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Please Support the Arts in Hopewell Valley This Holiday Season

The HV Arts Council is thankful for our community supporters, partners, and artists for “celebrating art in the everyday,” everyday in the greater Hopewell Valley. We believe that fostering art appreciation and neighborhood participation helps make Hopewell Valley the warm, wonderful, and thoughtful community that it is.

This year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council has been proud to provide inspiring and engaging events and programs — including ArtConnect, Slice of Art as part of Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees, and most recently, the 4th Amazing Pumpkin Carve.

— Donate Now —

As we enter this season of giving, we hope you will consider supporting the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, enabling us to foster a creative and inspired community. And we’ve come up with two simple ways to do it: #GivingTuesday and AmazonSmile.

Please support the arts in Hopewell Valley.

#GivingTuesday

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that encourages philanthropy and celebrates generosity worldwide. On November 20, #GivingTuesday is an opportunity to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

To donate on #GivingTuesday or any time of the year, please see our online form.

AmazonSmile

While doing your online holiday shopping, please consider supporting the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. At no cost to you, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible purchases. The prices, selection, and shopping experience are the same — with the added bonus that you are helping support art in the everyday.

On your first visit to AmazonSmile, please select the Hopewell Valley Arts Council to receive donations from your eligible purchases before you begin shopping. For AmazonSmile FAQ, visit this link.

To participate in AmazonSmile now or any time of the year, please see  visit this link.

Thank you so much for supporting us as we all celebrate “art in the everyday!”

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Hopewell Valley Arts Council Celebrates Successful Fourth Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council celebrated another successful and fun-filled Amazing Pumpkin Carve, from October 10 to 14, 2018 at Woolsey Park in Hopewell Township.

For the fourth year, visitors of all ages were wowed by gigantic pumpkin sculptures carved by some of the area’s best local artists. Local nonprofits enlisted their most creative members to made scarecrows, decorating the Carve and sharing the community spirit. New this year, artists had access to electricity. With cool lighting opportunities, this year’s pumpkin carve was electrifying.

“The fourth year of the Carve was bigger and better than ever — more visitors, more fun activities, more art — and the centerpiece of the Carve – the most jaw-dropping giant pumpkins ever!” said Hopewell Valley Arts Council Board of Trustees President Carol Lipson. “This year’s pumpkins were a real showcase of skill and artistry by our amazing carvers.”

2018 HV Arts Council Amazing Pumpkin Carve Best in Show: “Blood Sucker” by Matt Derby (Photo: Kyle Wille)

With stiff competition, Best in Show went to Matt Derby for his creation, “Blood Sucker,” a wide-mouthed bat with outstretched wings. Douglas May took Best Carving for his intricate “Bluebeard” (photograph below). “Sisters at Heart,” a two-headed singing woman carved from a single pumpkin, by Aleece Davis and Jill Thomas won Most Original Design. Most Creative Use of Materials went to Jennifer Stevens’ “Will Work for Peanuts,” an adorable and impressive circus elephant. Most Humorous went to Michael Davies for his comic strip design in “Scary Romance.” Scariest was “Hatchling” by Eric Schultz, a fire-breathing dragon emerging from its egg. Best Use of Electricity, new this year, was awarded to “Bat Troll” by Gyuri Hollosy and Annalise Hollosy. The HV Arts Council Award was given to Curtis May for “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.” Honorable mentions were awarded to: “Floradecehedron” by Jeff Brown, “Vulture Culture” by Kathleen Sheehan & Cynthia Miklos, “Gritty” by Jonathan Conner, “Leo the Lion” by Carol Gorham, “Hole Reversal” by Patrick Pasquito, and “Two Headed Bats” by Jodi Walker. Anne Ellery and Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) won best scarecrow.

For a slideshow of amazing pumpkins, please check out this link.

2018 HV Arts Council Amazing Pumpkin Carve Best Carved: “Bluebeard” by Douglas May (Photo: Mike Chipowsky)

Local Lex Dorner was only a quarter of a pound off in the “guess the pumpkin weight.” He and his family won a custom pumpkin carved by local professional pumpkin carver, Curtis May. Tying for second place, Gary Goodman and Judy Bushong received memberships to the Hopewell Valley Arts Council.

“Guess the weight” Pumpkin Winner Dorner with his family

More new activities this year included a cornhole tournament and pet costume contest. Mark Mattaliano and Joe Witkowski came in first place in the cornhole tournament, and Roger Shapiro and Ray Petty came in second. In the post costume contest, canine friend Amore, Deanna Cuchiaro’s bracco italiano stole everyone’s hearts, and Melody, Felicia Schilp’s eastern box turtle came in second.

