A RETURN TO ART: The Montgomery Arts Council’s October Pop-Up Exhibition

October 18, 2021

The New Montgomery Arts Council is hosting “A Return to Art,” a three-day visual arts exhibit and sale, from October 22 through 24. The council, formed this year by Montgomery’s volunteer- driven Economic Development Committee (EDC), will provide opportunities for local artists to show their work.

“This event is meant to be a celebration,” says Karen Tuveson, founder and chairperson of the arts council. “Artists and their communities are craving meaningful connection after spending 16 months in lock down.”

Karen Tuveson and Don Campbell, a local sculptor, in front of the GfK building.

Like other businesses, artists’ venues closed and events were canceled when quarantine hit. Artists had work left in closed galleries and museums. Slowly opportunities are returning, but there aren’t enough venues for artists to exhibit, meet the public, and cultivate collectors.

“Art is best experienced in person,” Tuveson says. Deputy Mayor Marvin Schuldiner, liaison to the EDC, pointed out that artists are small business owners. “Making art is a business,” he says. “We all want to support our small local businesses. Artists are struggling just as much as shop owners in brick-and-mortar buildings.”

“A Return to Art” will be held at 1060 Rt. 206 (State Road), Princeton, the GfK building, just south of the Princeton Airport. The event kicks off with a ticketed reception to meet the artists on Friday, October 22 from 6 pm to 9 pm, with wine, appetizers, and live music. The exhibit will open to the general public at no cost on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24, from 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets for the reception can be purchased at montgomeryartscouncil.org, or at the door.

The arts council is looking for volunteers to assist with handing out flyers, putting up posters, and installing lawn signs. Volunteers are also needed at the event. Adults and local high school students are welcome to volunteer. If interested, please email montyartscouncil@gmail.com with your name and phone number by October 8. Proceeds will go towards a scholarship fund for arts-bound students and to future community- based programs.