Culture&Heritage Volume 6 | Number 1 | Winter 2020 News Update
Brothers on Broadway featuring Baritone Keith Spencer at Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey 7:30 p.m., pays homage to the concert works and musi- cal theatre performances of CALENDAR OF EVENTS artists such as Paul Robeson, Ben Vereen, Sammy Davis, Check out the many things Jr., Gregory Hines, Brian to see and do in Mercer Stokes Mitchell, and many County. other notable artists. This Pages 4-6 concert experience com- memorating Black History COUNTY EXECUTIVE Month includes well-known selections from shows such A letter from Mercer as Porgy and Bess, Ragtime, County Executive Brian Pippin, The Phantom of M. Hughes. the Opera, Hamilton, and Page 3 more. Since its inception, Brothers on Broadway has MERCER'S HISTORY Nationally-recognized bari- clamoring for more. With continued to rise to critical tone vocalist Keith Spencer a showman's fl air, Keith acclaim. Now, for the fi rst Learn about local people presents his tour de force leads us on a show-stop- time, Brothers on Broadway and places. will be presented as a full or- musical showcase, Brothers ping musical journey from Page 7 on Broadway, in partnership humble refl ections of black chestral experience courtesy of the Capital Philharmonic with the Capital Philhar- minstrelsy through the un- OPPORTUNITIES monic of New Jersey. This deniable progress aff orded of New Jersey and Maestro Daniel Spalding. one-man celebratory tribute African Americans through For artists, historians, and to Broadway’s African Amer- musical theatre. Brothers For more information or to related organizations. ican leading men has kept on Broadway, which will be get tickets, visit capitalphil- Page 6 audiences and critics alike performed February 22, at harmonic.org.
Martin Koenig: Sound Portraits from Bulgaria
On January 25, at 2:00 pm, pects of Bulgaria’s tradition- od 1966 – 1979, followed by the Lawrence Headquarters al village culture due to mod- a Q & A session. Branch of the Mercer Coun- ernization, globalization This program is co-spon- ty Library System will host a and emigration. In 1968, he sored by the Friends of the meeting with ethnographer co-founded and was a direc- Lawrence Library and the and cultural documentari- tor of the Balkan Arts Center Bulgarian Cultural Center an Martin Koenig. Between in New York City. of Pennsylvania, New Jer- 1966 and 1979, Mr. Koenig This meeting with him will sey and Delaware. Registra- made half a dozen trips to tell the story of this record- tion is suggested. For more Bulgaria and fi lmed, record- ing and will feature a fi lm information about the li- Photo by Martin Koenig Lazarki, ed, and photographed the on traditional Bulgarian brary’s programs, call 609- village of Bistritsa, Bulgaria, lively, yet endangered as- folk dancing from the peri- 883-8294. 1967. Reclaiming If These Quilts Could Talk, Workshop & Our Voice: Lectures at the Trenton City Museum
New Jersey’s torical and community bonds. The members of both Central Role groups are experienced quil- ters and have quilted individ- in the Fight ually and together for many for Women’s years, bringing a wide range of styles to this exhibition. Suff rage In addition to the exhibition, If These Quilts Could Talk, Join popular historical inter- Ellarslie will off er work- preter and re-enactor Carol shops and lectures on quilt- Simon Levin in presenting ing and lectures on the histo- Women’s History Month ry and traditions of quilts in and the centennial of the the African American com- 19th Amendment to the munity. United States Constitution Carol, Mada, Linda and Diane with Midnight Star. • February 2: Under- (1920) giving men and wom- ground Railroad Quilts en the equal right to vote. The Trenton City Museum to April 19, 2020. There will lecture by Cassandra Stan- This program is scheduled at Ellarslie Mansion an- be an opening reception on cil Gunkel for March 26, 7 p.m. at the nounces a juried exhibition Sunday, January 19, from 2 • February 8: Improvisa- Mercer County Library, Law- of quilts by The Friendly to 4 p.m. as well as a closing tional Quilting workshop rence Headquarter Branch, Quilters of Bucks County reception and Quilters Walk led by Rose Miller (work- 2751 Brunswick Pike, Law- and the Sankofa Stitchers. and Talk: Sunday, April 19, shop will accommodate renceville. The program is Featuring nearly 30 quilts from 2 to 4 p.m. up to 15 participants; rain/ snow date Feb. 9) sponsored by the New Jersey across a range of sizes, styles, The Friendly Quilters and Council for the Humanities. and color schemes, the ex- Sankofa Stitchers work • February 16: Quilt Arts Registration is suggested. To hibition’s display of artistry, to keep the traditions of and Culture lecture by register or for more informa- creativity, and story-telling quilt-making alive by cre- Gail Mitchell tion please call 609-883-8294 will fi ll Ellarslie’s fi rst fl oor ating works of art that tell • March 7: Adinkra Stamp- or e-mail [email protected]. galleries from January 19 stories and strengthen his- ing workshop by Cassan- dra Stancil Gunkel • March 29: Improvisation- The Princeton Public Library