This event is hosted by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. Ticket and sponsorship proceeds benefit the HV Arts Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and go toward artist-carvers’ honoraria and to fund other arts-related programs of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council.

“Special appreciation goes out to all of our sponsors. Without their support, it would be impossible to stage this wonderful community celebration,” said Lipson. “The Pumpkin Carve has become an annual Hopewell Valley tradition, one that we hope to expand and thrive for many years to come. When visitors leave the Carve inspired to explore their own artistic expression, we’re happy to be part of discovering art in the everyday.”

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Hopewell Valley Arts Council Announces Fourth Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve

In its fourth year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s Amazing Pumpkin Carve is a must-not-miss, art-filled weekend of fun in the heart of the Hopewell Valley. The Amazing Pumpkin Carve will run from Wednesday, October 10 through Sunday, October 14, 2017 at Woolsey Park in Titusville.

Pumpkin carved by Eric Schultz

Visitors of all ages will be wowed by a massive display tent filled with 150-pound sculptures carved by local artists. New this year: the artists have electricity! There is sure to be some cool lighting and motion added to their creations, while another group of creative folks will be adorning scarecrows to add to the display.

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is much more than a jaw-dropping display of artistic talent etched in enormous pumpkins. Activities and special events will include food trucks, evening storytelling around fire pits with s’mores kits, paint-a-pumpkin craft tent, fun photo ops, a humongous hay bale playground, pumpkins for sale at the pumpkin patch, and more! Special events throughout the weekend include dance performances by The Pennington Studio for Dance and Creative Arts, live music, a pet costume parade and movie nights.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate autumn in Hopewell Valley while supporting the many talented artists who call this region home. For more information and the full schedule of all this fantastic fall fun, please check out the Hopewell Valley Arts Council website at www.hvartscouncil.org.

The Fourth Amazing Pumpkin Carve is open for only 5 days: Wed.-Sun., October 10-14 at Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. Courtyard entry: Adults, $10; Seniors, $8; Ages 11-18, $5; Under 10, FREE. Hours and activities vary, so please check out the HV Arts Council’s website for details: www.hvartscouncil.org.

This event is hosted by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. Ticket proceeds benefit the HV Arts Council, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and go toward artist-carvers’ honoraria and to fund other arts-related programs of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council.

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Hopewell Valley Arts Council Plans Art Show, Barbeque, Cornhole Tournament

In a celebration of community and art, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council will host a fun end-of-summer event, the “Slice of Art” BBQ & Cornhole Tournament, on Sunday, September 9. This memorable art show and competitive community cornhole tournament will be held at the Hopewell Valley Vineyards from 11am to 5pm. Tickets are on sale now.
General admission ($10) includes access to the event grounds with a wine sampling in the Vineyard’s new tasting rooms, an afternoon of live music performed by the Back Porch Jug Band, a viewing area to watch our competitors vying to be crowned champions of the cornhole tournament, and entry to the “Slice of Art” show and sale featuring ash tree slices creatively decorated by local artists. Barbecue and drink will be available for purchase.
Cornhole players will face off at noon in an official double elimination tournament with the final rounds and crowning of the tournament champions to take place at 4pm. Two-person team registration ($60 per team) for the cornhole tournament includes general admission plus food and drinks. Prizes will be awarded to the final four. Secure your slot before space runs out!
Slice of Art is the first art program in the HV Arts Council’s initiative, Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees, to commemorate the devastating loss of the ash tree, one of the primary native trees in Hopewell Valley, from the effects of the emerald ash borer beetle. Wood slices, playfully called “Slices of Art” have been artistically reimgined by local artists and artisans to create unique, natural expressions of art on an ash wood palette.
“Slices of Art” will be on display and for sale by silent auction starting at $100. Proceeds from the art sale are split between artists and HV Arts Council for programs, events, and scholarship. The silent auction will close at 4pm. Credit cards or cash are accepted. Rain or shine.
For more tickets and event registration, please see the HV Arts Council website: hvartscouncil.org.
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Capital Health Hopewell and HV Arts Council Feature the Artists of Yardley

Capital Health-Hopewell, in partnership with the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, will be presenting “SERENITY,” an art exhibition this month featuring the artworks and personal reflections of the Artists of Yardley (AOY), a non-profit organization, dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit of the community.

