Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Celebrates Successful Gala

On Saturday, March 3, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey held its largest fundraising event of the year, the annual spring gala "Graffiti & Glam." The sold-out event, held at the Art Center in Summit, raised funds to support the Art Center's main programs, including community outreach projects and scholarships. The evening featured live music, a seated dinner, signature cocktails sponsored by Absolut, and both silent and live auctions. Auctioneer CK Swett manned the live auction block and helped the Art Center raise more than $200,000 to support programs and services. "The Spring Gala was a great success in all respects," said event Co-Chair Alison O'Neill. "In addition to exceeding our fundraising goals and enabling the Art Center to continue providing valuable arts programming to our local community, the event brought together new and established friends of the Art Center in their enthusiastic support for making the visual arts accessible for all to enjoy." The event was additionally co-chaired by Lori Bush, and the Gala committee members included Dylan Baker, Patricia Bell, Kate Buchanan, Anne Grissinger, Esther McNulty, and Jesse Torrey.

Sponsorship for the event was provided by: Lori and Andrew Bush, Lisa Butler and Bob Kelly, Marie and Roy Alan Cohen, David Ellis Events, Anne and Richard Grissinger, Amy Knight, Esther and Douglas McNulty, Alison and David O'Neill, David Srere, Siegel + Gale, and the Wilf Family Foundations, who all sponsored at the Gold Level. Silver Sponsors included: Betse and Frank Gump, Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C., Murray Hill Tennis & Fitness, Debi and Fred Schwarzmann, and Summit House Restaurant + Bar. Bronze Sponsors included Patty and A. Jude Avelino, Kate and John Buchanan, Siobhan Creem, David Dietze and Claire Toth, Terri and Mark Friedman, Huntington T. Block Insurance Agency Inc., Kayla and Richard Pechter, Briana King and Christopher Joralemon, Amy and Mitchell Radin, Joanie Schwarz and Don Rosenthal, Ann and Mel Schaffer, Liz Skoler and Mark Becker, Ruth and Paul Steck, Jesse and Dan Torrey, and Susan and Stephen Yarad.

About the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
For 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, New Jersey. Adult and children's group tours are available throughout the year. Gallery Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday 10 AM-5 PM; Thursday 10 AM-8 PM; and Saturday & Sunday 11 AM-4 PM. 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 Walter V. & Judith L. Shipley Family Foundation, the Wilf Family Foundations, and Art Center members and donors.

Photo: Art Center Executive Director Melanie Cohn and Director of Development & Communications Susan Yarad, both of Summit, enjoy an evening of Graffiti & Glam with Gala Committee Member Jesse Torrey, of Maplewood.

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