The Garden Theatre will bring the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) to Princeton on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22. The short films of the festival expose young people to cinema from around the world. The festival debuted at the Garden last year as part of $5 Family Matinees.

The NYICFF was founded in 1997 and “is rooted in the belief of film as a path for young people to understand themselves and others,” according to its mission. Films chosen for the festival span diverse genres, cultures, and geographies, with “the most beloved, audience favorite and award-winning films” selected to tour around the country at museums, libraries, and independent cinemas like the Garden. This year’s showcase features films such as Coquille from France, and Little Fan from Germany. more

George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick has announced its roster of plays for the coming season. On the schedule are What the Constitution Means to Me, Gene and Gilda, Small, King James, and The Shark is Broken.

What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck opens the season September 24-October 13. The play delves into the relevance of the U.S. Constitution, and how in touch it is with today’s society. Next, from December 3-22 is Cary Gitter’s Gene and Gilda, which explores the love story of comedians Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. Robert Montano’s Small is about the misunderstood life of being a jockey, touching on family, racism, and addiction. The play runs January 14-18, 2025.

King James, by Rajiv Joseph, is a drama focused on two basketball fans’ friendship, drastic life changes, and the paths that could divide them. The play runs March 18-22. Closing the season April 29-May 3 is The Shark is Broken, by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon. The play dives into the making of the iconic film Jaws, as through the eyes of its stars Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw (Ian Shaw is Robert Shaw’s son). The play is directed by David Saint.

All shows are in the Arthur Laurents Theater at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, 11 Livingston Avenue. Visit georgestreetplayhouse.org for ticket information.

“FIRST LIGHT”: This work is part of “Here and Now,” a solo exhibition featuring the latest paintings by Robert Beck, on view at Morpeth Contemporary in Hopwell September 14 through October 6.  Beck will be part of the exhibition opening reception on Friday, September 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“Here and Now,” an exclusive solo exhibition featuring the latest paintings by Robert Beck, will be on view September 14 to October 6 at Morpeth Contemporary, 43 West Broad Street, Hopewell. This event marks Beck’s first solo exhibition since his acclaimed retrospective at the Michener Art Museum.  Receptions are on Friday, September 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 14, 1 to 3 p.m.

Beck, a pivotal figure and a leading voice in the Bucks County, Pa., art and cultural heritage, continues to explore the substance of contemporary life through his iconic and expressive oil paintings. His narrative-driven pieces, capturing unique but ever-present moments, have garnered Beck solo exhibits at three major museums. more

“GOD”: Stephanie Magdziak of Princeton is shown with her large-scale drawing that was named Best in Show at the Trenton City Museum’s “Ellarslie Open 41. The exhibition is on view through October 6, and a Juror’s Talk is on Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Kimberly Camp

The juror of Trenton City Museum’s annual “Ellarslie Open,” Kimberly Camp, will give a Juror’s Talk about the 2024 show on Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, located in historic Cadwalader Park. Refreshments will follow the talk and Q&A. Reserve for $25 or $20 for museum members at ellarslie.org/eo41-jurors-talk.

After reviewing 550 entries in the categories of sculpture, painting, works on paper, photography, and digital art, Camp selected 110 pieces by 94 artists for the annual showcase. During her Juror’s Talk, Camp will discuss her process for jurying and for selecting award-winners. Camp awarded Best in Show to Stephanie Magdziak of Princeton for her large-scale drawing GOD. The exhibiting artists, award winners, and online gallery can be viewed at ellarslie.org/eo41. The show is on view online and in the museum through October 6. more

“PEONIES, PANSIES, AND BADGER”: Janine Dunn Wade, whose work is shown here, has been named Honored Artist of the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill,” on view September 21 to October 27 at the historic mill in New Hope, Pa.

Doylestown, Pa.-based artist Janine Dunn Wade has been named Honored Artist of the “95th Juried Art Show at Phillips’ Mill.” She describes the honor as a “dream come true.” Wade has been a contributor to the art show for more than 30 years.

Born in New York City, Dunn Wade received her B.F.A. from Villanova University in 1981, and studied abroad in Paris, Italy, and Mexico. Her work has been widely exhibited, and she has received awards from Phillips’ Mill, the Coryell Gallery, and the American Impressionist Society, among others.  more

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University–New Brunswick has announced its schedule of free public programs for the fall of 2024, as well as new member experiences. Such favorites as SparkNight, Último Domingo, Art Together, Study Break, and artist talks return, with the addition of monthly highlight tours. Events take place at the Zimmerli, 71 Hamilton Street New Brunswick, unless otherwise noted. For complete details and updates, visit zimmerli.rutgers.edu/events.

