February 15, 1 - 3 p.m.
Artist in Residence Maria Lupo Workshop: Create a Personal Symbol
West Windsor Arts - 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org
The workshop will include a brief overview of the art therapy field, historically and professionally, and its connection to the field of mental health today as part of the recent movement in Neuro-Arts. Then the participants will create a personal symbol using clay.
A personal symbol is a representation of something that is meaningful and significant to an individual. It can be a visual image, an object, a word, a phrase, or a combination of these elements that encapsulate one’s personality, values, beliefs, and aspirations. With the guidance of Dr. Lupo, participants will explore their roots through a creative journey to discover their personal symbol, making a visual vocabulary.
*Registration Required. Cost: $35 for members, $45 for all others. Materials will be provided.
February 20, 12 - 1 p.m.
Lunchtime Gallery Series with Ralph E. Hunter – African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
West Windsor Arts - 952 Alexander Rd, Princeton Junction
(609) 716-1931 | westwindsorarts.org
Join West Windsor Arts for a lively conversation with Ralph Hunter, the founder of The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ). He will be talking about the importance of the museum today and will highlight the Art of The Quilt: Fiber & Clay by Artist Gloria Gammage Davis.
Gloria Gammage Davis puts the focus on African American history and culture in her fine art quilt creations. Ms. Davis’ thought provoking compositions employ the techniques of classic needle artistry but deconstruct the form of the familiar rectangular quilt with the use of organic inclusions, abstract shapes, sculptural forms, embroidered text, and African symbology. She uses written and embroidered text, block prints, and colorful African textiles to refine the messages of race and heritage in her artwork.
*Registration Required. Free for members, $10 for all others.
February 1 - April 30
Artifacts of African Diaspora - Exhibit
Mercer County Community College James Kerney Campus Gallery - Trenton Hall, 137 N. Broad St, Trenton
(609) 570-3404 | brownl@mccc.edu | mccc.edu/jkcgallery
The Mercer County Community College Black History Month Committee, in conjunction with the TRIO Program and American Association for Women in Community Colleges Mercer Chapter, proudly presents Artifacts of African Diaspora.
The three-month long exhibit will illuminate the historical significance of the African diaspora in visual and musical arts. Visitors will find a variety of artifacts on display including musical instruments, sculptures, books, historical documents, and more, that will provide an immersive education about the evolution of African American art and culture from slavery to modern times. “We intend to share, inform, and uplift the local community in a way that highlights the historical role of the African diaspora in our society,” said Lucia Brown-Joseph, Director of Student Accounts at MCCC and Exhibit creator. The Exhibit will also include pre-recorded videos of current students speaking about their cultural background that will be played on a loop during Exhibit hours. Additionally, current students will assist with demonstrations on musical instruments and lead immersive tours.
*Exhibit hours will be every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during the week by appointment for group visits.
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February 12, 7 p.m.
The African American's Deep Connection to Land
Mercer County Library System - Virtual Lecture
(609) 883-8292 | mcl.org
Donnetta Bishop Johnson will share an insightful look at farming and land ownership traditions of the African American community in the Sourlands. Ms. Bishop-Johnson is the former executive director of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) in Skillman, described as “Central New Jersey’s first dedicated Black history museum.” Informed by her work with SSAAM, she will discuss the African American relationship to environmentalism and property conflict, including loss, across America and in the Sourlands.
*Registration required to receive link
February 16, 11 a.m.
Alma's Rainbow - Free Film Screening
Underwritten by the YWCA of Princeton at Princeton Garden Theater, 160 Nassau St, Princeton
(609) 279-1999 | princetongardentheatre.org
One of the first feature films written, produced, and directed by an African American woman. Alma's Rainbow is a coming-of-age story about Rainbow Gold, a Brooklyn teenager who searches for meaning as she confronts her newfound feelings for boys, unrealistic beauty standards, and the fundamental question of women's autonomy over their own bodies. Throughout her exploration, she reflects on the lives of the two adult women closest to her: her uptight mother Alma and her flamboyant Aunt Ruby. This film is a significant contribution to ‘90s independent Black cinema and remains relevant in contemporary discussions. Presented in a new restoration.
*Free Event
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February 19, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Voices of Trenton: A Teen Exploration of Black History
Trenton Free Public Library - Trentoniana Room, 120 Academy St, Trenton
(609) 392-7188 | info@tfplibrary.org | trentonlib.org
Join us for an engaging and interactive Book Show & Tell celebrating Black History Month! Teenagers are invited to explore powerful books showcasing Black history, all sourced from the Trenton Free Public Library’s Trentoniana History Room. Share your thoughts, discover new perspectives, and enjoy refreshments on a first-come, first-served basis in the nearby poetry café. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dive into local black history and culture through literature!
February 20, 6:30 p.m.
NJ Slavery and the Underground Railroad Presentation
Mercer County Library System - Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
(609) 883-8292 | lawprogs@mcl.org | mcl.org
Celebrate Black History Month with Richard Moody, an enthusiastic amateur historian, as he deepens our understanding of slavery and the Underground Railroad in New Jersey. His presentation delves into the origins of the slave trade, the harrowing Middle Passage, and the gradual abolition of slavery in New Jersey and neighboring states. Moody highlights the crucial roles of "Conductors" and "Safe Houses" in aiding escaping slaves, featuring notable figures like Harriet Tubman and William Still. He also details the routes taken by escaping slaves through New Jersey, emphasizing the significance of various locations and individuals in the Underground Railroad network.