to Host al Quilting workshop led by Mada Coles-Galloway Chinese New Year Celebration and Juandamaire Gikandi (workshop will accommodate Celebrate Chinese New martial arts performances up to 15 participants; rain/ snow date March 30) Year, the Year of the Rat, throughout the day. on February 8, at 1:30 p.m, The museum located in Presented in partnership Cadwalader Park, Trenton, at the Princeton Public with the Princeton High Library, 65 Witherspoon is open Wednesday - Satur- School’s Mandarin classes day from 12 to 4 p.m. and Street, Princeton. This and Chinese Club. event is geared toward Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Parking is available in the participants of all ages, This event is open to the park. There is no admission the celebration features a public and is FREE to charge, but donations are ap- traditional Chinese lion attend. preciated. dance, Chinese painting, For more information, calligraphy, music and please call the library For more information, visit paper cutting. There will at 609-924-9529 or visit ellarslie.org or call 609-989- also be origami stations and princetonlibrary.org 3632.
- 2 - Trenton Dear Friends, Winter is upon us, and here in Mercer County we have an exciting array Artists of cultural experiences to carry us through the season. Workshop In this edition of our Culture & Heritage newsletter, you’ll fi nd a rich assortment of cultural events, displays, tours and crafts happening across the County this winter. Among them are the musical showcase “Brothers Presents on Broadway,” featuring baritone vocalist Keith Spencer and the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial; "Mummers a program celebrating Women’s History Month and the centennial of the 19th Amendment at the Lawrence Library; and a juried exhibition of quilts at the X 2" at Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie. Also featured is a story about the historic Ely-Norton Farm in East Windsor, best known for its most famous visitor, Trenton Clara Barton. Free Public Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and for a winter fi lled with new experiences.
Library Sincerely, The Trenton Artists Workshop Association (TAWA) will present the exhibition “Mummers X 2” at the Trenton Free Public parade, choosing instead to Taken during diff erent Library from January 11 focus on the staging areas eras, the photographs show through February 28. deep in South Philly, where changes in both the parade I felt like I was seeing the and in American society. A reception with the primal gut of the Beast." photographers is set for Grigsby’s 1980s black and Saturday, January 18, from 3 Aubrey, of Hamilton is white images capture a to 4:30 p.m. the arts editor of U.S. 1 time when the Mummers Newspaper and editor were only men of European “Mummers X 2” features of the monthly Trenton ancestry – many of whom 29 photographs of one of Downtowner. dressed and paraded as the oldest folk-art events “wenches.” in the United States, the A former arts and theater annual Mummers Parade in columnist for the Trenton Aubrey’s digital color pho- Philadelphia. Dan Aubrey, "Plummed Mummer" Times, Aubrey has also tographs shows the parade worked with nonprofi tchanging to include women, Held on New Year’s Day, spent the last 30 years of his professional theaters and men and women of Latino the Mummers Parade is career as a photo editor at coordinated art exhibitions and African backgrounds, rooted in ancient European the Philadelphia Inquirer. in New Jersey and New York and a gay brigade. customs and traditions that A graduate of the University City. The Trenton Free Public included exaggerated mime of Florida, he got his start in presentations. “I realized that at its heart Library is located at 120 photography while covering the Philadelphia Mummers Academy Street in Trenton. The two in the title are the war in South Vietnam as were following an ancient Hours are Mondays through two central New Jersey an Army Photographer. human impulse to resist Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., journalists united by Grigsby discovered the the darkness of winter and Friday and Saturdays, their interest in observing Mummers Parade in the and bring in new life with 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more in- and photographing the early to mid-1980s and says, bright colors, joyful sounds, formation on the library, call Mummers: Bryan Grigsby “It was love at fi rst sight. I and plenty of alcohol,” says 609-392-7188. and Dan Aubrey. thought this event was the Aubrey. “The more I saw, For more information Grigsby, of Bordentown, most bizarre thing I had ever the more the event spoke on the Trenton Artists is a retired newspaper seen, and I was determined to me. And although it can Workshop Association, photographer who spent 40 to bring an outsiders point be rude and ridiculous, contact tawaexhibits@ years at news publications of view to capturing the the Mummers Parade also aol.com / facebook.com/ in Florida, Missouri, and participants. I almost never has a beauty and a spirit of groups/1462432427334738/ Philadelphia, where he photographed the actual fellowship.”
