The Perkins Center for the Arts is gearing up for the approaching fall season.
Beginning Sept. 18, it will feature its annual juried exhibition, where local and regional artists can show Moorestown some of their best work. The exhibit will run through Nov. 20 and will host diverse artists from the region.
“We are always looking forward to the start-up of fall sessions,” said Kahra Buss, executive director of the Perkins Center. “It gives us an opportunity to offer new things, new classes and new opportunities. We are really looking forward to that.”
The Center’s Pumpkin Palooza is an open and free event that will take place on Oct. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. It will feature live music, art sessions on the lawn, pumpkin painting and games.
The Perkins’ DeCafe Concert Series will return in October and is an opportunity for guests to have an intimate evening with musicians and artists. The ticketed event will feature independent artists like April Mae and the June Bugs — who will perform Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. for a special Halloween performance — and gives concertgoers a chance to speak with the artists one on one.
“I always enjoy the different iterations that the artists take on,” Buss noted. “Because you’re in this intimate setting, it’s the artists and about 50 people. There is a lot of conversation that happens.”
The center also features a meet-and-greet session in the fall as a way for artists and community members to speak with one another about different dedicated works. It also is a chance for art enthusiasts to make purchases.
“It’s always such a benefit to the working artists,” Buss explained. “For many of the artists that we work with, this is their livelihood. For us to be able to support them in that endeavor, and perhaps give them some broader exposure, is very gratifying.”
The Perkins Center will also feature several workshop sessions and public programming, such as professional development opportunities for emerging artists. From visual and performing arts instruction, to painting, drawing, mosaic and pottery and glass, there will be something for everyone.
“We’re really just so supportive of the community and we’re really grateful for their support over this last year,” Buss said. “It’s been a tremendous reintroduction for us.”
