Summit, NJ: In addition to the Studio School and Contemporary Art Exhibitions, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey provides informative programs for everyone–regardless of educational or professional background–to gather and learn about how contemporary art is related to other disciplines such as film, drama and literature.

Now in its sixth season, the Thursday Evening Salon Series is held in an informal setting within our gallery and guests may enjoy a soft drink or wine while learning about and discussing current topics in the arts, humanities and social sciences. All programs are held twice a month from January through May, in the Main Gallery at the Art Center from 7:30 – 9:00 pm and are free to the public. Please call (908) 273-9121 or go online at www.artcenternj.org to make your reservations as seating is limited for each event.

The Lifelong Learning Series provides a seminar setting for art enthusiasts to discover the relationships among the visual arts, society and culture through a wide variety of arts and humanities topics. Each semester this 5-week class is led by a different noted scholar or professional. The winter’s Lifelong Learning Series: Film in Five Genres, with Laura Winters, will explore romantic comedy, the western, (melo) drama, independent/art-house, and documentary films. Lectures are held on five consecutive Tuesdays from January 15 – February 12 7 pm – 9 pm, $170 ($140 for members). To register call (908) 273-9121 or go online at www.artcenternj.org.

The Teacher’s Symposium is a unique professional development opportunity to introduce art educators to new methods, techniques and approaches to artistic endeavors. Presented in conjunction with the Winter Exhibition Cordy Ryman: Shuffle / Scrap / Echo, the Symposium will be held on March 21from 9am to 3pm.  Participants will be led by a contemporary artist in a lecture and will take part in a group docent-led tour of the current exhibition, along with other activities including a hands-on workshop. There is a registration fee of $60 per participant to attend. All participants will receive six professional development hours. Online registration begins in early February.  For more information please contact Interim Director of Programs, Cara Bramson at 908.273.9121 ext.13 or via e-mail at cbramson@artcenternj.org.