The season kicks off with the Fall Opening Reception on Saturday, September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m., which is free and open to the public. Guests can meet Amanda Cachia, guest curator for this fall’s major exhibition, “Smoke & Mirrors.” Cachia selected 14 contemporary artists with disabilities from across the globe who conceptualize access through humor, antagonism, transparency, and invisibility. She developed this unprecedented exhibition to showcase work by artists who are underrepresented in museums, while also encouraging visitors with disabilities and their allies to become active participants in telling their own stories.  more

West Windsor Arts has announced a schedule of exhibitions for the upcoming year, including its popular Off the Wall Juried Art Show, which is on display each year during their Holiday Market of unique items. These sister shows feature works of original art and handmade items for sale by local artists and artisans, just in time for the holiday season.

“Last year, a sizable number of artists sold their work during the Holiday Market and Art Show. We encourage artists who are looking not only to sell their work in a consignment-style format, but also to be part of a thriving network of artists and art enthusiasts to keep an eye on our upcoming event. We also host community-driven performances throughout the year, and sponsor an artist in residence once a year,” said Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts.

“West Windsor Arts is committed to offering a variety of opportunities for artists of all types to display their works, and their talents, throughout the year,” added Green. “We have built an active community of local artists who have been able to elevate their careers while also enhancing the quality of our programming.” more

MUSIC AND PROJECTION: The first event in the annual Princeton University Concerts series will feature Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, performing against a background by visual artist Kevork Mourad, in “Home Within,” focusing in Syria’s history. (Photo by Piotr Poloczanski)

The Princeton University Concerts (PUC) 2024-25 Season will open on Thursday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium with the first event of the “Healing with Music” series. Making their PUC debuts, Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and visual artist Kevork Mourad will present Home Within, their production featuring original music by the clarinetist and live projected illustration depicting specific moments in Syria’s recent history.

They will also be joined by moderator Deborah Amos, international correspondent for National Public Radio and a Princeton University professor in Journalism, to discuss their work and war’s impact on our sense of “home.” Created in 2012 with the intention of raising awareness for Syrian refugees, Home Within has been performed across the world for over a decade as the conflict persists. Tickets are $25 general/$10 student. more

ONE NIGHT ONLY: “The Life and Music of George Michael” comes to State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on September 22.

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Life and Music of George Michael on Sunday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $29-$89.

The new concert-style show chronicles the journey George Michael had with music and his fans while capturing the performance and sound of the musical sensation with concert style staging and lighting.

“Get ready to relive the magic of George Michael’s music in a way you’ve never experienced before,” said producer Ralph Schmidtke. “The Life and Music of George Michael will take fans on a captivating ride through the incredible legacy of this musical icon while listening to all the songs they have come to love over the years.” more

BACK AT RICHARDSON: Violinist Aubree Oliverson is the soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra on the inaugural weekend of its 2024-25 season at Richardson Auditorium. Rossen Milanov conducts. (Photo by Nick Bayless)

On September 14-15, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) opens its 2024-25 season celebrating Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov’s 60th birthday. Violinist Aubree Oliverson makes her debut with the PSO as soloist in performances of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35. Also on the program are Gemma Peacocke’s Manta, performed with members of the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey, and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98.

Milanov conducts the concerts on Saturday, September 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 15 at 4 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium. He also hosts a 3 p.m. pre-concert talk, free to ticket holders, before the Sunday performance. more

EN FRANCAIS: Nasi Voutsas, left, and Bertrand Lesca in “L’Addition” by Tim Etchells, part of the “Seuls en Scene” French Theater Festival at Princeton University September 12 to 22. (Photo by Christophe Raynaud de Lage)

Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, Department of French and Italian, and L’Avant-Scène will present the 13th edition of Seuls en Scène French Theater Festival from September 12 to 22 at venues across the University’s campus. Most performances and talks will be in French, some with English supertitles. All events are free and open to the public, however tickets are required for performances.

Seuls en Scène ushers in the 24th season of L’Avant-Scène, a French theater troupe of Princeton students. It also celebrates professional theatrical achievements from the past year: many of the invited artists to Seuls en Scène are prominent contributors to contemporary theater in France. The festival is organized by Florent Masse, professor of the practice in the Department of French and Italian and artistic director of L’Avant-Scène, and presented in collaboration with the 53rd Edition of Festival d’Automne in Paris and new partner Festival d’Avignon. more

“ANGEL OF THE GRASSLAND”: This photograph by Rebecca DePorte of Princeton was named Best in Show, non-professional, in the 2024 Mercer County Senior Art Show, on view through September 9 at The Conference Center at Mercer on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus. 

A professional juror has selected the winners from 136 entries in this year’s Mercer County Senior Art Show, which is being held through September 9 at The Conference Center at Mercer on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus. The exhibition can also be viewed at mercercounty.org.

Each year, the Mercer County Office on Aging and the Division of Culture and Heritage partner to produce the Mercer County Senior Art Show. All first-place winners from the County show will advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show, which will be held in October. more

“NOVEMBER LIGHT”: This oil painting by William Christine is part of “William Christine/YARD WORK,” on view September 5-29 at the John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown. An opening reception is on September 7 from 5-8 p.m.