- 3 - Treasure, New Jersey State 1 Museum, 205 West State Street St, Trenton. The exhibit will Calendar of Events feature images which capture the quiet beauty and intimate landscapes of New Jersey’s Auditions St, Princeton, princetonuni- sohn, Princeton Symphony Pinelands National Reserve by versityconcerts.org Orchestra. Located in Rich- January 28, New Student Audi- photographer Albert Horner, February 16, three Centuries ardson Auditorium in Alexan- and artifacts from the NJ State tions, Youth Orchestra of Cen- der Hall, Princeton. For more tral Jersey. Students MUST of Lutes with Daniel Swenberg, Museum’s collections which Dryden Ensemble, 3pm. Locat- information visit princeton- tell just some of the stories study privately and be enrolled symphony.org in either their school band or ed at Miller Chapel, Princeton of the land, animals, people orchestra (if there is a band or Theological Seminary, 64 Mer- Dance and industries that make the orchestra in your school) in cer St, Princeton. For more in- Reserve a state and national order to become and remain a formation visit the drydenen- Every Tuesday night, Inter- treasure. The 40th anniversary member of the Youth Orches- semble.org / 609-466-8541. national Folk Dance, Prince- of the Pinelands Preservation Act, considered by former Gov- tra of Central Jersey. Recom- February 20, Calidore String ton Folk Dance, 7:30pm. Kris- mendation by the student’s tina Johnson Pop-Up Studio, ernor Brendan Byrne to be the Quartet, Princeton Universi- most important accomplish- private teacher is required. ty Concerts, 8pm. Nassau St, Princeton Shopping Center, Home-schoolers are also invit- (609)921-9340 Lesson followed ment of his administration, Princeton, princetonuniversi- and the issue most central ed to audition! For more infor- tyconcerts.org by dance. $5. princetonfolk- mation visit yocj.org dance.org to his legacy as governor. For February 22, Brothers on more information visit state. Concerts Broadway, Capital Philhar- Every Wednesday night, New- nj.us/state/museum. (W,V) comer Dance, American Ball- January 12, Winter Perfor- monic of NJ, 7:30pm. Located Now - February 16, The Eter- at Patriots' Theatre, 1 Memori- room Dance Company, 7pm, nal Feast: Banqueting in Chi- mance- A Night in Vienna, $10. (609) 931-0149. For more Central Jersey Choral Soci- al Dr, Trenton. For more infor- nese Art from 10th to the 14th mation visit yocj.org information visit american- Century, Princeton University ety, 4:30pm. Princeton Mead- ballroomco.com ow Church, 545 Meadow Rd, March 8, Richardson Cham- Art Museum. The exhibition Princeton. A tribute to the City ber Players, Beethoven at 250, Every Thursday night, Viva brings to life the art of the feast of Music, which features the at Princeton University Con- Tango, 8pm. Suzanne Patter- during three transformative music of Haydn, Mozart, Bee- certs, 3pm. 68 Nassau St, Princ- son Center, Princeton. (609) Chinese dynasties, the Song, thoven, Schubert, and a host of eton, princetonuniversitycon- 948-4448, $15. For more infor- Liao, and Yuan, which togeth- others! For more information certs.org mation visit vivatango.org er enjoyed a thriving economy, visit cjchoralsociety.org cultural flourishing, and the March 13 & 14, Bach's St. Every Friday night, Friday intermingling of foreign and January 19, Winter 2020 Large John Passion, Dryden Ensem- Night Social, American Ball- native traditions. Focusing Ensemble Concert, Youth Or- ble, 7:30pm.Located at Miller room Company, 7:30pm. Lo- on a rare group of surviving chestra of Central Jersey, 3pm Chapel, Princeton Theological cated at 1523 Parkway Ave, Ew- paintings from the period— & 