Pages

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Conversation with Dr. Patricia Whitley-Williams about COVID-19 vaccine safety & distribution




WHEN
JOIN US ON JANUARY 12TH
WHERE:
Zoom

Join New Jersey Together leaders from across the state for a conversation with Dr. Patricia Whitley-Williams about the safety & distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines. We'll hear a presentation and then have time for questions. We'll be talking specifically about safety data on the vaccines, the importance of reaching vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups, and more.

Dr. Whitley-Williams is a professor at the Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in the Department of Pediatrics. She is also Chief of the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases. She is a liaison member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Network for Immunization Information of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Register by clicking here for the Zoom event.

More information at http://www.njtogether.org/vaccine

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

A virtual 29th First Night® Morris County has silver linings


First Night Morris County

WHEN: available through January 3, 2021
WHERE:
online & on demand

The pandemic necessitated many changes but, in the case of First Night Morris County, our re-imagined event has silver linings: with its largely virtual format, neither foul weather on New Year’s Eve nor long distances from Morristown prevents anyone from attending. From the comfort of home, our audiences can enjoy virtually all of the delights of our program available to all online and on demand through January 3, 2021!

In keeping with its 29-year tradition as artistic programmer for First Night Morris County, Morris Arts has secured topflight talents who have performed at world class venues, won international recognition, performed on national radio/TV, in major films and/or collaborated with superstars of performing arts. Outstanding performers—both online (and one in-person performance)—two virtual fireworks shows, online offerings from the First Contact Film Festival (an independent film makers’ competition) and Yousic Play Montage’s short performances/interviews with 4 jazz greats are all included in this year’s reimagined First Night Morris County.

This year, First Night is the best bargain in town for New Year’s Eve and more. A First Night ticket includes access to 90 minutes of films starting at 7pm on each ofFriday Night Film Nights,” December 11 and 18

  • December 11th film night includes the following short films: Chmurka-Fluffy, Dutch (interview with cast/crew of Dutch), Hide and Seek, Go!Go!, Intelligentia, Requiem, Simulation, The Last Day, Yorick and The Devil’s Dodecahedron.
  • December 18th’s film night features Hamlet/Horatio.
  • Can’t make it on those evenings? Don’t worry. The same films will be available for viewing on December 31st and on demand through January 3rd.

On New Year’s Eve between 5:40 and 6:25pm, and on demand through January 3rd, Yousic Play will provide a pre-program montage of short performances and interviews with outstanding jazz musicians Cory Henry (jazz organist), Jesús Molina (jazz pianist), Robert “Sput” Searight (drummer) and 10 time Grammy winner, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.

Then, on New Year’s Eve from 6:30pm-midnight and on demand through January 3rd, First Night’s main program will feature new performances created for this year’s First Night 

  • the lilting jugs, reels of champion Irish Fiddler Brian Conway (right) with John Walsh on guitar
  • the mesmerizing magic of Jason Hudy
  • the laugh-out-loud humor of Comedian Joe Larson 
  • (Pandemic regulations permitting, there will also be two 45-minute live performances by Comedian Joe Larson—at the Mayo Performing Arts Center at 6:30 and at 8:15pm on New Year’s Eve).

Following a wonderful 9pm virtual fireworks show, our audiences can delight in performances by 

  • award-winning Harpsichord Virtuoso Andrew Rosenblum (right)
  • the jazz wizardry of the world-renowned Frank Vignola Hot Jazz Trio with bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott
  • travel back in time to the golden era of  60s rock, with the note-perfect multimedia performance by the fabulous British Invasion Years (below).

Interspersed throughout the evening are brief glimpses “behind the curtain,” introducing our audiences to the people responsible for First Night Morris County. In keeping with tradition, the evening will conclude with a countdown to the virtual fireworks at midnight, to herald the start of the New Year in true First Night fashion. Another silver lining this year: our audiences can revisit their favorites on demand through January 3, 2021—and access everything for the entry price of only $10

For more information about the event, the artists, the program details and schedule and to purchase tickets to these wonderful performances, visit www.firstnightmorris.com.

Tickets are also through the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) by phone at (973) 539-8008 or at the MPAC Box Office at 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ. 

  • First Pass (streaming, on demand through Jan. 3) $15 
  • Souvenir Package: (streaming, on demand through Jan. 3, button and program) $25 
  • FNMC2021 LIVE (streaming, on demand through Jan.3, button, program and 1 live show) $35 

Experience Art (for Free!) Without Leaving Home This Winter

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers invites art lovers to come together this winter during a variety of free virtual programs on Zimmerli at Home. Plus, visit the site to experience the museum—wherever you are, whenever you want. 

