Art Happenings

OCTOBER 6 - 10, times vary
7th ANNUAL AMAZING PUMPKIN CARVE - DRIVE-THRU!

Hopewell Valley Arts Council
Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville
(609) 281-5887 | hvartscouncil.org

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is back for its seventh year -- from the comfort and safety of your car! Dozens of colossal pumpkins will be carved and electrified by many of the area’s most talented artists and displayed in a beautifully illuminated drive-thru. The event, presented by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, will bring spectacular art and Halloween fun to our local community. Pull up in your car to receive an event program, check out the creative pumpkins and decorated tents, listen to live or DJ’ed music throughout the weekend, pop out of your vehicle for a quick socially-distanced photo-op, and MORE! Visitors will receive a free mini-pumpkin while supplies last.  Popcorn and cider will be available for purchase. 
Location: Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ.
Entry: $25 per car
For all the details about the Amazing Pumpkin Carve, please visit www.hvartscouncil.org/amazingpumpkincarve

OCTOBER 9, 1 pm
Ceramics Scavenger Hunt

Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-8777 | artscouncilofprinceton.org

On Saturday, October 9, the Arts Council of Princeton will hide handmade ceramic pieces around town – from mugs, to bowls, to small sculpture. If you find one, it’s yours to keep!

HOW TO PLAY:
-- Follow the Arts Council on Instagram at @artscouncilofprinceton
-- On October 9, check our IG Stories for clues as to where you can find each piece (first-come, first-served!)

Call For Artists

NOW - OCTOBER 20
West Windsor's 225th Anniversary Logo Contest

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org

If you are interested in seeing your design represented on roadside banners, mugs, calendars, T-shirts, books, and more for an entire year, this is the project for you! Logo design entries will be collected until October 20, 2021.

The Year 225 Logo Contest is being overseen by the Historical Society of West Windsor (HSWW) and the West Windsor Arts Council (WWAC).  A joint selection committee composed of members from both organizations will select and announce the winner – who will also win a free copy of, and get a shoutout in the Historical Society’s upcoming West Windsor history book, to be published in the Fall of 2022!

Open to all Past & Present West Windsor Residents!

To learn more about the Logo Contest, including the entry form, examples, and more, Click Here

OCTOBER 1 - 29
Gallery 14 Juried Photo Exhibit 2022 Prospectus

Gallery 14
14 Mercer St., Hopewell
(609) 333-8511 | gallery14.org

Artists are invited to submit a maximum of 5 photos for exhibit at Gallery 14.

Submission Guidelines

Artists are invited to submit a maximum of 5 photos. By October 29, 2021, email entries to gallery14juriedshow@gmail.com. Accepted file format is jpg, maximum 2000 pixels long edge, maximum file size 2MB, labeled: lastname_firstname_title. In the body of the email submission also include: photographer’s name, phone number, email, home address, photo title, frame size, sale price and photographic process. The show is limited to approximately 40 pieces which will be juried electronically. Selected participants will be notified by November 29, 2021.

Cash awards to be presented for Best in Show, Merit Awards and Honorable Mentions.

Delivery of Work

Photographs selected for exhibit must be brought to Gallery 14 ready for hanging on December 28, from 4-6 pm or December 29, from 10-noon. Entrants who have work accepted will be sent information about framing requirements. 

Sales

Gallery 14 will receive a 30% commission if your work sells while on display at the Gallery. All work to remain on display until the end of the exhibit and all pieces must be self-insured.

Fees

The fee is $10 for each photo submitted. At the time email submission is made, the applicant must send a check made out to Gallery 14 to Gallery14, 14 Mercer St., Hopewell, NJ 08525. 

Jury Members

Dutch Bagley, Alina Marin-Bliach, Theresa Hood

Calendar:

Email Submission Deadline: October 29, 2021

Notification of Selection Date: November 29, 2021

Delivery of Work: December 28, from 4-6 pm or December 29, from 10-noon, at Gallery 14

Exhibit Opening Reception: January 7, 2022, 6-8 pm

Exhibition: January 8 - January 30, 2022

Pick-up Work: January 30, from 5-6 pm or January 31 from 10-noon

Gallery 14 reserves the right to use accepted images for publicity with an artist’s credit line. By submitting images to this exhibition, you agree to grant permission to have them on our website and printed material promoting the exhibition.

Curator
John Clarke
gallery14juriedshow@gmail.com

Concerts

OCTOBER 2, 2 pm
Caribbean/ Latin Night: Funk Salsa Urban, The Verdict & Son 7
At South Riverwalk Park, Trenton

Mercer County Park Commission
(609) 303-0700 | mercercountyparks.org

An afternoon of music with Funk Salsa Urban, The Verdict, and Trenton's own Son Siete.