7pm. Kendall Hall, The Col- Seminary, 64 Mercer St, Princ- ing. (609) 931-0149. For more along with ceramic, lacquer, lege of New Jersey. For more eton. For more information information visit american- metal, and stone objects as information visit yocj.org visit the drydenensemble.org ballroomco.com well as textiles—the exhibition February 6, Isabelle Faust, / 609-466-8541. Every Friday, Friday Dance reveals feasts to be singularly Violin Jean-Guihen Queyras, March 14, The Coming of Social, Jersey Dance, 8:30pm. positioned to illuminate one Cello Alexander Melnikov, Pi- Spring with Lorenzo Maz- West Windsor Arts Center, 952 of the most enduring and sig- ano at Princeton University zamuto, Capital Philharmon- Alexander Rd, West Windsor. nificant facets of the Chinese Concerts, 8pm. 68 Nassau St, ic of NJ, 7:30pm. Located at For more information visit jer- tradition: the continuum be- Princeton, princetonuniversi- Patriots' Theatre, 1 Memorial seydance.com tween life and the afterlife. The tyconcerts.org Dr, Trenton. For more infor- exhibition features fifty objects mation visit yocj.org Every Saturday, English arranged in sections that fo- February 6, Performance with Country Dance, Princeton cus on ladies banqueting in Westminster Choir College March 22, 2nd Annual Cham- Country Dancers, 8pm. Su- the past, gentlemen feasting Jubilee Singers, Trenton Chil- ber Music Fundraiser, Youth zanne Patterson Center, in the present, and dining in dren's Chorus, 6pm. The Black Orchestra of Central Jersey, Princeton. $11. For more the afterlife. Several other as- History Month Concert perfor- 3pm. Located at Crosswicks information visit princeton- pects of elite feasting—includ- mance takes place at Westmin- Friends Meeting House in countrydancers.org ing costume, cuisine, music, ster Choir College, Princeton. Crosswicks. For more informa- and dance, as well as burial For more information visit tion visit yocj.org Exhibitions customs, architecture and gar- trentonchildrenchorus.org dens, artistic patronage, and March 23, Mahler Cham- Now - May 10, Dreaming of ber Orchestra with Mitsuko painterly practice—are also February 10, Music from Utopia: Roosevelt, New Jersey, explored, offering a window China, Princeton Symphony Uchida, Piano, at Princeton Morven Museum. The first of University Concerts, 8pm. 68 into life, death, and art during Orchestra, 1pm. Located in its kind, this show examines a time period whose cultural Richardson Auditorium in Al- Nassau St, Princeton, prince- the history of Roosevelt, from tonuniversityconcerts.org influence extends in China to exander Hall, Princeton. FREE. its early days as an antidote the present day. For more in- For more information visit March 29, Spring Into Song to the Great Depression to a formation visit artmuseum. princetonsymphony.org Concert, Trenton Children's twenty-first century arts com- princeton.edu (W,V) munity. For more information February 11, Gabriela Mon- Chorus, 2pm. For more infor- mation visit trentonchildren- visit morven.org. January 9 - February 8, Bad- tero, Piano, Princeton Uni- chorus.org lands, BSB Gallery, 143 East versity Concerts, Richard- On View - June 28, Preserving State Street Ste.4, Trenton. Bad- son Auditorium, Alexander March 21; 8pm & 22; 4pm, the Pinelands: Albert Horn- lands” is a new series of experi- Hall,6pm & 9pm. 68 Nassau Stefan Jackiw Plays Mendels- er's Portraits of a National mental works created by sculp-
1. Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission cannot be responsible for errors or omissions. Please call ahead to confirm times and prices. Deadline of March 1, 2020 for the April, May and June - Spring 2020 Newsletter.
