(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) will return to Canoe Brook Country Club to hold its annual spring gala, Art & Soul, on Saturday, April 30. The event, which will take place in Summit, NJ, is the Art Center’s largest fundraiser of the year, featuring live music by Gatsby Now, cocktails, and a seated dinner. The main attraction of the evening is the Art Center’s signature silent and live auctions of contemporary art highlighted by the return of celebrity auctioneer CK Swett. This year will mark the return to an in-person celebration for the first time since 2019.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the Art Center community together in person for the gala this year,” says Gala Co-Chair Alison O’Neill. “Gala proceeds are critical to enabling the Art Center’s important work of transforming lives by bringing art and people together.”
Alison is co-chairing this year's Art & Soul Gala alongside longtime VACNJ supporters David O’Neill, Isabel Ribeiro, and Diego Rotsztain. Additional committee members include Heather Braun, Kate Buchanan, Susan Cagnassola, Terri Friedman, Tharanga Goonetilleke, Anne Grissinger, Suzanne Henry, Renee Stene, and Rachel Wilf.
To learn more, including how to purchase tickets or a sponsorship visit artcenternj.org/art-and-soul. Ticket sales close on April 22. Silent auction items will be available for bidding to the public starting on April 22 at galabid.com/gala-2022.
Auction items will be on display in the Art Center’s second-floor community galleries from April 22 through April 30. Bidding ends on April 30 at approximately 9:00pm. Live auction items are only available for bidding in-person at the Gala on April 30.
The Art & Soul Gala is generously sponsored by:
Platinum Sponsors: Lisa Butler & Bob Kelly; Susan & Mike Cagnassola; Anne & RJ Grissinger; Rachel & Jonathan Wilf.
Gold Sponors: Katherine & John Buchanan, Risk Strategies Company; Laura & David Hardin, Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.; Alison & David O’Neill; Isabel Ribeiro & Diego Rotsztain.
Silver Sponsors: Marie & Roy Alan Cohen; Siobhan Creem; Betse & Frank Gump; Elena & Roger; Kayla & Richard; Deborah & Fred Schwarzmann.
Bronze Sponsors: Sally & Tom Abbott; Heather Braun; Terri & Mark Friedman; Tharanga Goonetilleke & Aditya Bindal; Amy & Clint Harris; Suzanne & Dean Henry; Peapack Private Wealth Management; Jane & Kevin Quinn; Amy & Mitchell Radin; Ana Robic & Rob Feuerstake; TD Bank; Susan Yarad.
Community Sponsors: Cambridge Wines; CWI Design; Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child; Otterstedt Agency.
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. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours. Visit artcenternj.org for more information.
Significant support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided by the Wilf Family Foundation; Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation; New Jersey State Council on the Arts; the Estate of Pamela Hauptfleisch; and the Art Center community of supporters.
