Membership

Members like you allow the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to be a cultural gem within our community. We are the state’s preeminent institution dedicated exclusively to showcasing, making, and learning about contemporary art.

Our members represent the heart and soul of all that we do. Be sure to check out these exciting new benefits for our members—one of the ways we show our appreciation for YOU!

Haga clic aquí para leer la información de membresía en español.

Basic Membership Includes:

• Unlimited free gallery admission
• Eligibility for exhibition opportunities
• Members-only tuition rate on Studio School classes
• Discounted admission to selected special events and programs
• Discounts on exhibition catalogs

Please note: You do not need a membership to take classes.

Membership Committee

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Members Committee is looking for new candidates. The Members Committee’s mission is to provide opportunities for students and members to display their art to the public. The exhibits should showcase the quality and caliber of each participant’s work as well as provide a rewarding and festive experience for both the artists and community.

The Committee meets about 5 times per year to assist with:

• Selecting artwork for the exhibitions in the VACNJ community galleries, which are located both within the Arts Center as well as at the Summit Public Library. These exhibitions are opportunities for our members and local artists to exhibit their work (see Community Galleries – Visual Arts Center of New Jersey).
• Organizing and working at the annual Members Art Show & Collectors Week (see 2025 Members Art Show & Collectors Week – Visual Arts Center of New Jersey).
• Volunteering for the annual Arts & Cars Summit Arts Festival.
• Providing additional support as needed for community gallery exhibits and the artist application process.
• Selecting new Committee members.

Applications are due Sunday, February 16, 2026. Click here to apply. If you have questions, contact Executive Director Melanie Cohn at mcohn@artcenternj.org.

Exhibition Opportunities

PROPOSE AN EXHIBITION FOR THE COMMUNITY GALLERIES

Proposal Submission Portal Opens: 2/16/26
Application Deadline: 5/4/2026

The Members Committee is seeking exhibition proposals for works in any medium, with the aim of offering current Art Center members and students an opportunity to curate and exhibit their work. Proposals may include solo or group exhibitions. Proposals, including classmates and an instructor from a VACNJ art class, are welcome.

All proposals received by May 4, 2026, will be placed into consideration for the 2026–2027 exhibition season for the Art Center’s second-floor members galleries—the Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II & the Ann’s Place Gallery—and for the Summit Public Library. The 2026–2027 exhibition season is from September 2026 to August 2027.

There is NO entry fee. The artist/person submitting the proposal will be responsible for organizing the exhibition, including the collection, delivery, and dispersal of artworks. Art Center staff will provide a space ready to hang, will provide help in hanging the work, and will work with the artist(s) on an opening event.
All applicants will be notified by early June of the Members Committee’s selections for the 2026–2027 Exhibition Season.

TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL:
You must be a current Art Center member at the time of selection;
You must not have had an exhibition in the community galleries in the last three years;
Applications will be accepted between February 16, 2026, and May 4, 2026, through the portal at bit.ly/3NAac3J

Click here to view a special Community Gallery Application workshop video.

Members Art Show & Collectors Week

The Members’ Committee is excited to announce the Members Art Show & Collectors Week for 2026! This exhibition is a celebration of art made by our members.

Register early to guarantee a spot! Space is limited. Registration opens June 8, 2026.
Artwork Accepted: Monday, August 31, 2026, from 10 AM–8 PM
Exhibition Opening: Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6–8:30 PM, awards presented at 7:30 PM
Art Pick-up: Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, during the Art Center’s open hours

Want To Exhibit Your Work? Here’s How:

• All Art Center Members are welcome to hang one original work of art. Space is limited, so register in advance online or at the front desk to guarantee your spot. Then bring your artwork to the Art Center’s Main Gallery at 68 Elm Street, Summit, New Jersey, on Monday, August 31, from 10 AM–8 PM. The exhibition will run from September 4 to September 10, with an opening on Thursday, September 3, from 6–8:30 PM.
• $35 entry fee.
• One artwork per member. Maximum size is 36 x 36” for 2-D work (including frame) and 24 x 24 x 36” for 3-D work.
• Artists of all ages can exhibit. The artist must be a current member of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. The museum galleries will feature our members who are 18 or older. Our second-floor gallery will display the work of our members under the age of 18.
• Works must be dropped off in person on Monday, August 31, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Works must be picked up in person on Friday, September 11, 9 AM–5 PM; Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 10 AM–5 PM. Any artwork not picked up by 5 PM on Sunday, September 13, becomes property of the Art Center.
• More details can be found at bit.ly/4jGuV1T

The Fine Print:

1. Artists may send a representative for drop off or pick up, but must have a letter signed by the artist authorizing them to submit and/or pick up artwork.
2. Space is allotted to members who register. Space is limited, so register early!
3. Wall-mounted works must be wired and ready to hang. A limited number of pedestals and tables will be available for sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are displaying hand-crafted jewelry or other small items, you must provide your own display furniture.
4. All artworks must be family-friendly in content. The Art Center retains the right to refuse an artwork for any reason.
5. Artists can choose to have their artworks for sale. Commission is 20% to the Art Center & 80% to the artist. Artists can choose to donate all proceeds to the Art Center’s programs.
6. Sold work can only be picked up by the purchaser during the designated pick-up times listed above.