- 4 - tor Dominic Sansone relying March 26 - March 29, 2020 formation visit princetondigi- ful Dead - Reock & Roll Re- heavily on everyday building Trenton Film Festival, Tren- talphotoworkshop.com vue, Kelsey Theater, Mercer materials easily accessible at lo- ton Film Society. For more in- County Community College, cal hardware stores and found formation visit trentonfilmso- January 19, In the Studio: Still 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West objects. A collection of pedestal ciety.org Life, Product and Table Top Windsor, (609) 570-3333. $30 based and free-standing sculp- Photography, Princeton Photo all. For more information visit ture along with tactile, relief Historical Activities Workshop, 11am. For more in- kelseytheatre.net (W,V) style “paintings”, form the ba- Every Third Tuesday of each formation visit princetondigi- talphotoworkshop.com March 13, 14, 20 & 21, 8pm; sis for the proposed exhibition month, Stamp Collecting, March 15 & 22, 8pm.33 Varia- which addresses themes of en- Hamilton Philatelic Society, January 26, The Fine Art tions, Kelsey Theater, Mercer vironmental, social, and infra- 7:15pm, Hamilton Library, Jus- of Professional Model Pho- structural decay in our society. County Community College, tice Samuel Alito Way, Hamil- tography, Princeton Photo 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Opening Reception: January ton, (609) 751-4642. For more Workshop, 10am. For more 10, 4-7pm. For more informa- Windsor, (609) 570-3333. For information hamiltonphilatel- information visit princetondig- more information visit mer- tion visit bsbgallery.com ic.org (W,V) italphotoworkshop.com cerband.org (W,V) February 20 - March 14, Col- Every Second Tuesday, Central February 8, Flash Photogra- March 27 & 28, 8pm; March 29, lective Expeditions, BSB Gal- Jersey Genealogical Club, Ham- 2pm.Parade, Kelsey Theater, ilton Library, 7 p.m. For more phy on a Budget, Princeton lery, 143 East State Street Photo Workshop, 10am. For Mercer County Community information visit cjgcnj.com (W,V) Ste.4, Trenton. Collective Ex- more information visit prince- College, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, peditions, presented by The January 29, John Baxter on tondigitalphotoworkshop.com West Windsor, (609) 570-3333. International Society of Anti- Richard Stockton: Revolution- For more information visit quaries, is a learned group of ary Unsung Hero, 2pm. Local February 29 & March 14, Ado- mercerband.org (W,V) multidisciplinary artists. Indi- historian and author John be Lightroom: The Basics and vidually and collectively their Baxter joins us to examine the More, Princeton Photo Work- McCarter work references tribal, sha- life of Richard Stockton in the shop, 10am. For more infor- January 10 - February 9, manic, ancestral, as well as con- months immediately following mation visit princetondigi- Goodnight Nobody, McCarter temporary art; esotericism; an- the signing of the Declaration talphotoworkshop.com Theater. In this deeply moving thropology; and archaeology of Independence, some of the and funny world premiere, in various direct and indirect darkest days of the American March 28 & March 29, Master- a group of old friends recon- ways. The goal, thus, is to look Revolution. Mr. Baxter will ing Composition: Beyond the nect after years apart. Remi- back in order to look forward, present his research on Stock- Rule of Thirds, Princeton Pho- niscing over the mishaps of as they unfold the narrative of ton’s work as a member of to Workshop, 10:30am. For motherhood to the miss-steps the distant past. Collective Ex- the Continental Congress; his more information visit prince- of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll; peditions features artists Oliv- courageous journey to upstate tondigitalphotoworkshop.com the realities of life prove that ia Baldwin, Kyle Cottier, Elisa New York, the northern theater “adulting” is hard.. For more Pritzker, and Greg Slick. Open- of the war, during the fall of Theatre information visit mccarter.org ing Reception: February 22, 1776; and the extent to which Kelsey Theatre (W,A,S,B,V) 5-7pm. For more information he laid the groundwork for the January 3, 4 & 11 at 8pm; visit bsbgallery.com January 5, 11 & 12 2pm. Cal- January 18, Richard Thomp- victory at Saratoga a year later. son, McCarter Theater. endar Girls, Kelsey Theater, Named The question on whether Rich- by Rolling Stone as one of the Farmers Markets ard Stockton deserves to be re- Mercer County Community January 4 & 18 February College, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, Top 20 Guitarists of All Time, membered as an unsung hero Richard Thompson is also one 1 & 15; March 7 & 21, West of the Revolution