(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The New Jersey Photography Forum is excited to present a free panel discussion, Artificial Intelligence: Transforming our Lives on June 22, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in the main gallery of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Immediately following the panel discussion there will be a wine reception to celebrate the opening of the NJ Photography Forum's exhibit "The Garden State" in the Art Center's main gallery.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is here and rapidly transforming every aspect of our lives; from the way we create and experience art to how we educate future generations. This event brings together leading local experts from diverse fields to explore AI’s evolving role and its impact on industries, visual arts, jobs, curriculums, policies, and local economics. The aim of the panel discussion is to bridge the gap between innovation and practical understanding and application, helping us all to be better informed and prepared for the changes ahead.
The panel will be moderated by Umesh Bhatt who is the Director of Emerging Methods & Technologies at Bristol Myers Squibb. He will be asking the experts to focus on education, healthcare, drug development, research, copyright laws, jobs and marketing to share the trends and observations in the growing use of artificial intelligence in their fields. He also has over a decade of experience conducting workshops educating photographers and artists on various technologies and advanced techniques, with a recent focus on AI tools. He will join the panel to present information on AI in the visual arts.
The members of the panel include Dr. Amish Patel, Chief of Interventional Radiology at Overlook Medical Center; Douglas Orr, District Supervisor of Technology for the Summit Public School System; Thomas Graham, Scientist in Drug Research at Bristol Meyers Squibb; James Klobucar, Esq., Partner, Gearhart Law, LLC; and Rachel Rubinstein, AI Champion, Ogilvy Health PRS&I.
“The Visual Arts Center of NJ has been home for the NJ Photography Forum since 2005, where together we have welcomed and nurtured the photographers from the Metro area. Through exhibitions, classes, and community programs, the Arts Center has always fostered connections with the art and local community, making it the perfect environment for this program. Both VACNJ and the Forum value open dialogue and encourage innovative thinking. We look forward to sharing important information from local experts on the ever-changing topic of AI technology and how it will impact us all,” said Nancy Ori, program organizer and Director of the NJ Photography Forum.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The New Jersey Photography Forum is dedicated to furthering the interests of professional and serious photographers living or working in the New Jersey area. Under the direction of Nancy Ori, the NJPF has become the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the state. The Forum meets monthly over Zoom and holds quarterly in-person meetings at the Arts Center. They encourage attendees to share expertise and advance their skills in preparation for exhibition. The meetings provide an opportunity for photographers to share their work for critique by others. Exhibition possibilities within the fine art community are constantly explored, which have become an invaluable resource for photographers interested in becoming fine art exhibitors.
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, New Jersey.
