The Baird's Page

An important art event in the region that celebrates the diverse artistic communities of South Orange and Maplewood.  With well over 70 artists' studios, galleries and group exhibitions, the Tour draws art lovers from all over the Metropolitan area.  Visit www.studiotoursoma.org to learn more about the artists and to plan your personal tour with the new interactive map! This year, for the first time the Tour is FREE!See More

This panel discussion will address how younger artists have been influenced by an established artistic community formed within spitting distance of a world art capital, and how the choice of living or working outside the pressure cooker or NYC has influenced their artwork. See More

Essex Under 35 is a group exhibition featuring the work of established and emerging artists born after 1977 who have lived or worked in Essex County.  The Juror for the exhibition is Rocío Aranda-Alvarado, curator at El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan. Previously, Ms Aranda-Alvardao was curator at Jersey City Museum where she organized  exhibitions of contemporary art featuring the work of New Jersey and New York artists. The opening celebration for Essex Under 35 will be on Thursday evening,…See More

, the second of three 2011 exhibitions in the metropolitan region originating from Gallery Aferro in Newark NJ.  Identity Blueprint highlights artwork created by high school- age young women who participated in Gallery Aferro’s new arts education program, of the same name. Last summer, young women from public schools across Newark came together for 3 months of free Saturday workshops in cyanotype photography, digital animation and sculptural carpentry, taught by working artists Evonne M. Davis,…See More

An intergenerational panel discussion in connection with Identity Blueprint. It will feature important voices currently engaged in teaching and learning about art in non-school settings. Join in the discussion and find out about the surprising local resources that are available to area students. Panelists include teaching artist and Ramapo College Professor Ann LePore; Deputy Director for Education at the Newark Museum, Ted Lind; Director of Education at the Montclair Museum, Gary Schneider;…See More

The second of three 2011 exhibitions in the metropolitan region originating from Gallery Aferro in Newark NJ.  Identity Blueprint highlights artwork created by high school- age young women who participated in Gallery Aferro’s new arts education program, of the same name. Last summer, young women from public schools across Newark came together for 3 months of free Saturday workshops in cyanotype photography, digital animation and sculptural carpentry, taught by working artists Evonne M. Davis,…See More

On October 1, 2011 Albert "Tootie" Heath will be honored at the 14th annual Giants of Jazz concert in South Orange, N.J.  Tootie is the first drummer to be honored by Giants of Jazz. This one-night concert is hailed by the New York Times as “New Jersey’s premier jazz festival”. The Newark Star Ledger called it “The greatest one day jazz event in New Jersey, and probably the entire country”.  About Tootie Heath....  During his career Tootie has worked and recorded with Wes Montgomery, JJ…See More

Four artists look at the world through differing lenses. The exhibit is curated by Gary Park and Jennifer Takahashi. Artists include Pilar Almon (paintings), South Orange, NJ; Beatrice Coron (papercuts), New York, NY; Haeley Kyong (paintings), Franklin Lakes, NJ; and Myra Serrins(textiles), Sherman, CT. The opening reception is Sunday, November 21, from 1-4 p.m and gallery talk with the artists at 2pm.

This one-night concert is hailed by the New York Times as “New Jersey’s premier jazz festival”. The Newark Star Ledger called it “The greatest one day jazz event in New Jersey, and probably the entire country”.The 2010 Jazz Master Honoree is Bob Cranshaw, an internationally renowned bassist who will perform with a host of other unparalleled jazz musicians. Past Jazz Master Honorees include: Frank Foster, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Barry Harris, Jimmy Heath, Marian McPartland, James Moody,…See More