Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Raises a Record-Breaking Amount at Art Empowers Gala

A close-up of an elegantly set round dining table with white linens and teal napkins, featuring a colorful watercolor program booklet reading 'art EMPOWERS! 2026 Spring Gala' from the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, surrounded by silver cutlery and crystal glassware.Summit, NJ (May 8, 2026)—On Saturday, April 25, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) held its annual spring gala at Canoe Brook Country Club, hosting more than 200 guests, donors, and sponsors in a celebration of the arts. The signature event raised a record-breaking $378,000 to support the Art Center’s powerful arts programming. “Our annual gala is always a powerful reminder of the incredible community we have at the Art Center,” said Samantha Davis, VACNJ Director of Development and Communications. “This year’s theme, ‘Art Empowers,’ rang true throughout the night as our guests shared what art means to them through their stories and their generosity. We’re deeply grateful that so many people chose to continue supporting our mission and know that their gifts will allow us to continue empowering through art.” The funds raised will advance VACNJ’s mission to bring the life-changing power of art to those who need it most—students in the Elizabeth Public Schools, individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, veterans finding healing through creativity, and families discovering joy together in the Art Center’s galleries.

Two people pose together in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop for the 'art EMPOWERS! 2026 Spring Gala' presented by the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, with sponsors Chubb and Brown & Brown Risk visible. The man on the left holds a glass award trophy.

Gala Honoree Dylan Baker with Gala Chair Lisa Butler.

The evening featured music, delicious food and drinks, a silent art auction showcasing more than 50 artists, and a live auction overseen by Auctioneer Emily Longley. The Art Center recognized former VACNJ Board member Dylan Baker as its 2026 honoree and awarded its ninth annual Changemaker Award to former VACNJ Director of Education & Community Engagement Sarah Walko for her years of work in the arts.

Two women stand together holding a glass award trophy in front of the 'art EMPOWERS! 2026 Spring Gala' backdrop. The award is from the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Sponsors Chubb and Brown & Brown Risk are visible in the background.

Changemaker Award Winner Sarah Walko with VACNJ Executive Director Melanie Cohn.

Lisa Butler chaired the event. Gala committee members included Rebecca Almog, Christine Aschwald, Susan Cagnassola, Estelle Fournier, Risa Fridy, Amy Mahoney Harris, Suzanne Henry, Jodi Hiller, Anamaria Llanos, Deborah Schwarzmann, Rachel Wilf.

Diamond sponsors for the evening included: Lisa Butler; Susan & Mike Cagnassola; Anne & RJ Grissinger; and Rachel & Jonathan Wilf. Platinum sponsors included: Elizabeth and James Rubinstein; and Audrey and Zygi Wilf. Gold sponsors included: Cambridge Wines;; Chubb and Brown & Brown | Risk Strategies; Clune Construction Company LP; Elizabeth Winterbottom Team; Amy & Clint Harris; Briana King & Chris Joralemon; and Murray Hill Tennis. Silver sponsors included: Acquire Gallery; Julie & Greg Adams; Jodi & Jeff Hiller; Grier & Michael Hynes; Lorraine & Peter Kelly; Amy Knight; Lear Bray Team; Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.; Neuberger Berman; Emily Rawdon & Mica Willis; Isabel Ribeiro & Diego Rotsztain; Deborah & Fred Schwarzmann; and Jess Van Nostrand & Mike Smith. Bronze sponsors included: Sally & Tom Abbott; Christine & Eric Aschwald; Heather & Elliot Braun; Michaela & Jeff Christie; Millie Cooper; Estelle Fournier, Partner in Art LLC; Dr. Risa Fridy and Tribeca Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine; Terri & Mark Friedman; Suzanne & Dean Henry; Eleanor Lear; Anamaria LLanos; Brett Oberman; Amy & Mitchell Radin; André Renaudo; TD Bank; Claire Toth & David Dietz; Greg Vargas & Dan Crisafulli; and Eden Wells & Jason Rodman. Community Sponsors included: Associates International; Gillis Consulting for Arts & Culture; Jennifer & Michael Markovitz; Otterstedt Insurance Agency; Samantha Pozner, MD / Summit Springfield Family Medicine; The Schmitt Group of Raymond James; Renee Stene; and Tea & Oranges.

A panoramic view of a silent auction art exhibition inside an elegant event venue, with dozens of framed artworks displayed on white wire grid panels along a windowed wall. Two attendees browse the artwork on the right side of the room, and a teal-accented cocktail table is visible on the left.