will be enter- West Windsor, (609) 570-3333. Windsor Farmers' Market, For more information visit of the world’s most critically tained. For more information acclaimed and prolific song- 10am. Windsor Athletic Club visit morven.org kelseytheatre.net (W,V) Clarksville Rd, West Windsor. writers. For more information Produce, meats, woven fibers, February 16, George Washing- January 17, 18, 24 & 25, 8pm. visit mccarter.org (W,A,S,B,V) honey, wine, flowers, baked ton's Birthday, Washington January 26 & 19, 2pm. 12 Crossing Park, 4pm. Bring the Angry Men, Kelsey Theater, January 25, The Mikado, Mc- goods, and prepared foods. For Carter Theater. whole family to help George Mercer County Community Gilbert & Sul- more information visit west- livan’s operetta masterpiece windsorfarmersmarket.org Washington celebrate his College, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, 288th birthday on Sunday, Feb- West Windsor, (609) 570-3333. is re-imagined in a new and ruary 16, from noon to 4 PM at For more information visit innovative version combin- Festivals/Holiday ing the real-life characters of January 5, Arts Council of Washington Crossing Historic kelseytheatre.net (W,V) Park. Admission is free! Vari- D’Oyly Carte’s Victorian Lon- Princeton - Three Kings' Day January 31, February 1, 7 & don with the Japanese settings Event, 3pm. ous children’s activities will be Join the Arts Coun- offered in the park buildings 8, 8pm; February 2 & 9, 2pm. of the G&S original. For more cil of Princeton in our Solley and Visitor Center. At 3 PM, vis- Cabaret, Kelsey Theater, Mer- information visit mccarter.org Theater for a special dance itors will sing Happy Birthday cer County Community Col- (W,A,S,B,V) performance! Fiesta del Día to George and enjoy cake cut lege, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, de Los Reyes Magos, or Three West Windsor, (609) 570-3333. February 1, Andy Borowitz, from his sword. For info visit McCarter Theater. The man Kings Day, is the last day of the washingtoncrossingpark.org. $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 Christmas season and is cele- students/children. For more The Washington Post calls brated throughout the world information visit kelseythe- "America's finest fake-news Literary Events creator and sharpest political by several different cultures. atre.net (W,V) Enjoy a live Flamenco dance January 9; February 13; satirist” returns to McCarter performance by Lisa Botali- March 12, Poets at the Library, February 14, 15, 21& 22, pm; for another evening of sold-out co’s Fiesta Flamenca and rosca Mercer County Library, Law- February 16 & 23, 2pm. Last smash-hit comedy. For more de reyes (Three Kings cake). rence Branch, 2751 Brunswick of the Red Hot Lovers , Kelsey info visit mccarter.org (W,A,S,B,V) Learn about Spanish culture Pike, , 7pm. For more informa- Theater, Mercer County Com- and end the holiday season tion please visit mcl.org (W,V) munity College, 1200 Old February 16, Romeo & Juliet, in celebration! Paul Robeson Trenton Rd, West Windsor, McCarter Theater. Ukraine’s Center for the Arts, 102 With- Photography (609) 570-3333. For more info. principal ballet company erspoon Street, Princeton. For January 11& February 1, Dig- Visit kelseytheatre.net (W,V) brings a new production of more information, please visit ital Camera Series: Settings one of classic ballet’s all-time artscouncilofprinceton.org or & Beyond, Princeton Photo March 6 & 7, 8pm; March 8, favorites set to Prokofiev’s call 609.924-8777. Workshop, 10am. For more in- at 2pm. Tribute to the Grate- beautiful score. For more in-
- 5 - formation visit mccarter.org West Windsor Arts Council, knots allow you to make a vari- (W,A,S,B,V) 12:00pm. This class will show ety of accessories such as brace- you how to paint beautiful and lets, bookmarks, pins, and key Opportunities March 10-29, Sleuth, McCarter colorful nature images, while chains. We will go over the ba- Theater. A suspenseful game also incorporating bold callig- sic knots and make a bracelet. of cat-and-mouse, Anthony raphy by using a simple kit, Come learn to make your own Artist Opportunities Shaff er’s Sleuth is a brilliant comprised of traditional ink unique bracelets with Korean parody of the Agatha Christie brush, paint, and rice paper. yarn! For more info visit west- • Playfest 2020 thriller fi lled with plotted mur- Learn the techniques to paint windsorarts.org. (W,A,S,P,B,V) The Lawrence ders, jealousy, and revenge. For a peony fl ower, bamboo, lotus, Headquarters Branch of more information visit mccar- fi sh, mountains and water. You March 13 - 27, Felting Tech- the Mercer County Library System will be hosting ter.org (W,A,S,B,V) also will learn a brief history of niques Workshop, West Wind- Chinese Art in each class. For sor Arts Council, 12:30pm. their annual PlayFest on Felt is one of the oldest known Saturday, April 25, 2020. Passage Theatre more information visit west- For the twelfth consecutive windsorarts.org. (W,A,S,P,B,V) textiles and is perhaps one of March 20 - 22. Mother (and the most unique and versa- year, local directors will me). Passage Theater, Mill Hill January 18, Frost and Flames, tile fabrics available. Learn 3 stage script-in-hand Playhouse, 205 East Front performances of one-act Grounds For Sculpture, methods for working with felt plays. This annual event Street, Trenton, 609-392-0766. 