Guests welcomed to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and sealed bottles of water. Outside food and alcohol, coolers, and glass bottles are PROHIBITED. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Parking and admission are free.

OCTOBER 3, 4 pm
Works by Mendelssohn and Beethoven (PSO 1st Indoor Concert)
Featuring Emerging Violinist Simone Porter

Princeton Symphony Orchestra 
(609) 497-0020 | princetonsymphony.org

On Sunday, October 3 at 4pm, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) performs again in front of a live audience. Emerging artist Simone Porter will play Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, accompanied by the PSO under the direction of Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov. Also on the program are Jessie Montgomery's Banner and Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major. The concert will take place in Matthews Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center.

OCTOBER 15, 6 pm
Rock Night: SuperUnknown & The Outcrops 
Festival Grounds, West Windsor

Mercer County Park Commission
(609) 303-0700 | mercercountyparks.org

Headlining act for the evening will be Superunknown, a Soundgarden Tribute Band. 

Superunknown is quickly becoming the premier tribute band for the music of Chris Cornell. Started in 2018 as a solo act with vocalist/guitarist Jason Reed, Superunknown now consists of a full band also featuring Louis Graff (lead guitar), Tom Laskas (bass) and Ron DiSilvestro (drums) of the highly regarded Foo Fighters tribute White Limo. Superunknown covers all eras of Chris Cornell, playing the music of Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog. Reedstan in particular uncannily recreates the howling vocals Cornell became celebrated for in the Seattle grunge scene.

Guests welcomed to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and sealed bottles of water. Outside food and alcohol, coolers, and glass bottles are PROHIBITED. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. $5 parking fee will apply for Festival Grounds events. 

OCTOBER 22, 7 pm
SEASON PREVIEW CONCERT

Capital Singers of Trenton
(609) 434-2781 |  capitalsingers.org

In person at Sacred Heart Church, 343 S Broad St, Trenton.

Please join us as we preview our 2021-2022 Season, featuring a discussion of the repertoire and concerts by Artistic Director and Conductor Vinroy D. Brown, Jr., a live performance by the CST Chorale, and a special reception in appreciation of our donors.

OCTOBER 23, 7:30 pm
The Dream of America

New Jersey Capital Philharmonic
1 Memorial Drive, Trenton
(609) 558-2292 | capitalphilharmonic.org

Back by popular demand is a repeat performance of Peter Boyer's Ellis Island: The Dream of America. Five years ago many in the audience had tears in their eyes from this powerful work. 

Facility: Patriots Theater at the War Memorial

For tickets click here.

Culture

OCTOBER 1, 3 pm / OCTOBER 15, 1 pm
OUTDOOR: Drum Circle

Lawrence Headquarters Branch 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org

Join our in-person drum circle led by popular long time facilitator Ange Chianese in a relaxed outdoor setting next to the library's building. Drummers of all levels of experience are invited to participate. Bring your own drum(s), bells, percussions. Bringing your own folding chair is encouraged. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required.

Exhibitions

The College of New Jersey Art Gallery
(609) 771-2633 | tcnjartgallery.tcnj.edu/

TCNJ Art Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of My Camera is Always With Me: Professor Emeritus Kenneth Kaplowitz 50-Year Retrospective Exhibition, an exhibition of work by Kenneth Kaplowitz, retiring faculty member in the Art and Art History department at The College of New Jersey. The exhibition will feature more than 100 photographs and photo collages from the early 1980s through the 2010s. The exhibition will trace Kaplowitz’s embrace of evolving photographic techniques and technologies, and demonstrate his boundless curiosity and creative technical twists on photographic subjects. The exhibition will highlight several significant series of work from Kaplowitz’s career, including the Botanical Studies, Biblical Prints, Planets, and Artificial Intelligence series.

OCTOBER 9 - NOVEMBER 14
Trenton's Treasurers

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie
Cadwalader Park, Trenton
(609) 989-1191 | ellarslie.org 

We celebrate the lives and the work of two of Trenton’s most iconic artists, Marge Chavooshian and Robert Sakson. They documented the lives and the places where they resided as well as the surrounding areas and beyond. Howell Farm and Washington Crossing, PA, were favorites of Bob Sakson, depicting life on the farm and the history of Washington’s famous crossing and the sites that survive today. Travels to far-away countries expanded Marge Chavooshian views and her palette with a fresh eye.

Even though they were contemporary Trenton artists and lived only a mile apart, they seldom painted together. However, their work was shown in many of the same local exhibitions as well as regional shows where they received many awards, locally as well as nationally. In this exhibition we can appreciate the work of these talented, prolific artists with their fresh techniques. Sometimes spontaneous … sometimes with minute detail, they were both masters of the watercolor genre.