*Advanced registration is appreciated
February 18, 7 p.m.
Saxophone Masterclass with Selmer artist Mr. Valentin Kovalev
Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey - 19 Ginnie Lane, West Windsor
contactyocj@gmail.com | yocj.org/events/masterclass-saxophones/
Selmer artist, Mr. Valentin Kovalev, a highly sought educator and performer, will run a saxophone masterclass on Tuesday, February 18. Most notably, Mr. Kovalev was the first prize winner of the Naumburg Foundation’s International Saxophone Competition in 2022.
January 25 - February 22
Intuitive Nature by Karen Schoenitz
The Arts Council of Princeton - 102 Witherspoon St, Princeton (Lower Level Gallery)
(609) 924-8777 | info@artscouncilofprinceton.org | artscouncilofprinceton.org
The recent paintings explore mark making, color, repetition, and experimentation in oil and cold wax medium.
"The work is process driven and created without a preconceived idea. Working from intuition I make marks and create and remove layers of paint with various tools including oil sticks, palette knives and shaper brushes. The process is repeated many times over days, weeks, and many months to build up the surface. I am focused on the process rather than the end result and interested in play and embracing imperfections." - Karen Schoenitz.
*Free Event
February 1 - April 12
Clifford Ward: I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD, prologue - Exhibit
Artworks Trenton Inc. - 19 Everett Alley, Trenton
(609) 394-9436 |
info@artworkstrenton.org | artworkstrenton.org/events/clifford-ward/
Clifford Ward: I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD, prologue will be an enchanting exhibition that brings together selected works from multiple series of works by Ward, celebrating the intersection of Ward’s artistic journey with the imaginative and forward-looking spirit of Afrofuturism. Curated by Addison Vincent, Artistic Director of Artworks Trenton, this exhibition represents a unique collaboration between Artworks Trenton and Grounds For Sculpture (GFS). The Artworks Trenton exhibition is a first look at select pieces to be featured in GFS’s upcoming exhibition, Clifford Ward: I’ll Make Me a World. The exhibition at GFS is guest curated by Noah Smalls and will be on view in its Museum Building from May 18, 2025 to January 11, 2026. Expanding on the Artworks Trenton exhibition, GFS will display Ward’s work in a larger context, revealing the complete narrative and the interconnectedness of his greater oeuvre.
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February 5, 7 p.m.
December 1776 and a New Jersey Free Black Man – Jacob Francis
Mercer County Library System - Virtual Lecture
(609) 883-8292 | mcl.org
The American Revolution’s game changing events during December 1776 - such as
Washington’s Crossing and the Battle of Trenton - and the famous leaders in charge of them are known in some degree to most people. Those events take on new meaning when looked at through the actions and memories of the individuals who experienced them. This talk is the fascinating story of a New Jersey-born Free Black Man serving in a Massachusetts regiment of the Continental Army. Although just one man, what he suffered through, and contributed to, puts a human face on life at that important time. Francis’ experiences laid the groundwork for a lifelong interest in promoting the ideals of the Revolution, including that all men are created equal and should have equal rights.
*Registration required to receive link
February 27, 6:30 p.m.
Cadwalader Lecture Series - Black Soldiers in America's Wars with John Rees
Princeton Battlefield Society and Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St, Princeton
(609) 924.8144 | info@morven.org | pbs1777.org
The Princeton Battlefield Society (PBS) and Morven Museum & Garden are pleased to host the 2nd Cadwalader Lecture featuring local author and historian John Rees. Rees will discuss the largely unknown and under-appreciated role Black soldiers played in the fight for Independence at Princeton and the American Revolution.
Rees is the author of the newly released Don Troiani’s Black Soldiers in America’s Wars, 1754-1865, written with prominent military artist Don Troiani. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing by the author.
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and refreshments followed by the talk at 7 p.m.
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February 14, 15, 21 & 22, 8 p.m. | February 16 & 23, 2 p.m.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
MTM Players featuring Special Guest Director Diane L. Parker at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre - 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Trenton
(609) 570 3333 | boxoff@mccc.edu | kelsey.mccc.edu
It's 1967 and a progressive white couple's proud liberal sensibilities are tested when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film. Blindsided by their daughter's whirlwind romance, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they aren't the only ones with concerns about the match, and soon a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Draytons' idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, this drama begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.. PG13
*Ticket Cost: $22/20
February 20, 8 p.m.
It's Never Too Late - Special Stage Reading by Lou Di Pietro
Theater To Go at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre - 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Trenton
(609) 570 3333 | boxoff@mccc.edu | kelsey.mccc.edu
Theater to Go is thrilled to announce a one-night-only fully staged reading with a 9 piece orchestra of the musical It’s Never Too Late, Book and lyrics by Lou DiPietro and Music by Louis Josephson.
It’s Never Too Late is a heartfelt musical that weaves together the stories of individuals who discover that it’s never too late to pursue their dreams. With a rich tapestry of characters and uplifting music, the show encourages audiences to embrace change and find their true selves, no matter their age or circumstances
The staged reading features a talented cast of professional actors and musicians who will bring DiPietro’s poignant story and music to the Kelsey Theatre stage. This event provides a unique opportunity for the community to experience this work in progress that celebrates personal growth and the courage to make life changes.
*Ticket Cost: $10
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