11:00am. Get up close and and discover the possibilities Mother (and me) is the story is designed to showcase watch as master carvers turn of its unique artistic proper- local original theater. Plays of a larger than life Hungari- huge blocks of ice into art us- ties. Each week you will com- an Mama Rose who’s slowly should be ten minutes in ing power saws, chisels, and plete a new project and learn length, with a maximum waltzing into dementia, as grit, in locations throughout progressively advanced tech- her Broadway baby, Melinda of five actors. Playwrights the park. For more informa- niques, from basic principles should be of high school shimmies into middle age. An tion visit groundsforsculpture. of wet felting to color blending age or older and reside outrageous one-woman show org. (W,A,S,P,B,V) and composition. You will be or work in the Delaware about stepping up and tapping introduced to the Shashiko Valley. Submissions are into your own light. For more January 28, Korean Knot stitch and mixed media com- limited to a maximum of information visit passagethe- Workshop, 10am. Traditional two per playwright. atre.org position to create a 3D surface Korean knots have the same manipulation.. For more info Playwrights, amateur shape at the front and the visit westwindsorarts.org. or professional, should Workshops back, which symbolizes sym- (W,A,S,B,V) submit their plays by January 06 - February 10, metry and balance. With only Friday, January 10, 2020. Chinese Brush Painting, string and a few tools, Korean Scripts can be emailed as a Word document attachment to akerr@ mcl.org or may be The West Windsor Arts Council presents brought to the Lawrence Headquarters Branch The Doom and Bloom Exhibition Library reference desk. Please include two title pages: one with the play of trash on earth and how and a grant from the Puffi n title only and the other artists can have a positive Foundation. Her artwork with play title and name, address, phone, and email impact on the environ- ranges across a variety of address of the playwright. ment through the partner- disciplines, including in- The playwright’s name should not appear in the ship of art and recycling. stallations, collages, and script. For additional The opening reception of tangible art objects. information please call the show is Sunday, Janu- Ann Kerr, 609-883-8292. ary 12, from 4 to 6 pm. The Doom and Bloom show includes N’Cognita’s Vernita Nemec, (AKA Verni- “Endless Junkmail Scroll” ta N’Cognita), juror of the installation. In a descrip- ability to end life as we Doom and Bloom show, is a tion of N’Cognita’s Endless know it by the process of visual/performance artist/ Junkmail Scroll, Times Ob- production and consump- curator who has exhibited server Writer Stacey Gross Vernita Nemec tion, is the ultimate thesis her art around the world. explains, “The dynamic of the piece.” The Doom and Bloom art N’Cognita is currently the nature of the piece allows show runs Monday, Jan- director of Viridian Artists it to morph and adapt to Visitors will have the op- uary 6, 2020 to Friday, art gallery in Chelsea, New any space in which it is portunity to view and February 28, 2020 at West York City. She has curated shown, allowing Nemec to purchase artworks at the Windsor Arts Center in and organized exhibitions “fi ll the air with detritus Doom and Bloom exhibi- Princeton Junction, NJ. The of art from recycled materi- transformed” and creating tion at West Windsor Arts juried exhibition showcas- als throughout the United a physical space out of art Center, 952 Alexander es twenty-fi ve artists whose States, including “Art from itself...The installation con- Rd, Princeton Junction, artworks consist of mate- Detritus: Recycling with fronts multiple social and NJ 08550. For more infor- rials that would otherwise Imagination," for which environmental issues in- mation, call 609-716-1931 be discarded. The artists’ she received a Kauff man herent in twenty-fi rst cen- or write info@westwind- works highlight the crisis Foundation Fellowship tury life... Human beings’ sorarts.org.
