The council, a component of Sustainable Voorhees, will hold an artistry lesson every third Wednesday at the Town Center.
Over the next few months, you may notice some popup artistry scattered throughout the Town Center.
Coupled with Arts on the Boulevard, which kicked off last summer, the Voorhees Arts Council is starting a monthly education program for township residents, welcoming all local artists and non-artists. The inaugural event, a photography lesson, called “Getting the Shot,” will take place March 21 in the Boscov’s Court.
The events are free for all Voorhees residents, and a $10 donation is encouraged for others.
From meditation to painting, the arts council, which is an offshoot of Sustainable Voorhees, aims to feature all mediums of creativity amid its periodic programs, which will be scheduled every third Wednesday of the month.
“With the Voorhees Arts Council, our mission is to share all four content areas of art, which are not only visual but also dance, music and theater,” said Marianne Leone, co-chair of the Voorhees Arts Council.
Leone, along with co-chair of the arts council Natalie Sutherland, are working to satisfy actions in the Sustainable Jersey Program. The monthly program falls under the “Municipal Commitments to Support Arts and Creative Culture” topic.
This action aims to weave the arts into local government, through motions such as encouraging municipalities to consider creative land use ordinances, reserving municipal land for cultural activities and implementing tax abatements that benefit artists who who live or work in the region. It also vies for the arts to be implemented in municipalities’ Master Plans, according to the Sustainable Jersey’s website.
“We’re working with municipalities to integrate arts more into the Voorhees community,” Leone said.
“Getting the Shot,” which will be taught by Leone, fuses the realm of digital and authentic photography. After exploring more than 20 nationals parks, she acquired the eye and experience of what does and doesn’t work in capturing a moment.
The lesson, which will run from 7 to 9 p.m., will especially focus on scenic photography. From professional to amateur, Leone encourages all photographers to pick up some tips and tricks while shooting on vacation or delving into other outdoor adventures.
Participants will also learn how to translate photos from cameras and computers to tangible books through easy and inexpensive methods.
“Having a monthly program, we’re really trying to bring all arts alive in Voorhees,” Leone said.
Other monthly programs are scheduled through June, including “The Art of Yoga and Meditation” on April 18, “Girls Night Painting Party” on May 16 and “Rock Painting for Adults,” on June 20.
Leone says the Voorhees Arts Council is also working on quarterly education programs specifically oriented toward children, which will launch later in the spring.
These education events will be stitched together by the council’s other efforts to fuse culture into the community, such as the “Spring Exhibit” of Arts on the Boulevard. From April 8 through June 22, local artists will have their various mediums of creativity displayed in the VTC Boulevard and food court storefronts.
Those interested in showcasing their work can submit an online form by Friday, March 30. All art is welcomed, including mosaics, photography, painting and tapestry. Spring-color palette themes are requested. Forms can be found at www.voorheestowncenter.com.
“The intention of the season exhibit is to express the color palette of each season through the artist’s work,” Leone said.
Drop off is Sunday, April 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Town Center.
Overall, the Voorhees Arts Council hopes with its new monthly programs and continuation of seasonal showcases, the township gains a new appreciation for culture.
“We want the community to share the joy of art,” Leone said.
The Voorhees Arts Council is seeking sponsorships and funding for its programs. For more information, contact Marianne Leone at Marianne@marianneleone.com.
