Visual Arts Center of New Jersey's 'NIGHT OF WONDER' Raises $180K

On Saturday, April 1, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey held its annual spring benefit "Night of Wonder: Celebrating the Art of Imagination" at the Art Center in Summit.

It was a stylish evening that included cocktails, a seated dinner in the Main Gallery, and live and silent art auctions that raised over $180,000 to fund the Art Center's acclaimed contemporary art exhibitions as well as outreach initiatives, including arts enrichment for underserved children, seniors, and low income families.

Raffle tickets were also sold for two orchestra section tickets to the knock-out Broadway hit, Hamilton, with choice of date. It is not too late to buy raffle tickets to support the Art Center as the winning ticket will be drawn at the Art Center's Earth Day event on April 22. There is a cap of 250 tickets to be sold and they can be purchased at www.501auctions.com/artcenternj.

Gala co-chairs were Jesse Torrey of Maplewood and Kelly Deere of Summit. Gala committee members included: Heather Braun, Kate Buchanan, Karen Caplan, Marie Cohen, Jill Draper, Terri Friedman, Matt Gould, Betse Gump, Ellen Hochberger, Amy Knight, Liz Skolar, and Elisa Zachary. Gold sponsors include: Marie and Roy Alan Cohen, Lisa Butler and Bob Kelly, Betse and Frank Gump, Amy Knight, Siegel + Gale, and the Wilf Family Foundations. Silver sponsors included: David Ellis Events; Kelly Deere and Lee Shavel; Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper; and Debi and Frank Schwarzmann. Bronze sponsors included: Clelia Biamonti and Adam Psichos, Heather and Elliot Braun, Kate and John Buchanan, Siobhan Creem, Keith and Carri Dolin, Jill Draper, Terri and Mark Friedman, Tom Gordon, Christine and Andy Gottesman, Ellen and Stuart Hochberger, Kayla and Richard Pechter, Point View Wealth Management, Mitchell and Amy Radin, Joanie Schwarz and Don Rosenthal, Stefan and Amy Shaffer, Liz Skoler and Mark Becker, and Jesse and Dan Torrey.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, New Jersey. Visit www.artcenternj.org for more information about these exhibitions and programs. Adult and children's group tours are available throughout the year. Visit www.artcenternj.org for more information. Gallery Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM; and Saturday & Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM. Please call 908-273-9121 to confirm holiday hours.

For more than 80 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.