June 27, 2018

JONAH HISTORICALLY REGARDED (DOME): Frank Stella (1936 —), hand colored etching, aquatint, relief, engraving, screenprint and stencil on paper, 186.69 cm x 134.62 cm. Addison Gallery of American Art, Tyler Graphics Ltd. 1974-2001 Collection, given in honor of Frank Stella, 2003.44.300 /©2017 Frank Stella/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NewYork.

On the hither side of Pittsfield sits Herman Melville, shaping out the gigantic conception of his white whale, while the gigantic shape of Greylock looms upon him from his study-window.

—Nathaniel Hawthorne, from The Wonder Book

By Stuart Mitchner

In a December 1850 letter to a friend penned while he was “shaping” the book that became Moby Dick, Melville writes, “I look out of my window in the morning when I rise as I would out of a port-hole of a ship in the Atlantic. My room seems a ship’s cabin; & at nights when I wake up & hear the wind shrieking, I almost fancy there is too much sail on the house, and I had better go on the roof and rig in the chimney.” more

“PORTRAIT OF BEN WHITMIRE”: Elizabeth Ruggles’ painting is featured in “Airing Out the Attic,” an exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Cadwalader Park. It runs July 11 through September 9, with an opening reception on Saturday, July 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

When the Trenton City Museum opened its doors to the public in 1978, it had already acquired a small collection of decorative art and historical objects, and a few pieces of fine art. Over the last 40 years, the collection has grown to comprise nearly six thousand objects including more than 250 works of fine art, both donated and purchased. more

“TANIS” RETURNS: Daniel Garber’s painting has returned to the Michener Art Museum from its home at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and will remain on view at the Michener through December 30. Philanthropists Marguerite and H. F. Gerry Lenfest presented “Tanis” as a gift to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the stipulation that the painting be returned on loan to the Michener Art Museum every three years.

In 2011, Philadelphia-area philanthropists Marguerite and H. F. Gerry Lenfest presented Tanis as a gift to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the stipulation that the painting be returned on loan to the Michener Art Museum for three months every three years. This year marks its second return under that agreement. Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest are longtime supporters of the Michener Art Museum, which is recognized for its world-class collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings — many of them donated to the museum by the Lenfests — as well as its commitment to preserving and presenting the work of other Delaware Valley artists of all eras and creative disciplines. more

June 20, 2018

“AFTERNOON, AFTER DARK”: Joseph Zogorski’s photograph “Schoodic After Dark,” above, and Richard Harrington’s painting “Z28,” below, are featured at their joint show at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. “Afternoon, After Dark” runs July 5 through August 5, with an opening reception on Saturday, July 14 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Artists Richard Harrington and Joseph Zogorski have announced the opening of their joint show, “Afternoon, After Dark,” on Thursday, July 5, at Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville.

The exhibit, which runs through Sunday, August 5, features watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paintings by Harrington, and both color and black and white archival pigment prints representing Zogorski’s photography.  more

June 13, 2018

“RED SPOTTED NEWT”: Janice Annunziata’s photograph was selected as the winner of the Delaware River Basin’s (DRBC) Spring 2018 Photo Contest. The DRBC’s seasonal photo contest was founded to highlight amateur and professional photography representing the beauty, diversity, function, and significance of the water resources of the Delaware River Basin.

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) has announced that Janice Annunziata’s photograph, titled “Red Spotted Newt,” was chosen as the winner of the commission’s Spring 2018 Photo Contest. Twenty-two photographs were submitted by 15 individuals for the contest. more

“THE UNIVERSE IS A GREEN DRAGON”: D&R Greenway Land Trust presents a special exhibition by award-winning environmental artist Cameron (Cami) Davis. “Cosmophilia” will be on view June 21 through July 25 in D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center in Princeton. A reception and lecture are on Thursday, June 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

For a limited time only, D&R Greenway Land Trust is presenting a special exhibition by award-winning environmental artist Cameron (Cami) Davis. “Cosmophiliawill be on view June 21 through July 25 in D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. There will be a reception and lecture on Thursday, June 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m. RSVP at rsvp@drgreenway.org.  more

June 6, 2018

“SMALL WORLD”: Nikon’s annual “Small World” photomicrography competition features photographic images showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through a microscope. Dr. Bram van den Broek of The Netherlands Cancer Institute took first place in this year’s competition for his photo of a skin cell expressing an excessive amount of keratin. The top 20 images are on view at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton Through July 15.

The New Jersey State Museum is presenting Nikon “Small World” exhibition through July 15. “Small World” is Nikon’s annual photomicrography competition, featuring photographic images showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through a microscope. The top 20 images are included in the exhibition, which is on view adjacent to the Planetarium lobby.  more

“YELLOW EXTRACTION”: This painting by Charles Evans is featured in “American Moderns: The Legacy of Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest,” running through October 21 at the James A. Michener Art Museum is Doylestown, Pa. A gallery talk is Thursday, June 7 at 3 p.m.