Explore eMuseum, Make Art at Home, Art + Music, Virtual Backgrounds, Online Exhibitions, Artist Interviews, Virtual Events, Staff Favorites, and Videos, including recordings of events you may have missed live. Please note that the museum building remains closed to the public and in-person programs are suspended until further notice.

Two free film series are being offered in conjunction with the recent Zimmerli exhibition Everyday Soviet: Soviet Industrial Design and Nonconformist Art (1959-1989), which was co-curated with the Moscow Design Museum.

Start a new holiday tradition with The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! This 1976 Soviet screwball romantic comedy streams for free on Zimmerli at Home, from December 26 through January 3. One of the most successful Soviet television productions of all time, it has become a New Year’s Eve tradition in Russia. An undertone of social criticism about the drab uniformity of Brezhnev-era architecture, furniture, and everyday items reveals the particularities of Soviet daily life, as the characters find themselves in curious and absurd situations shaped by their living environments. The film also addresses universal themes of love, betrayal, and friendship within the unique setting of the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

Directed by Eldar Ryazanov, The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! is in Russian with English subtitles and presented in two parts (a total of three hours). It is screened with permission from Mosfilm.  

On Thursdays in January, view the film series The History of Russian Design. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on January 7, 14, 21, and 28, each 20-minute episode of the documentary is followed by a live Q&A with Everyday Soviet co-curators Julia Tulovsky, Curator of Russian and Soviet Nonconformist Art at the Zimmerli, and Alexandra Sankova, Director of the Moscow Design Museum. Details and registration information will be posted on go.rutgers.edu/zimmerlievents in late December.


Art Together offers free family art activities either live on Zoom or recorded, to view at your convenience, on Zimmerli at Home. Join upcoming sessions on January 2 and February 6. Plus, invite friends and extended family to log on from their locations. Register (up to the program start time) at go.rutgers.edu/arttogether. Artists of all ages are welcome, but sessions are best suited for ages 5 to 13, joined by their grown-ups. Recorded sessions are posted on Zimmerli at Home, including projects inspired by still life and collage works in the museum’s collection, as well as the exhibition Mood Books: The Children’s Stories of Alvin Tresselt and Roger Duvoisin.


Please note that first Tuesday programming for Art Before/After Hours takes a break in January and returns on February 2, 2021. Recordings of previous events are available on Zimmerli at Home Videos, including programming that marked Day With(out) Art/World AIDS Day on December 1. 


The Zimmerli hosted a Zoom panel discussion about the historical and contemporary intersections of HIV/AIDS advocacy and the arts, with a special emphasis on the role the museum’s late director Thomas Sokolowski played. In addition, a new documentary short about Sokolowski, One Singular Sensation created by Rutgers alumnus Samuel Vladimirsky, is available.

 

The Zimmerli Art Museum remains closed to the public and in-person programs are suspended until further notice. News regarding operations will be posted on the museum’s home page. For Rutgers updates, please visit Universitywide COVID-19 Information.

 

ZIMMERLI ART MUSEUM|RUTGERS

The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum houses more than 60,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary art. The permanent collection features particularly rich holdings in 19th-century French art; Russian art from icons to the avant-garde; Soviet nonconformist art from the Dodge Collection; and American art with notable holdings of prints. In addition, small groups of antiquities, old master paintings, as well as art inspired by Japan and original illustrations for children’s books, provide representative examples of the museum’s research and teaching message at Rutgers. One of the largest and most distinguished university-based art museums in the nation, the Zimmerli is located on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Established in 1766, Rutgers is America’s eighth oldest institution of higher learning and a premier public research university.

 

SUPPORT
The Zimmerli’s operations, exhibitions, and programs are funded in part by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and income from the Avenir Foundation Endowment and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Endowment, among others. Additional support comes from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts, as well as donors, members, and friends of the museum.

New Winter Improv Class: Starting January 12, 2021

Winter 2021 Improv Class

This year continues to be work in progress, so we are announcing class sessions one at a time. The winter class will be an online, 8-week session for all levels of improvisers!

WHEN: Tuesday, January 12 - March 2, 2021 (eight weeks), 7:30 - 9:30 pm 
WHERE: On your screen!
FEE: $280 for eight classes
(Instructor: Lulu French) 
REGISTER NOW

Read more about our classes at https://www.dreamcatcherrep.org/2020-2021-improv-classes

Improv for Teens and Adults is a partnership with Rocket Improv that provides students an introduction to improv comedy or a further exploration of what they’ve previously learned. Students will think on their feet by freeing their mind, body and imagination through group exercises and games in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Those who are returning students will learn more complex games that require keeping multiple balls in the air while maintaining connection with scene partners. These classes provide a fun creative outlet while honing skills such as teamwork, spontaneity and careful listening that will enhance any professional pursuit.

