There are many events organized by the West Windsor Arts Council in September, some in conjunction with the grand opening celebration on Saturday, September 25, in the new space at the Princeton Junction Fire House on Alexander Road. There will be a street fair during the day, a gallery opening of the first exhibit, and a gala in October.
On Tuesday, September 14, nine area restaurants are participating in “Dine Out for the Arts” by donating 10 to 15 percent of proceeds to the arts council. The restaurants include Aljon’s from 4 to 10 p.m.; Brother’s Pizza from 2 to 10 p.m.; Capuano Ristorante from 4 to 10 p.m.; Carlucci’s Grill from 4 to 9 p.m.; First Wok from noon to 10 p.m.; Ganges from 4 to 10 p.m.; Grover’s Mill Coffee House all day; Hot Wok Cafe from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sultan Wok & Sushi on pick-up orders only.
“We are pleased that these restaurants are supporting us as we raise funds for the West Windsor Arts Council’s Home is Where the Art Is capital campaign,” says Karen Yee, WWAC board member. “The new arts center opens on Saturday, September 25, and this event benefits everyone. Our local restaurants will have more diners than their average Tuesday, the arts council will add dollars to its capital campaign fund, and area residents will enjoy a delicious dining experience.”
The annual Autumn Arts Afternoon takes place on Sunday, September 19, at Nassau Park Pavilion from 1 to 4 p.m. Explore new and different visual art media and techniques at the hands-on festival featuring artists who will share their talent and expertise.
One returning project is “Fabulous Forms,” large carved wooden sculptures that go through several design transformations throughout the day as art enthusiasts add their own unique painted designs. Create-a-Mask project allows participants to design a mask that can be mounted and made into a wall hanging or left free standing. The still life drawing station set up with benches, drawing boards, along with pencils, pens, charcoal, and markers, invites guests to sketch from their imagination or from a multi-tiered still life set-up.
New to this year’s event is Kolam floor designs, a South Indian tradition featuring geometrical patterns composed of lines or curved loops drawn around a grid pattern of dots. The challenge lies in making a symmetrical pattern that can be completed with a continuous line stroke.
Puzzle Art, also new to this year’s festival, asks participants to use their imagination to design a puzzle piece using various materials to create a pin or a magnet. Written thoughts about “What Is Art?” will be posted on a large, freestanding structure, with rotating cubes forming one large sculptural design.
Saturday, September 25, is the grand opening of the firehouse. A block party will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring music, dance, and hands-on arts activities. “Community Collage: West Windsor, Then and Now,” a juried art exhibit that reflects the cultural and historic diversity of the region, opens with a reception from 4 to 7 p.m. in the fire house.
— Lynn Miller
West Windsor Arts Council, . 609-919-1982. www.westwindsorarts.org.