Festivals

OCTOBER 2, 11 am
Pause 4 Paws

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie
Cadwalader Park, Trenton
(609) 989-1191 | ellarslie.org 

Let's raise the WOOF at Ellarslie! Our fun-filled and family-friendly day will celebrate our beloved pets, starting at 11 a.m. a non-denominational Blessing of the Pets (and stuffed animals!) Enjoy kids' art activities ... pet agility training ... pet portraits ... pet adoptions ... grooming, health, and safety tips ... favorite books about pets and animals ... food and refreshments ... and lots more! BRINGING YOUR PET? Have proof of up-to-date rabies shot and a leash or carrier. Click on the RSVP button below to sign up with number attending, and please leave a note about any pets coming with you! Can't wait to celebrate our furry
friends at Trenton City Museum in beautiful Cadwalader Park!

OCTOBER 2, 1 pm
Autumn Arts Afternoons

West Windsor Arts Council
952 Alexander Road, Princeton
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org

West Windsor Arts and Site Centers are proud to present Autumn Arts Afternoon, a day of art, movement and FUN! Located behind the Panera Bread in Nassau Park Pavilion (just off of Rt 1, Princeton), AAA offers something for every member of the family. Four teaching artists will be stationed throughout the grounds with different interactive arts and crafts activities, as well as a hula-hooping movement artist. There will also be a couple of community projects to dive into with the finished pieces to be displayed in public places. All the while, DJ Ahmad will be spinning some upbeat tunes to keep everyone moving!

Our teaching artists this year are Katie Truk, Jessie Schadt,  Anusha Saran and Prathiba Raju. Our movement artist is Angela Reitter. They will be providing a variety of different activities to keep children of all ages engaged.

OCTOBER 9, 12 pm
Autumn Arts Festival at Weeden Park / Lawrenceville Elementary

Complete Health of Lawrenceville and Lawrenceville Main Street
136 Franklin Corner Road, Suite 110, Lawrenceville

Join us on October 9th for a day of Art, Crafts, Food, Music and Community!  With games, a community art project, 2 stages of live music, and 140+ vendors this event will be a can't miss!

Admission is free! At Weeden Park and Lawrenceville Elementary School.

OCTOBER 17, 5 pm
Oktoberfest with Friends of Princeton Open Space

Friends of Princeton Open Space
57 Mountain Ave., Princeton
(609) 921-2772 | fopos.org

Join Friends of Princeton Open Space for a festive Oktoberfest event celebrating our accomplishments of 2020/2021, and the incredible crew of volunteers.

Enjoy Oktoberfest local craft beers, hard cider, festive fare + live music with the country sounds of Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves in the beautiful setting of the Mountain Lakes House overlooking the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton, New Jersey.

History

OCTOBER 14, 7 pm
VIRTUAL: The Street Where You Live: How Lawrence
Became a Suburb 1900-2000

The Mercer County Library
Lawrence Headquarters Branch 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org

Like many sleepy farming communities in New Jersey, Lawrence Township underwent a profound transformation during the 20th century as many thousands of acres of farmland were subdivided into housing tracts. From 1900-2000 Lawrence’s population increased almost twenty-fold. Join us to learn how the Lawrence of then became the Lawrence of now - and hear the fascinating stories behind many of the town’s best-known neighborhoods, like Eldridge Park, Nassau Estates, Colonial Lake, and Darramoor. Presented by Dennis P. Waters, Mercer County Library Commissioner and former Lawrence Township Historian. Please email
hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program. hopeprogs@mcl.org

OCTOBER 21, 1 pm
VIRTUAL: Princeton Graveyard Tour

The Mercer County Library
Lawrence Headquarters Branch 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org

Get into the Princeton spirit with a virtual tour of Princeton Cemetery, referred to as the
"Westminster Abbey of the United States." Hear the fascinating stories, accompanied by images of the final resting places, of many of Princeton's prominent citizens, including a U.S. president, vice president, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Presented by Eve Mandel, Director of Programs and Visitor Services for Society of Princeton (HSP). Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.

OCTOBER 27, 7 pm
INDOOR PROGRAM: The True Story of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Mercer County Library
Ewing Branch 61 Scotch Road, Ewing
(609) 882-3148 | mcl.org

The residents of Sleepy Hollow believed the Headless Horseman to have been a Hessian. The Hessians were soldiers from Northern Germany who were leased from German princes to fight for the British in the Revolutionary War. Although six German princes rented out their troops to the British, the Hessians, from Hesse-Kassel in Hesse were the most numerous and most important, making up about 17,000 of the 30,000 total troops sent. Join Historical Reenactor and lecturer Michael Jesberger for a program on one of America’s oldest short stories based on real events that took place in the Hudson Valley of New York during the American Revolution.