Lulu French (Maplewood), founder of Rocket Improv, will teach Improv for Adults and Teens. Lulu first took improv classes at Gotham City Improv two decades ago and has been improvising ever since. In addition to being a graduate of GCI, she has also studied improv under Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, and Matt Besser, various Second City alumni such as Todd Stashwick (12 Monkeys), and improv masters Michael Gellman, Dave Razowsky, and Aretha Sills. She has appeared in numerous improv performances in NYC improv theaters such as Gotham City Improv, the Magnet Theater, and Upright Citizens Brigade, as well as with Dreamcatcher’s own The Flip Side. Lulu has been teaching improv since 2000 and has recently opened her own business, Rocket Improv.

For more information about Dreamcatcher,  visit our website.

 

Chatham Community Players' Jersey Voices One-Act Festival Seeks Original Works


JERSEY VOICES CALL FOR ORIGINAL WORKS – Deadline March 7th, 2021

Chatham Community Players is seeking original, one-act plays, short musicals, and/or original dance pieces, written by New Jersey (or New Jersey connected) authors, for Jersey Voices' 27th Annual Production.

The submission DEADLINE is MARCH 7th, just under four months away!

We are very conscious of the ever-changing health crisis, and the safety of our creative team and audience is of paramount importance to us -- but so are the need for creative outlets and live theater.  With that in mind, we are requesting that all scripts take place in an outdoor setting or location and run 15 minutes or less.  

While we sincerely hope that our selected pieces will each be performed in our Black Box Theater in Chatham on the last weekend in July and first weekend in August, we know that COVID-19 may prohibit that from happening, in which case selected pieces will be performed outdoors, locally, the same weekends.

Play submissions can be of any genre, style, length up to 15 minutes, and set in any outdoor location. 

We are not looking for pieces written Zoom or an online environment. 

We're accepting scripts this year by e-mail only, and can be sent to jerseyvoicesnj@gmail.com.

If you have any questions, please visit our website at www.chathamplayers.org or send an e-mail to producer Jessica Phelan at jerseyvoicesnj@gmail.com.

 

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Opens New Members Exhibitions 

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey recently opened two new members exhibitions in the second-floor community galleries: 

Susan Horn: Corona Dreams 

Jennifer Markovitz: Torn Visions 

WHEN: Both shows will be on view through January 24, 2021. 
WHERE: VACNJ 2nd floor community galleries, 
68 Elm Street, Summit



Susan Horn’s Corona Dreams, on view in the Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II, is a series of mixed media work created by the artist since the beginning of the pandemic. “I always loved art but never had much time to engage while raising four children, getting a Ph.D., and teaching for twenty years,” said Horn. “After retirement, I enrolled in several classes at the Art Center and discovered that pouring paint was my favorite activity. I loved creating textures and mixing colors while making messes as I explored different mediums. 

Once the quarantine shut us all inside in March 2020, I began to rework my old canvases, painting them over and starting again, but this time, using the most precious material during the shutdown—paper towels. My work represents the light, fire, darkness, water, mountains, forests, and places that we no longer can visit except inside our minds.”  (Above: Four Seasons)

Like Corona Dreams, Jennifer Markovitz’s Torn Visions, on view in Ann’s Place Gallery, also features mixed media work created during the pandemic. “2020 has been a difficult and challenging year,” said Markovitz. “Between the global pandemic, political divide, and racial injustices, our lives have been forever altered. 

The collages that make up this show (Left: Flat Iron Collage) began early in March when I started sending them to friends and family to brighten their days of monotony. I continue making them to help find purpose and a creative outlet. 

In an effort to support those in need in our local community, proceeds from the sale of these collages will be donated to Bridges Outreach in Summit, NJ. Their mission is to end homelessness through volunteer-driven outreach and individual case management, focusing on health, housing, and independence.”  

For more information on both these exhibitions, visit artcenternj.org/exhibitions/community-galleries 

About the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey

For over 85 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center’s renowned Studio School, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youth, families, seniors, and people with special needs every year. 

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, NJ. Gallery hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–8 PM; Friday, 10 AM–5 PM; and Saturday & Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM. Admission must be reserved in advance. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours. Visit artcenternj.org for more information.  

