It’s been a busy year at the Art Center!
If you’ve visited ACNNJ this year, you may have noticed that the changes we began last fall have continued to blossom.
And it’s all because of you. Critical to this progress have been the volunteers, supporters, and donors that have participated this year in so many ways, large and small.
So many in our community have had a hand in our progress, and the Center buzzes with the energy of possibility and hope.
Most recently, we are excited to report substantive improvements:
Beginning in the spring this year, we’ve worked with our state inspector and a qualified service team, and the handicap accessible lift at the Art Center is on track to be approved for use by the end of 2025 - restoring phone communication inside the lift is the last task required for a certified inspection, the mechanics of the device have been repaired.
With the support of a generous sponsor, notable facility improvements have been completed. Our print studio has been dramatically enhanced with new windows, utility sink, flooring, and freshly painted walls. Repairs to our heating system, remodeling of the front bathroom, and new paint in the gallery were also a part of this vital support.
This past summer, corporate volunteers from Morgan Stanley’s IT Team visited to paint the main studio, gallery foyer, a section of the print studio, and more.
Cost savings are being realized with new insurance policies and our research into recurring expenses is in progress to identify additional opportunities to save.
We’ve developed and are testing enhanced programming, notably expanded study opportunities in figurative works; a plein air field program; mindful art making for kids; and plans for additional workshop opportunities with teaching artists.
Throughout this time, your efforts have made all the difference!
Plans to restore additional studio space within the facility continue to be researched, and efficiencies to help attain our goal of a sustainable Art Center are being analyzed at this time. We hope to enhance resources on our website to bring more community information right to your home or phone, as well as to continue to engage with teens, young artists, and neighbors from all walks of life.
Expanding outreach to serve a range of populations and bring value to our community remains a priority.
In this Season of Gathering and Giving, your contribution can help make even more dreams come true at the Art Center.
If you have yet to see our improvements, we invite you to visit soon and see for yourself.
Join us as a volunteer if you have not already, step inside and feel the new energy within these historical spaces.
We are hard at work to make ACNNJ your ‘Art Home’ in Northern New Jersey, and we hope to welcome you soon.