Lectures

OCTOBER 6, 7 pm
VIRTUAL: Meet the Real James Bond, Birdman of Mystery

The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org 

Jim Wright, long-time "Bird Watcher" columnist for The Record and other New Jersey newspapers, will speak about his latest book, The Real James Bond, the story behind the world’s greatest identity theft and the noted naturalist/adventurer at its heart. Featured are the genuine James Bond’s iconic Birds of the West Indies, his solo Caribbean expeditions -- and his enduring connection to Ian Fleming. Jim Wright's books include The Nature of the Meadowlands, Jungle of the Maya, and Hawk Mountain. In his spare time, he spies on birds and serves as a marsh warden at the Celery Farm Natural Area in Allendale. Sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library. Please email hopeprogs@mcl.org to register to receive link to program.

Literature

OCTOBER 13, 6:30 pm
INDOOR: Poetry Circle: Fall Poems

The Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8294 | mcl.org

Watching the leaves turn from green to all varieties of gold, yellow and red is magical. Autumn not only brings nice weather and spectacular views, but also gives us opportunities to celebrate Harvest and life. Come and join our discussion on great autumn poems by Rainer Maria Rilke, John Keats, Dongpo Su, William Butler Yeats, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Jacques Prevert, Richard Wilbur, Carl Sandburg, Maggie Smith, Sharon Olds, Elsie N. Brady, to learn how these poets use language to capture this season’s change, beauty and sentiment. Sharon, a librarian for the Lawrence Branch, will lead the discussion.

Registration is required.

Nature

OCTOBER 2, 10 am
Wheat Planting

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Titusville
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

Wheat planting is a delicate operation, and the soil has to be just right to plant on schedule...but the work of threshing, grinding, and milling wheat for flour or animal feed goes on rain or shine.

Join farmers in the barn to thresh wheat, by the woodshed—where you can lend a hand cutting firewood for the kitchen stove—and outside the farmhouse to help churn butter for whole wheat bread made with Howell Farm wheat. As a 'thank you' for your help, you’ll receive a sample of homemade bread, and a recipe to make your own at home!

OCTOBER 9, 10 am
Barn Auction 

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Titusville
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

During this fun, fundraising auction you can bid on and win items the old-fashioned way...live! All proceeds are used to buy furnishings for the farm's historic houses and school. Items donated to past auctions have included antique tools, books, household items, baked goods, event tickets, and gift certificates.

OCTOBER 16, 10 am
BASKET & BROOM MAKING 

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Titusville
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

Take a close-up look at the craftsmanship that goes into making a basket, a broom, and a bucket when the artisans preserving these trades visit the farm for a day of demonstrations and teaching. There will be opportunities to try your hand at some of the steps involved, and you’ll also learn about the skills workshops and classes offered at the farm throughout the year.   

OCTOBER 23, 10 am
Corn Harvest 

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Titusville
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

Get out your husking peg...it's time to pick corn! With more than 120,000 ears to pick, farmers could use your hand filling a horse-drawn wagon with field corn—some of which will be used to feed animals in the Mercer County Wildlife Center’s rehabilitation program. Next, head to the barn to help shell and grind corn for Howell Farm’s animals...or the farmhouse to make a batch of cornbread from freshly-ground cornmeal.  

OCTOBER 23, 10 am
Osage Orange Day

Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Titusville
(609) 737-3299 | howellfarm.org

Planting and pruning is only finished when the Osage orange hedgerow is ‘horse high and hog tight.’ Help farmers trim these natural fences, and gather fallen oranges for use in the farmhouse basement...where their scent is thought to discourage insects and spiders from taking up residence.

Discover evidence of Pleasant Valley's historic landscape by joining farmers for hedgerow walks and talks, and learn about a project to map the Osage orange hedgerows of Mercer County.

OCTOBER 31, 1:30 pm
Tomahawk Throwing

Washington Crossing State Park
355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville
(609) 737-0609 | njparksandforests.org

Come on out and try your hand at sticking a tomahawk or small hatchet into a target at about 1
15 ft. Maybe even hit a bull’s-eye. Free.

Workshops

OCTOBER 9, 1 pm
Day of the Dead Workshop: Mexican Tin Art

Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-8777 | artscouncilofprinceton.org    

Celebrate el Día de los Muertos with the Arts Council of Princeton! Join us for free outdoor workshops to learn about this culturally rich holiday and the traditional folk arts associated with Day of the Dead.

