New Jersey Arts Incubator (NJAI), a new arts nonprofit, is hosting its premier fundraiser, “Celebrate to Elevate,” on October 5 at 862 Route 518 in Montgomery Township. While the focus of the fundraiser is introducing NJAI and its mission to support the arts in the community, the event will also feature several prominent local artists, and present the launch of NJAI’s inaugural public art project, “Barn Quilts of Central Jersey.”

NJAI has a dual mission. First, to elevate working artists through the “incubation” of artist brand identity, business development, strategic relationships, and strengthening avenues of revenue so that working artists can thrive and continue to be vibrant contributors to their communities. Secondarily, the NJAI is committed to more directly elevating the arts in the community by hosting hands-on arts classes for a range of populations, from youth to adult amateurs, from high school portfolio preparation to programs for seniors.

“Incubators aren’t just for the technology and science industries,” said Karen Tuveson, founder and president of the New Jersey Arts Incubator. “Just like other small business owners, artists require support, guidance, and nurturing to create businesses that are financially viable. NJAI was established to address the needs of the professional artist and to create a nurturing environment for artists of all skill levels to realize their potential.”

Tuveson’s own path as a professional artist includes establishing and being the driving force behind the Montgomery Arts Council, a subcommittee of Montgomery Township’s Economic Development Commission. After almost four years and seven juried community art exhibits, Tuveson realized that in addition to hosting events and the natural extension of sponsoring arts classes, she saw an unmet need in providing industry-specific programming for artists. With both formal classes and affordable studio/gallery space, it is her goal to enable artists to flourish in a rapidly evolving landscape.

For its first project, the New Jersey Arts Incubator is sponsoring a collaborative public art project that combines the creativity and diversity of regional artists with private agri-businesses, barn owners, and historical as well as cultural nonprofit organizations to create a “Barn Quilt Trail of Central Jersey.” Creating one-of-a-kind, colorful, quilt-inspired pieces on board, to be mounted on the exterior of barns throughout the area, will develop a vibrant ‘trail’ throughout the community meant to tell the story of the region.

Township Committee member Devra Keenan said, “We’re excited to see the development of an open-air public art project that celebrates Central Jersey’s rich agricultural history, as well as the cultures of the people who have contributed to it.”

The New Jersey Arts Incubator is accepting inquiries from community members who are interested in volunteering at admin@NJArtsIncubator.org.

“Celebrate to Elevate” will kick off on October 5 with a VIP mixology reception at 6 p.m.; general admission begins at 7 p.m. including light fare, cocktails, music, and art-making. Tickets are $75 individual / $150 VIP.

For more information, visit NJArtsIncubator.org.