Support 

Major support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided in part by the Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation; the Wilf Family Foundations; and Art Center members and donors

NEWS FROM THE MILLBURN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

News from the library

 

Holiday Hours

Thu Dec 24: 10am-12:45pm

Fri Dec 25-Sat Dec 26: Closed

Thu Dec 31: 10am-12:45pm

Fri Jan 1-Sat Jan 2: Closed

christmas-header3.jpg

 

Please note: For everyone's safety, starting on Sunday, December 20, the library will be closed for browsing on Sundays. Patrons will be able to pick up holds doorside. Holds can be placed at bccls.org. Patrons will still be able to enter the building for browsing Monday- Friday. Public computers will also be unavailable for use. We thank you for your patience and understanding. #StaySafe #MillburnStrong

 

It's almost time for the WINTER READING CHALLENGE!

 

 

We are so excited to start our Winter Reading Challenge on January 1, 2021. Join the challenge here and help us read 500 books in January. We can do it—with your help!

Don't want to come to the library? We have options for you!

 

NEW! Ebooks from Baker & Taylor Axis360

Thanks to a subscription by the New Jersey State Library, MFPL cardholders now have access to Baker & Taylor Axis360, an easy-to-use library of e-books.  

Ebooks and audiobooks available via Libby/Overdrive

Libby is a free app where you can borrow ebooks and digital audiobooks from your public library. You can stream books with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. Download the mobile app from your App Store or visit eBCCLS and get started today!

Hoopla

Hoopla offers movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone. Access with your library card. There's never a wait list.

Acorn TV

Stream all your favorite British series from AcornTV. Always free with your library card!

The New York Times

Yes, we have access to the New York Times, from 1861-present day. For access to this resource, do the following:

  • Go to millburnlibrary.org/e-resources
  • Scroll down until you see the NYT logo and click on it. You'll be taken to a page with a code next to a "REDEEM" button.
  • Click "REDEEM."

See everything we have available for you on our e-Resources page.

Take and Makes for all ages

 


For Kids: Each week, children are invited to take home a bag of craft supplies to make a specific project.

For Teens: Ages 12-18. Stop by the Reference Desk for a snow globe ornament kit.

For Adults: Stop by the Reference Desk for a DIY mini holiday wreath.

Take and makes available while supplies last. Only one take and make per person please.


Double up on activities for the holidays!

New Victory Arts Break: Explore a World of Art

Play & Connect with New Victory Arts Break: Europe

We're wrapping things up and saying so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen and adieu to Europe with our final New Victory Arts Break of 2020. As we know your holidays may look different this year, this week's special edition has two full weeks of activities for all of the extra time over the holidays. We'll see you in 2021 with more artists, more places and more creativity!

Spencer, a New Victory TA, showing off his bird puppet

Make a Bird Puppet

Give the phrase "a bird in the hand” new meaning as you build a bird puppet and make it fly with New Victory Teaching Artist Spencer Lott! Then, practice your puppetry skills with a game of "Simon Says" Wacky Bird edition. Once you’ve gotten the wing of puppeting, use your New Victory Notebook to plan a surprise parade. Let's Play > 


Sofiya, a New Victory Teaching Artist, holding her son's favorite rattle.


Prepare a Special Performance

Celebrate someone you love with a performance made just for them! Join New Victory Teaching Artist Sofiya Cheyenne as she shows you how to incorporate your special someone's favorite things into the gift of performance! Then, round out your gift by creating a show program to commemorate the occasion. Let's Connect > 

InsideOut Pop-up Gallery Opens for Window Shopping

The Arts Council of Livingston and the ACL Gallery invite you to visit the new 


InsideOut Pop-up Gallery
 

WHEN: Through the end of January 2021
WHERE:
2115 Town Center Way in the Livingston Town Center.  

Come window shop  at the former Destination Maternity store to see a showcase of artworks in various mediums.  

You’ll discover both large and small paintings, drawings and collage as well as wearable art and glassware. Many of the items are priced under $100 for holiday gift giving or for any occasion. 

Please stop by to see this unique show running through the end of January.  

For further information, email theaclgallery@gmail.com.

(Image, left, L-R: Arts Council member Chas Palminteri, Councilman Michael Vieira, and Arts Council President Barbara Sax)


Holiday Fun @ MayoPAC



 

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
Streaming Now Through December 29 
Purchase streaming access for $24.99


Experience the smash-hit holiday tradition Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker in its ground-breaking Video on Demand debut. See the full performance as captured on stage plus an up close look at the behind-the-scenes action. Take a trip backstage with the cameras for a look at how the magic is made. Hear first-hand from world-class artists, designers, and the creators of this cherished production. Make this Christmas special and enjoy this production the whole family will love!

