Our name change is just one aspect of the evolution of what will become one of New Jersey's most dynamic cultural destinations. On September 10th, we held a gala re-opening celebration introducing the community to our exciting expansion - the sweeping exhibition space of our new two-story main gallery and strolling galleries, plus our enlarged studio space that has grown from five to nine classrooms, including a state-of-the-art media lab.

Our goal was to create a welcoming environment for a diverse range of art lovers - from young children to seniors, from creators to appreciators - through a variety of programs, both in and out of the Art Center.

Our Studio School now has an expanded curriculum of hands-on art courses to offer - from drawing and painting, sculpting and ceramics in a variety of styles and media to leading edge digital art forms, like photography and animation.

But you don't have to make art to appreciate it. Here, in our grand, yet intimate space, we offer museum-quality exhibitions of work by internationally and nationally known artists, as well as provocative creations by many of the finest regional and local artists. The Art Center has also created a fascinating program of art tours, many with hands-on workshop components, for both children and adults.

We have expanded our Outreach Program to reach community groups who might otherwise not have access to art - schools, nursing homes, senior centers and hospitals.

Our Professional Development Program works with non-profit arts organizations, as well as for-profit corporations, creating sponsorships, scholarships and internships, providing exhibition and meeting space, designing off-site shows and lending our expertise to a wide range of art-related projects and programs.

It is with great pleasure that I invite you, your family and friends to come and experience the new Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and all that it has to offer.

Eric Pryor

President