Mexican Tin Art, or hojalatas, is the embossing of soft metal into elegant, delicate works of art. For Day of the Dead, learn how to make and decorate metal in various traditional designs, such as calaveras and hearts. You’ll also have the opportunity to loan your artwork to the Arts Council of Princeton to be displayed in a public installation in town!

Ages 7+. Workshops will be led by Veronica Olivares Weber and ACP Artistic Director Maria Evans.

Space is limited and REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://bit.ly/3jVUcrv

OCTOBER 16, 1 pm
Day of the Dead Workshop: Papel Picado & Paper Flowers

Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-8777 | artscouncilofprinceton.org    

Celebrate el Día de los Muertos with the Arts Council of Princeton! Join us for free outdoor workshops to learn about this culturally rich holiday and the traditional folk arts associated with Day of the Dead.

The art of cutting paper banners is a true talent in Mexico, traditionally done with chisels. We will make the festive tissue paper banners that flutter over every plaza, shop, and doorway during Day of the Dead.

Ages 7+. Workshops will be led by Veronica Olivares Weber and ACP Artistic Director Maria Evans.

Flowers are also a large part of this holiday, gathered in bunches and placed at cemeteries. Learn how to make a bouquet of the brightly colored cempoalxochitl flowers the Arts Council has used to decorate our altar arch for our annual festival.

Not only will you learn a new folk art craft, but you’ll be invited to display your work in our Day of the Dead Exhibition in our Sands Lobby Gallery from November 6-20!

Space is limited & REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://bit.ly/3tvuPju

OCTOBER 17, 10 am
The Art of Deception, Duck Decoy Workshop with Master Carver Jode Hillman

Morven Museum
55 Stockton St., Princeton
(609) 924-8144 | morven.org

The Art of Deception: Techniques and Theory of creating a three dimensional Black Duck Silhouette decoy.

Join us for a one day, outdoor, intensive class with Master Carver Jode Hillman focusing on the history, application and usage of traditional hunting Decoys produced in Western NJ. Students will carve and paint a Black Duck Silhouette decoy. The completed decoy will be suitable for hunting use or decorative display.

Class on-site, outdoors, masked and socially distanced. All supplies and materials provided. Lunch included from Brick Farm Market - selections to be made in week before. Dress for the outdoors and weather. Class size limited to 8 people.

OCTOBER 17 - NOVEMBER 7, 11 am
Remote Learning: Vision Beyond Seeing with Don Komarechka 

Princeton Photo Workshop
Herrontown Road, Princeton
princetonphotoworkshop.com/classes

Join acclaimed Macro Photographer, Author and Podcaster Don Komarechka for a new 4 week photography seminar that weaves science and art together to help photographers of every skill level understand the limitations of both our cameras and our own vision and then step beyond those limits.

OCTOBER 30, 1 pm
Day of the Dead Workshop: Sampler for Child & Caregiver

Arts Council of Princeton
102 Witherspoon St., Princeton
(609) 924-8777 | artscouncilofprinceton.org    

Celebrate el Día de los Muertos with the Arts Council of Princeton! Join us for free outdoor workshops to learn about this culturally rich holiday and the traditional folk arts associated with Day of the Dead.

Receive a tour of our vibrant El Día de los Muertos gallery installation and learn the customs of this colorful, art-filled holiday! Then join our instructor for creating your own nichos, papel picados, Calaveras, or paper flowers. These projects will certainly become treasured family heirlooms for many Day of the Dead celebrations to come.

This workshop is designed for a child and a parent or caregiver to complete projects together.

Ages 4+. Workshops will be led by Veronica Olivares Weber and ACP Artistic Director Maria Evans.

Not only will you learn a new folk art craft, but you’ll be invited to display your work in our Day of the Dead Exhibition in our Sands Lobby Gallery from November 6-20!

Space is limited and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: https://bit.ly/3hhOZbO

OCTOBER 27, 11 am / NOV. 6, 11 am / NOV. 17, 6:30 pm
Remote Learning: Vision Beyond Seeing with Don Komarechka 

Princeton Photo Workshop
Herrontown Road, Princeton
princetonphotoworkshop.com/classes

Still Life is an art form that centers inanimate subjects like products, tabletop, foods and found objects, challenging the artist to create an image that makes familiar objects compelling to the viewer. The ability to compose the scene instead of capturing a moment affords the photographer control and creative potential. At the same time, experimenting with lighting, mood, arrangements and composition pertains to every photographic endeavor. Mastering Still Life photography is an excellent way to sharpen general skills and comprises an essential part of a photographer's portfolio.