A portion of each ticket sold through our special link benefits MPAC!

Ticket purchase includes on-demand access to watch the stream as many times as you'd like until December 31! 

Registration Is Now Open For Our Winter Fun and Wellness Semester!

This 6-week session will features classes for kids AND adults, and will run from January 18th - February 28th! 

The semester features brand-new programs such as Instrument Showcase with New Jersey Symphony OrchestraAll About Musicals featuring Broadway guest performers, Yoga and Mindfulness classes (free for healthcare workers!), plus returning favorites like Junior Dance Party, Ready Set DrawMusical Theatre Audition Technique and Happy Hour Improv.

Space is limited, so don't wait to register! Register For Winter Classes

Luna Stage Announces Winter Classes: Now open for enrollment

West Orange-based professional theatre Luna Stage is now enrolling for virtual winter classes for youth and adults, including scene study, on-camera acting, voiceover, screenwriting, musical theatre, audition technique, playwriting, improv and more. All programs are pay-what-you-wish to support creativity in this time of pandemic, and taught by professional theatre artists. Space is limited, and classes start January 4.

In addition to a full slate of after school and weekend classes, Luna also offers the unique Play-In-Your-Pod program, featuring custom-designed workshops and classes for existing small groups. Information about all classes and programs is available at www.lunastage.org/winterclasses.

“Being in Luna Stage classes has been a bright spot in the pandemic, opening up new creative opportunities,” said one student. “The classes become a community.”

Classes for elementary schoolers include Improv, Musical Theatre, Undersea Adventure and Space Odyssey.

Teen programs include Improv, Musical Theatre, On-Camera Acting, Playwriting, Scene-Study, Voiceover Technique, Audition Workshop, Shakespeare, Solo-Show Workshop, and Filmmaking.

Adult options include Musical Theatre, Scene Study, Audition Workshop, and Writers’ Workshop: The 10-Minute Play.

“We are grateful to be able to create ongoing opportunities for creativity and connection, to provide what one student described as the 'brightest spot in the pandemic,' and to serve our local community while reaching students from as far away as California and Panama," said Luna Stage Artistic Director Ari Laura Kreith. "Our students are creating such extraordinary work and our teaching artists amaze me every day with their ability to inspire, engage, and build community in the virtual world.”

Some Luna classes offer participants the opportunity for public performance of their work as well as online community and learning. Luna’s recent Shortest of Plays for the Shortest of Days festival features work created in the 10-Minute Playwriting and Voices Across America Solo Show workshops.

“I feel indebted to Luna and your 10-minute play classes,” wrote one student. “They have been a light through the pandemic darkness.” 10-Minute Playwriting will be among the courses offered for adults this winter.

Since Spring of 2020, Luna has offered more than 700 hours of classes across 32 different content areas. As part of Luna’s commitment to accessibility and equity, all programs are pay-what-you-wish. Families can donate what feels comfortable, full scholarships are available, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All tuition directly supports the artists teaching these innovative programs. 

For class information and registration: https:/www.lunastage.org/winterclasses

For more information visit http://www.lunastage.org or email info@lunastage.org

Luna Stage | 555 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ 07052

http://www.facebook.com/LunaStage | Instagram @luna.stage 


The Frick at Your Fingertips: Biweekly Highlights

Impressionist oil painting of a river in winter with a cityscape and snow-covered mountains in the background

The Frick at Your Fingertips

The start of the snowy season recalls Monet’s Vétheuil in Winter, explored in depth in a recent episode of Cocktails with a Curator and on the app. At the end of this challenging year, we are looking to the story of this work, which Monet created during a difficult period in his own life. Nevertheless, he continued to paint, producing breathtaking canvases of the town of Vétheuil from every vantage point, at every time of day, during every season.

We hope that, like Monet, you find inspiration through art this winter. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support of and engagement with the Frick over the last nine months and we look forward to sharing more moments of connection in the new year. Continue reading to find new offerings from the Frick, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more opportunities to discover great works of art.

Terracotta sculpture of three nymphs supporting a glass orb containing a clock

Cocktails with a Curator

Our free weekly program continues into the winter with new episodes premiering Fridays at 5:00 p.m. Don't miss these upcoming episodes:

Clodion’s Dance of Time

Friday, January 1, 5:00 p.m.

Event Details

Screenshot of a digital map locating a portrait photographed in New Orleans

Mapping the Photoarchive

The Frick Art Reference Library has debuted an interactive map that traces dozens of photographic expeditions taken by library staff between 1922 and 1967. These expeditions documented significant and rarely seen works of art across North America for the Frick Photoarchive.

Read More