The public is invited to attend the opening reception to view the show and watch the talents of dancers from The Pennington Studio, on Thursday, August 30, from 6 to 7:30pm in the Investors Bank Art & Healing Gallery located in the second floor atrium at Capital Health – Hopewell, One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ, . Light refreshments will be served. The show runs through November, 2018.

The mission of the Arts & Healing Program at Capital Health recognizes that spending time in the hospital can be stressful for all — patients, visitors, caregivers and healthcare workers alike. Art shows held in the Investors Bank Art & Healing Gallery at Capital Health – Hopewell provide visitors a respite from the difficulties of the day by featuring beautiful, engaging and inspirational works of art in its rotating art gallery.  Whereas medicine can heal the body, art can heal the soul.

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Exploring “Art in the Everyday”

Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others. – Jonathan Swift

James Baxter, “Roots”

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council cultivates all types of creative exploration and artistic expression and celebrates “art in the everyday” … but what does that mean?

It is about opening one’s eyes to the simple, beautiful, seemingly mundane parts of our lives. It lies in shadows, reflections, footprints, found objects or trash, on store shelves, and even in our garages.

It is also the art of everyday activities, items, and relationships — a child’s poem/art, stacked wood, homemade cards, and baked goods. It lies in an organized spice rack or a pile of worn sneakers tossed by the door.

To celebrate viewing the world with this new lens, we’re inviting the community to participate with us. Starting in June, we’ll be posting photos submitted by the community and hope you’ll join us by tagging your inspired images with #hvartintheeveryday on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t enjoy tagging? Email our us at info@hvartscouncil.org.

Please help us discover all the endless possibilities and celebrate art in the everyday!

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HV Arts Council to Take Over Howe Commons for Pennington Day

For the fifth year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council will anchor Pennington Day with an artful takeover on the Howe Commons lawn, at 65 South Main Street in Pennington, next to the music stage and “food court,” on Saturday, May 19, from 10am – 4pm.

Howe Commons, Pennington, NJ (photo courtesy of Howe Commons)

This year, the HV Arts Council will kick off a new initiative, Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees, to commemorate the devastating loss of the ash tree, one of the primary native trees in Hopewell Valley.

A little, green, jewel-like beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer, threatens the entire North American Fraxinus(Ash) genus of ash trees, which can be found on private and public property and in forests and yards. Due to the nature of the infestation, it’s difficult to determine which trees have already succumbed. As a result, many ash trees, some infected and some yet to be infected, are being taken down to ensure public safety. Hopewell Township is being proactive in the fight to protect our ash trees and has information on their website at www.haveyoursayhopewelltwp.org.

In the spirit of the HV Arts Council’s ongoing upcycling theme – making art out of trash and typically discarded items – Out of the Ashes will transform wood from this beautiful American tree into art through a diverse series of art programs, exhibits, and community events throughout 2018 and 2019.

Ash wood will abound with opportunities to view and make art, watch live carving demonstrations, and learn more about the emerald ash borer and about our year-long events celebrating as art emerges Out of the Ashes.

In the center of Howe Commons, a manual shingle cutter will cut ash wood into shingles, and kids of all ages are invited to paint the shingles along with wood discs. Two local wood carvers, Stan Saperstein and Scott Fulmer, will also be stationed on Howe Commons throughout the day demonstrating live wood carving and showing projects at various stages of completion. Plus, visit us at the HV Arts Council tent at Howe Commons to find out more about our upcoming art- and culture-related events and receive 10% off membership.

The HV Arts Council will also issue a “call to artists” beginning at Pennington Day, as part of Out of the Ashes. Wood slices, playfully being called “slices of art” will be available for artists, creative adults, and hobbyist to take home and adorn. Use your creativity and paint, mosaic, apply photography, or whatever your imagination desires! At the end of the summer, these slices of art will be sold, with half going to the individual artist and half to support local art and artists in the greater Hopewell Valley. The slices will be sold at the HV Arts Council’s Slice of Art Sale, Barbecue, & Cornhole Tournament on Sunday, September 9 at the Valley Road Picnic Area, Hopewell Township.

For more information about HV Arts Council events and initiatives, please see their website hvartscouncil.org.

Editor’s Note: MercerMe publisher Mary Galioto is the PR & Media Coordinator for the Hopewell Valley Arts Council. 

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HV Arts Council to Kick Off New Initiative at Pennington Day

For the fifth year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council will anchor Pennington Day with an artful takeover on the Howe Commons lawn, at 65 South Main Street in Pennington, on Saturday, May 19, from 10am – 4pm.

