“For Art’s Sake 2015” Benefit for the Visual Arts Center in Summit

Celebrate art and support a renowned local non-profit at the same time at the Visual Art Center’s annual gala this month.

“A Night in the Garden Art Auction and Gala” is the VAC’s signature event of the year. On the evening of  Saturday, March 28, from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., you can bid on one-of-a-kind art and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in the splendor of Australian artist Gary Carsley’s international garden installation in the Art Center’s Main Gallery. Guests will have exclusive access to art work donated by professional artists that have been selected by the center’s Curator. Premier catering and signature cocktails will be provided by David Ellis Events. 

On Friday, March 27, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., the evening before the gala, you can attend an exclusive artists’ reception. This event is specifically for artists, sponsors and VIP ticket holders, and will give you a sneak-peak of the art auction. During this early preview you will enjoy light hor d’oeuvres and a glass of wine or a cocktail while meeting and mingling with artists, sponsors and other VIP guests.

Following the artists’ reception and gala, this exciting weekend of art continues on Sunday, when the Visual Arts Center will hold an open house. Help the VAC celebrate what they do best: bringing art and people together! All are welcome to the Art Center to experience art demonstrations and hands-on projects led by the center’s faculty instructors. Back by popular demand, Segunda Quimbamba, Puerto Rican percussion and dance ensemble from Jersey City will be on hand to entertain and engage participants in interactive workshops on traditional Bomba & Plena drum music and dancing. Hungry? There will be a variety of food trucks on site to make an afternoon of it for the whole family! This event is free and open to the public.

VIP Tickets are $300 (includes VIP & Artist Reception). Individual Tickets are $175 ($200 at the door). Visit the website to pre-order tickets or simply to make a donation.

For more than 80 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been recognized as a leading arts institution in the tri-state region, serving over 30,000 individuals each year. Comprised of a renowned Studio School, a thriving exhibitions schedule, and a diverse calendar of programs and events, the Art Center engages the community in visual learning, interpretive programs, and art-making experiences in order to fulfill its mission of bringing art and people together.

The Art Center has received accolades from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts each year since 2008: a designation as a Major Impact Organization as well as a Citation of Excellence. In 2010, the Art Center received its first award from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Art Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the North American Reciprocal Museums Association, granting Sustaining Level Members reciprocal access to nearly 700 institutions across the continent. Our Studio School has been voted Best Place to Take an Adult Art Class four times by the Discover Jersey Arts People’s Choice Awards. Whether you are an artist or art lover or both, the Art Center is sure to inspire, amaze and enrich your appreciation for art.