“William Christine/YARD WORK,” a solo exhibition featuring oil paintings and watercolors by Bethlehem, Pa.-based painter and teacher William Christine, will be on view September 5-29 at the John Schmidtberger SFA Gallery in Frenchtown. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 7 from 5-8 p.m.

Christine received his MFA degree from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. He has taught at Messiah College, De Sales University, and Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and Parsons School of Design in New York. In 2003 he was honored with a solo exhibition of his Grand Canyon paintings at the Allentown Art Museum. This is his first exhibit at SFA Gallery.

SFA Gallery is located at 10 Bridge Street in Frenchtown. Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. and by appointment.

For more information, visit sfagallery.com or call (908) 268-1700.

“BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK”: This acrylic on canvas work by Linda Gilbert is featured in “Visions,” her solo exhibition on view September 6 through September 27 at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury.

The Cranbury Arts Council will present the paintings of Linda Gilbert in “Visions” September 6 through September 27 at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury.

Gilbert is the chairperson of the Gourgaud Gallery and has been a member of the Cranbury Arts Council since 2011. This is her fifth solo show, and the third solo show at the Gourgaud Gallery. more

“Pastel Perspectives: An Exploration of the Sourlands Mountain Region,” featuring paintings by Julia Doemland, will be on view at The Present Day Club, 72 Stockton Street. An opening reception is on Friday, September 6 from 5-7 p.m., and after that the exhibition will be open to the public every Friday from 12-5 p.m. through October 4.

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.  more

COMING FROM SCOTLAND: The Tannahill Weavers mix traditional Celtic music with rock and roll, bringing the highland pipes into the mix. They will perform at Christ Congregation Church on Friday, September 20 at 8 p.m.

The Princeton Folk Music Society opens its 2024-25 season with the Scottish folk rock group The Tannahill Weavers, coming to Christ Congregation Church on Friday, September 20 at 8 p.m.

The band features a combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and three-part vocal harmonies. They are known for being the first Scottish folk group to incorporate an instrument long thought to be too loud to play with other traditional folk instruments: the highland pipes. more

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico comes to State Theatre New Jersey on Friday, September 13 at 8 p.m. Since the 1960s, the salsa orchestra has showcased the culture of Puerto Rico with more than 70 albums and numerous appearances. The six-piece band has earned a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award, among other honors. Tickets are $39-$229. The State Theatre is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit Stnj.org.

AMERICAN PIE AND MORE: Don McLean brings his “Starry Starry Night Tour” to New Brunswick on September 21.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Don McLean — Starry Starry Night Tour on Saturday, September 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $34-$89.

McLean is a Grammy Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named a Top 5 song of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). more

“ROSEDALE LAKE TREES”: This work by Susan Hockaday was featured in the Mercer County Photography 2022 exhibition. The entry day for this year’s exhibition is on Saturday, October 5 at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park. The 2024 exhibition will be on view October 12 through December 1.

Photographers who live, work, or study in Mercer County are invited to enter up to two photographs for consideration in the juried Mercer County Photography 2024 exhibition. The juror for 2024 is Gary D. Saretzky. Entry day is in person on Saturday, October 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, located in Trenton’s Cadwalader Park. The exhibition prospectus, which includes entry forms, is available to download from www.ellarslie.org/mercer-county-photography-2024. The entry fee is $10 per item, payable by cash or check.

Mercer County Photography 2024 opens with a reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, October 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. On view through November 24, the exhibition is a collaboration with the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage, through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.  more

FROM MANSION TO MUSEUM: Morven Museum & Garden’s panel discussion on the journey from a mansion to a museum will take place on September 12. Key figures in the three-phase restoration project were, from left, Project Director Emily Croll; Policy Advisor Carol Cronheim; Director of the New Jersey State Museum Leah Sloshberg; and President of the Board of Trustees Georgie Schley. (Photo courtesy of Morven Archive).

Morven Museum & Garden will host a panel discussion on the journey from a governor’s mansion to opening as a museum in 2004. The in-person and online event will take place on Thursday, September 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the museum, 55 Stockton Street.

The panel will feature speakers representing both private and public spheres, who were essential to preserving Morven as an educational space. The panelists will share the ins and outs of navigating state politics, researching and restoring an over 200-year-old house, and the challenges of getting support to preserve one of New Jersey’s most historic sites. more

This work by Irene Rubin is part of the 10th annual Points of View Art Show, on view August 24 and 25 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Saw Mill at Prallsville Mill in Stockton. An opening reception is on Friday, August 23 from 5 to 8 p.m.

“CONTAINER”: This painting by Larry Mitnick is part of “Progressions,” his joint exhibition with Alan Klawans, on view September 5 through October 6 at Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville. An opening reception is on September 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Artists’ Gallery in Lambertville will present “Progressions,” an exhibition showcasing the abstract work of illustrator/artist Alan Klawans and architect/painter Larry Mitnick, from September 5 through October 6. An opening reception is on Saturday, September 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

By using inventive techniques and forms, these artists continue to push the definition of contemporary abstract art.  more