The James A. Michener Art Museum presents “American Moderns: The Legacy of Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest,” an exhibition that showcases the gifts of the Lenfest family and explores their lasting impact on the museum’s legacy. “American Moderns” will be on view through October 21. more

May 30, 2018

“CONTINUUM”: Illia Barger will give an artist presentation at the West Windsor Arts Council’s Art of the Pour event on Saturday, June 16, from 4-7 p.m. at the West Windsor Arts Center. Barger is known for her many murals in the Princeton and Trenton area as well as for her flower paintings. The mural pictured here can be found in downtown Princeton.

The West Windsor Arts Council (WWAC) presents its second annual Art of the Pour event featuring wine education, tastings, and an artist presentation on Saturday, June 16 from 4-7 p.m. at the West Windsor Arts Center. This year the WWAC is joined by Illia Barger, known for her many murals in the Princeton and Trenton area as well as her masterful flower paintings.  more

The work of multimedia artist Swoon and others is featured in “Multiple Ones: Contemporary Perspectives in Printmedia.” Now at the Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton, the exhibition runs until September 2.

May 23, 2018

“TOTEM WINTER WREN”: This watercolor by Beatrice Bork is featured in “Joy of Nature,” a joint exhibit with artist Carol Sanzalone, running June 7 through July 1 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception with the artists will be held on Saturday, June 9 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Fine artists Beatrice Bork and Carol Sanzalone will exhibit paintings expressing their personal visions of the splendor of nature in the featured artists exhibit at the Artists’ Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, in Lambertville. Their paintings, celebrating the “Joy of Nature,” combine images of Bork’s admiration of animals and Sanzalone’s sense of place through color and texture. They will be on exhibit from June 7 to July 1. more

“LADY WITH BLUE BIRD”: This mixed media collage by Susan Winter of Hightstown is featured in “Mercer County Artists 2018,” at the MCCC Gallery through July 9.  The show includes 28 pieces by 21 county artists. An awards reception takes place Wednesday, May 23 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The talents of 21 Mercer County artists are on display at the Gallery at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) in “Mercer County Artists 2018,” which runs through July 9. The Gallery at Mercer is located on the second floor of the Communications Building on Mercer’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. more

“SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA, ICELAND”: This photo by Michael A. Smith is featured in “View Finders: Four Photographic Voices,” an exhibition showcasing the work of four photographers from the Delaware Valley. “View Finders” is at the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., from May 26 to August 26.

Beginning May 26, the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., will present “View Finders: Four Photographic Voices,” an exhibition showcasing the contemporary work of four photographers in the Delaware Valley: Paula Chamlee, Catherine Jansen, Brian H. Peterson, and Michael A. Smith. “View Finders” will be open through August 26. more

May 16, 2018

“BARBARA SIGMUND”: This stitched fabric page by Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert is part of the “Interwoven Stories International” exhibit, on view in the Arts Council of Princeton’s Taplin Gallery at 102 Witherspoon Street through June 23.

The Arts Council of Princeton presents “Interwoven Stories International,” three-hole fabric pages, stitched with memories, places, and people, speaking to the generosity, diversity, spirit, commitment and creativity of an international stitching community. more

SMALL WORKS ART SHOW: Artist Paul Hoffman, a native of Hunterdon County, will be painting at the Small Works Art Show at 123 Main Street in Flemington on May 19 and 20. The art show will benefit Friends of Historic Flemington, which is working to preserve historic buildings in the town.

“Interested in original art by area artists? Come to the Small Works Art Show, and support local history at the same time,” says Catherine Langley, co-chair of the event, which will benefit Friends of Historic Flemington.

The show and sale will be Saturday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 20 from noon to 6 p.m., at 123 Main Street, Flemington. An artists’ reception is planned for Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m., with live music and refreshments. The public is welcome. more

This oil painting by Merrilee Drakulich is featured in “Layers of the Earth: From Core to Cloud,” on exhibit at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center in Princeton through June 15. A reception is Friday, May 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

May 9, 2018

“THE CABIN, AHAB, AND STARBUCK”: “Frank Stella Unbound: Literature and Printmaking,” at the Princeton University Art Museum from May 19 to September 23, focuses on the role of literature in Frank Stella’s innovative printmaking. The exhibit commemorates the 60th reunion of Stella, PU Class of 1958.

Between 1984 and 1999, American artist Frank Stella executed four groundbreaking print series — each taking its inspiration from a literary text: Had Gadya, Italian Folktales, Moby-Dick, and the Dictionary of Imaginary Places. In the process, his creative practice evolved to create prints of unprecedented scale and complexity, through which he both achieved a technical and expressive milestone in fine-art printmaking and transformed his visual language in all media. more

“FIRST DANCE”: This painting by Diane Greenberg has been accepted for the “Ellarslie Open 35,” annual juried exhibit at the Trenton City Museum. The exhibit runs through July 1, with a Gallery Talk with award-winning artists on Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m.