This year, we’ll kick off a new initiative called Out of the Ashes to commemorate the devastating loss of the ash tree, one of the primary native trees in Hopewell Valley. A little, green, jewel-like beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer, threatens the entire North American Fraxinus (Ash) genus of ash trees, which can be found on private and public property and in forests and yards.

Due to the nature of the infestation, it’s difficult to determine which trees have already succumbed. As a result, many ash trees, some infected and some yet to be infected, are being taken down to ensure public safety. Hopewell Township is being proactive in the fight to protect our ash trees and has information on their website at www.haveyoursayhopewelltwp.org.

In the spirit of the HV Arts Council’s ongoing upcycling theme – making art out of trash and typically discarded items – Out of the Ashes will transform wood from this beautiful American tree into art through a diverse series of art programs, exhibits, and community events throughout 2018 and 2019.

Ash wood will abound at Pennington Day with opportunities to view and make art, watch live carving demonstrations, and learn about our year-long celebration as we emerge Out of the Ashes!

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Wood Sawing Observation Event

As the devastating effects of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle progresses, ash trees needed to be felled in Hopewell Valley and many have been stored at the Hopewell Township municipal maintenance yard waiting to be given a new purpose.

Our newest initiative, “Out of the Ashes – Art Emerging from Fallen Trees,” will be doing just that – bringing artistic life to the remaining wood.

While “Out of the Ashes” will officially kick-off at Pennington Day, the public is invited on Saturday May 5, from 11am until 2pm to witness our first step: cutting harvested wood for various upcoming HV Arts Council projects.

Come watch from our viewing tent as a powerful portable saw mill cuts massive tree trunks, and marvel at the volume of useable wood that can be salvaged from a mature ash tree.

The sawyer, the official name of a person who saws timber for a living, and his team will masterfully stage the massive trunks at the mill where they will be lifted onto the saw and cut to specifications.

Stop by on Saturday, May 5, between 11am and 2pm, grab a glass of cider, and watch the sawyer and his mill in action. The viewing area will be located behind the baseball fields at the Municipal Athletic Complex, at 201 Washington Crossing Road, Titusville. Follow the event signs at the entrances on Pennington-Titusville Rd (at the Police Station), as well as on Scotch Rd, north of the intersection.

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Hopewell Valley Arts Council to Host Spring-Themed Cabaret at Hopewell Theater

Elizabeth Sutton performing on stage.

After what seems like an eternal winter, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council is excited to present Spring: The Music of Open Windows, a cabaret-style celebration of all things spring, at the newly opened Hopewell Theater on April 21, 2018 from 7pm – 9:30pm. (CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!)

The evening will feature entertainment by accomplished soprano Elizabeth Sutton, who will captivate guests with stories and piano-accompanied songs celebrating the collective relief that spring is finally here. Sutton, a Pennington resident, is a Professor of Voice at Westminster Choir College and Pennington resident. Critically acclaimed for her remarkable singing and stage presence, Sutton has debuted with opera companies and festivals throughout the United States, Italy, and Austria including the Caramoor International Music Festival, New Jersey Opera, Opera Cleveland, Skylight Opera Theater, American International Music School (A.I.M.S), and Lucca Opera Theater, Italy.

“We’re thrilled Elizabeth is performing at our first cabaret — she’s a real powerhouse,” said HV Arts Council president, Carol Lipson. “It’ll be an amazing night — a fun party, intimate cabaret seating, amazing entertainment, mingling, and a creative food experience.”

 

Through a creative partnership with Hopewell Borough’s The Brothers Moon, guests will discover cuisine-meets-art installation. Innovatively crafted and unconventionally served inspired bites will play up the fun and decorative side of spring in acreative, interactive, and delicious experience. Beer and wine will be served, as will the signature drink, “The Bees Knees,” a springtime favorite.

Plus, cabaret guests will have first-dibs and VIP access to exciting upcoming arts and culture events with the Arts Council’s “party and experience boards,” including cooking demonstrations and exclusive art tours, to name just a few.

Tickets can be purchased online (CLICK THIS LINK FOR TICKETS) — $125 general admission and $110 for HV Arts Council members. Proceeds help support and promote the arts in the greater Hopewell Valley.

The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to increasing art awareness and appreciation in the greater Hopewell Valley.  We celebrate “art in the everyday” by cultivating all types of creative exploration and artistic expression. Through community collaborations, events and art-based initiatives, the Arts Council highlights our local talents and enriches the cultural and creative lives of our community.