content. The Art Center retains the right to refuse an artwork for any reason.
6. 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.
7. Sold work can only be picked up by the purchaser during the designated pick-up times listed above.
8. Any artwork not picked up by 5 PM on Tuesday, June 27 becomes the property of the Art Center.