(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey recently opened two new members exhibitions in the second-floor community galleries, Irene Rousseau: Stretching the Space and Trish Classe Gianakis: Elements of Emotion. Both shows will be on view through June 13.

On view in Ann’s Place Gallery Trish Classe Gianakis: Elements of Emotion, features work that combines raku-fired ceramic, mixed media, found objects, and digital media. Classe Gianakis combines these elements to express themes of gratitude, rage, and love. It is these emotions that the artist, as a cancer survivor, is driven to channel into her work.

The work presented in Irene Rousseau: Stretching the Space, on view in the Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II, represents transition and change as an expression of nature and the environment. Rousseau’s paintings begin with a geometric concept on a two-dimensional plane, which is expanded using a sequence of numbers that are combined to stretch the space. The resultant patterns overlap causing subdivided spaces, color shifts, and fragmentation, disguising the original geometry.

For over 85 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center’s renowned Studio School, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youth, families, seniors, and people with special needs every year.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, NJ. Gallery hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:00am–8:00pm; Friday, 10:00am–5:00pm; and Saturday & Sunday, 11:00am–4:00pm. Admission must be reserved in advance. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours.  Major support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided in part by the Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation; the Wilf Family Foundations; and Art Center members and donors.