Visual Arts Center Of New Jersey Raises A Record-Breaking Amount At Art Empowers Gala

On Saturday, April 25, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) held its annual spring gala at Canoe Brook Country Club, hosting more than 200 guests, donors, and sponsors in a celebration of the arts. The signature event raised a record-breaking $378,000 to support the Art Center's powerful arts programming.

“Our annual gala is always a powerful reminder of the incredible community we have at the Art Center," said Samantha Davis, VACNJ Director of Development and Communications. "This year's theme, 'Art Empowers,' rang true throughout the night as our guests shared what art means to them through their stories and their generosity. We're deeply grateful that so many people chose to continue supporting our mission and know that their gifts will allow us to continue empowering through art.”

The funds raised will advance VACNJ's mission to bring the life-changing power of art to those who need it most—students in the Elizabeth Public Schools, individuals living with Alzheimer's or dementia, veterans finding healing through creativity, and families discovering joy together in the Art Center's galleries.

Gala Honoree Dylan Baker with Gala Chair Lisa Butler.

The evening featured music, delicious food and drinks, a silent art auction showcasing more than 50 artists, and a live auction overseen by Auctioneer Emily Longley. The Art Center recognized former VACNJ Board member Dylan Baker as their 2026 honoree and awarded its ninth annual Changemaker Award to former VACNJ Director of Education & Community Engagement Sarah Walko for her years of work in the arts.

Changemaker Award Winner Sarah Walko with VACNJ Executive Director Melanie Cohn.

The event was chaired by Lisa Butler. Gala committee members included:

• Rebecca Almog
• Christine Aschwald
• Susan Cagnassola
• Estelle Fournier
• Risa Fridy
• Amy Mahoney Harris
• Suzanne Henry
• Jodi Hiller
• Anamaria Llanos
• Deborah Schwarzmann
• Rachel Wilf

Diamond sponsors for the evening included:

• Lisa Butler
• Susan & Mike Cagnassola
• Anne & RJ Grissinger
• Rachel & Jonathan Wilf

Platinum sponsors included:

• Elizabeth and James Rubinstein
• Audrey and Zygi Wilf

Gold sponsors included:

• Cambridge Wines
• Chubb and Brown & Brown | Risk Strategies
• Clune Construction Company LP
• Elizabeth Winterbottom Team
• Amy & Clint Harris
• Briana King & Chris Joralemon
• Murray Hill Tennis

Silver sponsors included:

• Acquire Gallery
• Julie & Greg Adams
• Jodi & Jeff Hiller
• Grier & Michael Hynes
• Lorraine & Peter Kelly
• Amy Knight
• Lear Bray Team
• Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.
• Neuberger Berman
• Emily Rawdon & Mica Willis
• Isabel Ribeiro & Diego Rotsztain
• Deborah & Fred Schwarzmann
• Jess Van Nostrand & Mike Smith

Bronze sponsors included:

• Sally & Tom Abbott
• Christine & Eric Aschwald
• Heather & Elliot Braun
• Michaela & Jeff Christie
• Millie Cooper
• Estelle Fournier, Partner in Art LLC
• Dr. Risa Fridy and Tribeca Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine
• Terri & Mark Friedman
• Suzanne & Dean Henry
• Eleanor Lear
• Anamaria Llanos
• Brett Oberman
• Amy & Mitchell Radin
• André Renaudo
• TD Bank
• Claire Toth & David Dietz
• Greg Vargas & Dan Crisafulli
• Eden Wells & Jason Rodman

Community Sponsors included:

• Associates International
• Gillis Consulting for Arts & Culture
• Jennifer & Michael Markovitz
• Otterstedt Insurance Agency
• Samantha Pozner, MD / Summit Springfield Family Medicine
• The Schmitt Group of Raymond James
• Renee Stene
• Tea & Oranges

ABOUT THE VISUAL ARTS CENTER OF NEW JERSEY

For more than 90 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 youths, families, seniors, and people with special needs annually.

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 & Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM; and Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours. Visit artcenternj.org for more information.

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