In many galleries around the state, exhibitions sit in darkness. Sadly, art enthusiasts can’t tour these displays in person right now. But Covid-19 isn’t halting creativity: While we all hibernate, galleries and museums are bringing art to patrons through virtual exhibits.
Lost in the Wood by Hiro Sakaguchi is part of Rowan University Art Gallery’s “Tracing Origins.”
Rowan University Art Gallery
The “Tracing Origins” exhibit brings together three Philadelphia-based artists who create vibrant works inspired by their ancestral homelands and native cultures. Artist Colette Fu constructs collapsible books that combine photography with pop-up paper engineering. Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, artist Claes Gabriel uses materials that mimic tribal masks and totems. Artist Hiro Sakaguchi creates ambiguous atmospheric paintings based on his memories of life growing up in Japan.
Both Street Night by Steven Epstein (left) and Exit 11 by Lisa Lackey are included in “R’emerged.”
Monmouth Museum
The “R’emerged” exhibit features current works from alumni of the New Jersey Emerging Artists, a series established in 2007 to provide local artists with a launchpad for their career, including their first solo show. Admire the works in the museum’s digital gallery through June 3.
Having a Moment by Yael Eisner is part of Hunterdon Art Museum’s Member Highlight exhibit.
Hunterdon Art Museum
The Clinton museum is offering five virtual art exhibitions, including a young artists showcase and “Explorations in Felt”—an exhibit featuring 29 diverse fiber art pieces. Enjoy a panoramic view of the in-person galleries. Click on each work to learn more.
Glass Block # 2 by Jean Paul Picard for the New Jersey Arts Annual
Morris Museum
This spring, it was the Morris Museum’s turn to host the juried New Jersey Arts Annual. Instead, that exhibit has been rolled out online, with information and multimedia about each artist and their works shared daily on Instagram and Facebook. When the museum opens its doors again, that exhibit and others will stay open for another three or four months.
Carroll Gallery
For two years, Cape May MAC awaited March 27, 2020—the day “50 Years of MAC,” a history exhibit at the Carroll Gallery, was to open. Cape May MAC, which started life as the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, has helped reshape the seaside resort town into a National Historic Landmark. Sadly, the exhibit now sits quietly in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. For now, you can view guided video tours of the exhibit hosted by Cape May MAC president Tom Carroll.
Two-Faced by Ling “Tiffany” Huang is part of the “Inspired Minds” exhibit.
Herb + Milly Iris Gallery
For the last six years, the South Orange Performing Arts Center has presented the “Inspired Minds” young artist exhibit. While viewable online, prints of the pieces will also be mounted in the large glass windows of SOPAC from May 14–August 17. A celebratory drive-by opening will take place on May 14 from 5:30–7:30 pm. Members of the public are invited to admire the works safely as they drive slowly around the traffic circle in front of the building.
The West Orange High School Virtual Exhibit at WOArts.org includes works by Jack Mault (left) and Ruth Donagher.
West Orange Arts Council
Each year, Advanced Placement studio art juniors and seniors at West Orange High School have their works shown in an exhibit at the West Orange Arts Center. The show was installed on March 8 by the students; shortly after, the center closed. The community can now visit the online art exhibit, which includes images of the works along with artist statements.