The Trenton Museum Society has announced the works accepted for the “Ellarslie Open 35,” now on display at the Trenton City Museum through July 1. The “Ellarslie Open” annual juried exhibit continues a long tradition of supporting area artists and bringing the finest in visual art to patrons and visitors. more

“FANTASY”: The works of Gail Bracegirdle, shown here, and Alla Podolsky are featured in “Life as We See It,” an exhibit at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville running May 10 through June 3. An artists’ reception will be held on Saturday, May 12, from 4 to 8 p.m.

“Life as We See It,” a new exhibit of works by Gail Bracegirdle and Alla Podolsky, opens at the Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville on May 10 and runs through June 3. A reception will be held on Saturday, May 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. more

May 2, 2018

MAGNOLIA GLASS: This fused glass window by Karen Caldwell will be on view at the Sunflower Glass Studio in Stockton during the Sunflower & Friends Open Studio Tour on May 5 and 6 in Stockton. The event is in support of the annual Hunterdon Art Tour.

Sunflower Glass Studio in Stockton is participating in this year’s Hunterdon Art Tour, and Karen and Geoff Caldwell, makers of fused and stained glass windows, have invited artist friends from the Delaware River Valley area to set up booths surrounding their studio. “The Hunterdon Art Tour is an exciting venue connecting so many wonderful artists who live in our county,” says Karen Caldwell. “I wanted to make our location special and inviting for people, so I invited some very dear friends to participate with us.” Sunflower and Friends Open Studio Tour is May 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  more

“REVOLUTION”: This original watercolor was donated by artist Leon Rainbow for the Tombola lottery at the Arts Council of Princeton’s spring art and wine benefit, Pinot to Picasso, to be held on Friday, May 18. This year’s theme is “Vintage 1968: Vinyl & Velvet,” in honor of ACP’s 50th anniversary.

In celebration of the Arts Council of Princeton’s (ACP) 50th year, the theme of their signature spring art and wine benefit, Pinot to Picasso, is “Vintage 1968: Vinyl & Velvet.” The “art party” will take place on Friday, May 18, 6-10 p.m. at the Technology Center of Princeton, 330 Carter Road. Approximately 400 guests are expected to attend the celebration to include a salon-style exhibition, gourmet tastings from local restaurants, wines from around the world, and dancing. more

April 25, 2018

CREATIVITY, FOOD, AND FUN: The Arts Council of Princeton’s Communiversity ArtsFest is set for this Sunday, April 29, 1-6 p.m., featuring seven stages of continuous live entertainment and more than 200 booths. (Photo Courtesy of the Arts Council of Princeton)

By Donald Gilpin

Princeton is looking forward to welcoming more than 40,000 visitors for the 48th annual Communiversity ArtsFest this Sunday, April 29, from 1-6 p.m.

With artists, art activities, continuous live performances on seven stages, more than 200 booths, and a wide array of foods and entertainments, Communiversity is presented by the Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) in collaboration with the students of Princeton University and the town of Princeton.  more

ARTS AND CRAFTS: This year’s Morven in May craft and plant sale weekend will feature the work of 36 contemporary craft artists from around the U.S. Clockwise, from top left, are works from Stephen Zeh, basketry; Erin Wilson, decorative fiber; Rick Laufer, furniture; and Paul Eshelman, ceramics. Held at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton, the event is open to the public on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In early May each year, Morven Museum & Garden welcomes 36 contemporary craft artists from around the U.S. for its Morven in May, a craft and plant sale weekend raising funds for the organization. 

Lena Stringari, deputy director of The Guggenheim Museum, selected this year’s exhibitors, whose exquisite work in glass, ceramics, wood, decorative and wearable fiber, jewelry, furniture, metal, and basketry will be displayed in gallery-style booths under a grand tent on the museum’s Great Lawn, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton. more

“ATTIC CHAIR”: This oil painting by Heather Barros is part of “Humanesque,” running May 4 through May 22 at The Present Day Club in Princeton. The exhibition features work by the local artists’ collective Art+10. An artists’ reception will be held on Friday, May 4 from 5-7 p.m.

The art show “Humanesque” opens May 4 and runs through May 22 at The Present Day Club, 72 Nassau Street, Princeton, and features work by the local artists’ collective Art+10. Exhibition hours will be 2-4 p.m. weekdays, except Wednesdays. An artists’ reception will be held Friday, May 4 from 5-7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.  more

April 18, 2018

This acrylic and oil painting called “Meng’s Land” by Chung-Fan Chang will be on display at the West Windsor Arts Center’s exhibition “Cross Cultural Currents” along with work by four other Chinese-American artists who are also faculty at colleges and universities throughout NJ.

The West Windsor Arts Center will present “Cross Cultural Currents,” an exhibition showcasing four Chinese American artists, who are also professors at four New Jersey-based colleges and universities, from April 30 through June 22. The exhibition, which features the works of Chung-Fan Chang, Zhiyuan Cong, LiQin Tan, and Jing Zhou, highlights the cultural influences on their art. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, May 6, from 4-6 p.m. more