Independent Arts News Reporting Garden State Art Weekend: A Statewide Celebration of New Jersey's Vibrant Art Scene
Reported on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Pictured Above: Noyes Museum of Art. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY
Garden State Art Weekend returns April 24-27, 2025, with over 95 venues across the state
East Orange, NJ – Garden State Art Weekend returns April 24-27, 2025, with over 95 venues across the state opening their doors for a four-day celebration of New Jersey’s art scene.
From world-class museums and cutting-edge galleries to intimate artist studios and unexpected pop-up exhibitions, Garden State Art Weekend offers an all-access pass to New Jersey’s artistic venues. Using a digital GUIDE and MAP, attendees can explore a wide range of events, including exhibitions, open studios, live art demonstrations, workshops, and more.
Co-directed by artists Christine Romanell and Alison Pirie, Garden State Art Weekend was created to elevate New Jersey’s reputation as an art destination. “New Jersey is home to many talented artists and respected arts institutions that are often underrecognized,” says co-director Christine Romanell. “By connecting them on one platform, our goal is to foster greater awareness, engagement, and support for the arts in New Jersey.”
Pictured Above: The festival’s headquarters at Manufacturers Village Artists in East Orange. Photo Credit: Contributed.
The festival’s headquarters at Manufacturers Village Artists in East Orange will host two major events:
Kickoff Party (April 25): A night of art, entertainment, and community, in partnership with the City of East Orange. RSVP for free at manufacturersvillageartists.org. The art auction will only take place during the party and it will benefit the development of a kids art education program at Manufacturers Village.
Spring Open House (April 26-27): Explore 65+ artist studios, a community exhibition, and a curated auction.
Spanning 14 counties, the festival features major hubs in Newark, Hoboken, Montclair, and the Jersey Shore. Highlights include:
Newark Museum of Art | Newark: Free admission all four days, with special events Art After Dark Lite (Thurs), Family Days (Sat-Sun), and Cudjo Banquante: Celebrating Newark’s Revolutionary Hero (Sun).
Project for Empty Space | Newark: Visit PES’ gallery spaces at 800 Broad and Ironside Newark (Thurs-Fri). Plus, any time during the weekend, walk through their project Newark Grounds, a cultural corridor in Downtown Newark, featuring over 75 public artworks and arts and culture spaces.
Neumann Leathers’ Building & Project Studios | Hoboken: Explore studios and exhibitions by Hoboken’s creative community on April 27 from 12-6pm. Project Studios will also offer open hours at the Clay Studio (April 24), a group exhibition reception (April 25), and outdoor Raku firing (April 27).
Pictured Above: Zimmerli Art Museum | New Brunswick: Experience Indigenous Identities, a powerful survey of Native American art curated by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, along with other spring exhibitions. Photo Credit: Contributed.
Maxwell Place Park Lawn | Hoboken: Join artists CHIAOZZA for a clay model-making session at their “Charm Harbour” installation at Maxwell Place Park. This free event is drop-in, with materials available on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP recommended. Sponsored by the Hoboken Business Alliance.
Montclair Art Museum | Montclair: Explore diverse exhibitions showcasing American and Native American art, including Interwoven Power and Nanette Carter’s Shifting Perspectives (paid admission).
Mud Clay Studio | Montclair, Madison, and Mendham: Check out one of Mud Clay Studio’s three locations and create a clay tile to contribute to their community clay wall. This is a free event. Montclair: Fri-Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-5pm; Madison: Fri-Sun 12-6; Mendham: Sat-Sun 12-5.
Gardenship Art | Montclair: Watch an iron pour at Gardenship’s new space in Lackawanna Plaza on April 26 (1-5pm) for International Sculpture Day.
Grounds for Sculpture | Hamilton Township: Visit a 42-acre sculpture park and museum; advance tickets available online at groundsforsculpture.org.
Zimmerli Art Museum | New Brunswick: Experience Indigenous Identities, a powerful survey of Native American art curated by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, along with other spring exhibitions.
Peter’s Valley School of Craft | Sandyston: Learn about Noborigama firing practices (April 25-26) and shop handmade works from over 250 artisans.
Galerie Lucida | Red Bank: View a selection of painting, photography, sculpture, fiber, and installation art by member artists of the Lucida Collective.
Pictured Above: Live demonstration at Project Studios in Hoboken, NJ. Photo Credit: Contributed.
“New Jersey is a place of artistic innovation where idiosyncrasy is valued and imagination is celebrated,” says Journalist Tris McCall, “the best way to experience that in full is by immersing yourself in the events and open studios of Garden State Art Weekend.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an art enthusiast, or just looking for creative inspiration, Garden State Art Weekend invites you to explore and support New Jersey’s artistic communities.
Visit gardenstateartweekend.org to explore the full lineup and plan your art weekend.
