(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Morven Museum & Garden rings in the New Year with programs featuring new ways of looking at art for both children and adults starting with a 2:00 p.m. Gallery Walk with renowned trompe l’oeil artist Gary Erbe on Saturday, January 12.

“Touring Morven’s Masters of Illusion exhibition with Gary Erbe is a treat for both the art connoisseur and anyone newly exploring ‘fool the eye’ imagery of trompe l’oeil,” Morven’s Executive Director Jill Barry remarked recently.  Erbe’s coffee table book, FOOTPRINTS: THE ART AND LIFE OF GARY ERBE, will be available for purchase and signing following the walk.  

On Thursday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m., meet John F. Peto Studio Museum Curator Harry Bower as he explores life inside Peto’s studio with an illustrated lecture and discussion. Bower will be in the exhibition beforehand for informal conversation.  John Frederick Peto, recognized as one of America’s most accomplished trompe l’oeil artists, is featured in two galleries of the exhibition.  

The Erbe and Peto events are each $10 for Morven members; $15 for the public.

Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence  - Local historian John Baxter presents his  thought provoking research regarding Richard Stockton’s  portrayal in John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence painting on Saturday, January 26 at 2:00 p.m.     One of Trumbull’s versions of the iconic painting is in Morven’s first floor gallery  and Baxter’s talk explores the “Politics behind the Painting” and his interpretation of the  interwoven personal stories of Stocktons and Trumbulls. This lecture is free with Morven membership; $10 for the public.

Still Life Stew Storytime - Rounding out January’s programming is Still Life Stew Storytime for ages 3 to 6 on Thursday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m.  Helena Clare Pittman and Victoria Raymond’s picture book and the Masters of Illusion exhibition will inspire young artists as they hear the story, view still life paintings in the exhibition, then create still life watercolors to take home, along with a stew recipe.  Storytime is free with Morven membership (up to two adults and 4 children per ticket); $10 for the public.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ,  is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, free for children 6 and under and free with Morven membership. Docent-led tours of the first floor galleries are offered at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

Tea & Tour is available by reservation on Wednesdays starting January 16, 2019: $18 for Morven members; $22 for the public. For reservations call 609.924.8144 ext. 103.