- 6 - The New Jersey State the artist replicated the Carolina Parakeet. avian world in hard-paste Museum Exhibits — "Fine porcelain. Boehm began Located at 205 West State by sculpting a model of Street in Trenton, the Mu- Feathered Friends: Birds each species. He used the seum is open Tuesday model to create molds through Sunday from 9 am as Mainstay and Muse" and make limited-edition to 4:45 pm; closed Mondays replicas. Each bird was and all state holidays. Ad- Birds are everywhere. They the exhibition explores the then hand-assembled and mission is FREE. hand-painted by a team of occupy our forests, fi elds, wild, wonderful world of For more information artists. Boehm’s unique farms, beaches, backyards birds and their impact on please visit state.nj.us/ ceramic art form embod- and even our homes. But New Jersey decorative arts – state/museum or call (609) ied technical mastery and many of us are largely un- including needlework sam- 292-6464. aware of the natural and plers, hand-carved duck grand artistic vision. cultural signifi cance ofand shorebird decoys, as Boehm’s birds are exhibit- these ubiquitous avian an- well as the porcelain birds ed side by side with scien- imals. of Mercer County ceramist tifi c taxidermy mounts of Edward Marshall Boehm Opening January 4, 2020 the same species, allowing (1913-1969). and running through to visitors to see the amaz- September 13, the New Jer- Boehm loved birds so ing level of detail in these sey State Museum brings much that he built huge magnifi cent porcelain birdwatching indoors, dis- aviaries on the grounds of creations. This exhibition playing our fi ne feathered his Titusville home. This also explores the science of friends and their role as allowed him to study the birds and raises awareness both an ecological main- anatomy and habits of his of the need for bird conser- stay and a source of cre- fi ne feathered friends. vation through the stories ative inspiration. Through of two extinct bird species Female Blue Jay with Fledglings, nearly 200 original objects, At his studio in Trenton, – the Passenger Pigeon and by Edward Marshall Boehm
A Place In Time: Ely-Norton Farm This farm is named for John Ely (1707- town, New Jersey. 1795), who settled here in 1728, and Shortly there after she took a job with Richard Norton (d. 1855), who settled the Patent Offi ce in Washington, D.C. here in 1831. The farm is best known, in 1854, Clara Barton became the only however, for its most famous visitor, American woman working in the fed- Clara Barton. Clara had met Richard eral government in the mid-nineteenth and Ellen Wyckoff Norton's children, century. Clara left Washington after the Charles and Mary, while they studied at Civil War began in 1861 to nurse wound- a Universalist school in New York. She ed soldiers at the front. Throughout the lived here with the Norton family from war, she continued to write Mary Nor- October 1851 to May 1852. ton, who sent Clara boxes of food and Ely-Norton Farm, 75 Imlaystown Rd, East Windsor In a letter to her nephew, Clara recalled clothing for the troops. After the war her fi rst afternoon at the Norton's' Clara decided to begin teaching at the Ce- Clara visited Mary again in 1878. When "large, well-cultivated" farm. After a darville School, a one-room private school Clara began organizing the American "good dinner," she joined Charles and on Cedarville Road, East Windsor Twp. Red Cross in 1881, Mary was one of its Mary for "a stroll in the woods in search Each of the thirty-nine students paid Clara four charter members. of chestnuts, gum berries, and persim- tuition, $2 for each eleven-week quarter The Ely House is the HEW Historical mons, and found plenty of them." She session. Clara found her students to be Society’s headquarters as well as a circa also described the Norton's' "prettily "quiet and obedient," arriving with "good 1850 house, museum and library. The furnished" sitting room with its "good honest cheerful faces every morning." The museum is located on 164 North Main piano" and "large window looking into students later remembered Clara for both Street in Hightstown. If you would like the garden." Clara clearly liked the Nor- her interest in their progress and her infor- to make arrangements for a group tour, ton's, later calling them "a sterling fami- mal methods. In late May 1852, Clara left please call 609-448-0110. ly, good as gold and true as the sun." the Norton's to open a school in Borden-
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Commission Cultural & Heritage Heritage & Cultural The Mercer County County Mercer The
This newsletter is available in large print. To request a copy, please call Brian M. Hughes, County Executive (609) 989-6899. The Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders Ann M. Cannon • John A. Cimino, Jr., • Pasquale Colavita, Jr. Samuel T. Frisby • Andrew Koontz • Nina D. Melker Lucylle R. S. Walter, W A T S P L B V Please refer to the icons for ADA accommodations. Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission Milagros Medina, Chair To have your events listed in our newsletter and on-line Nora Anaños • Laura Desai • Richard W. Hunter calendar, please write or email the following information: Mel Leipzig • Ted Plunkett type of event, sponsor, location with street address and municipality, fees, phone number for public inquiries, Idamis Pérez-Margicin, Division Chief a phone number for the staff to contact for questions, a Tricia Fagan • Cheryl Reed • Lisa Tramo website and/or email address, funding credit and ADA compliance. Please mail to : Mercer County Division of Anthony Carabelli, Jr., Director Culture & Heritage, Box 8068, 640 South Broad Street, Offi ce of Economic Development Trenton, New Jersey 08650, or email to: c&hnewsletter@ mercercounty.org. If you feel your event merits a longer Cheryl Reed, Newsletter Editor story, please write, email or call (609) 989-6899.
This newsletter is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission and New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the Mercer County Executive and Board of Chosen Freeholders.