(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey recently opened two new members exhibitions in the second-floor community galleries: Susan Horn: Corona Dreams and Jennifer Markovitz: Torn Visions. Both shows will be on view through January 24, 2021. 

Susan Horn’s Corona Dreams, on view in the Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II, is a series of mixed media work created by the artist since the beginning of the pandemic. “I always loved art but never had much time to engage while raising four children, getting a Ph.D., and teaching for twenty years,” said Horn. “After retirement, I enrolled in several classes at the Art Center and discovered that pouring paint was my favorite activity. I loved creating textures and mixing colors while making messes as I explored different mediums. Once the quarantine shut us all inside in March 2020, I began to rework my old canvases, painting them over and starting again, but this time, using the most precious material during the shutdown—paper towels. My work represents the light, fire, darkness, water, mountains, forests, and places that we no longer can visit except inside our minds.” 

Like Corona Dreams, Jennifer Markovitz’s Torn Visions, on view in Ann’s Place Gallery, also features mixed media work created during the pandemic. “2020 has been a difficult and challenging year,” said Markovitz. “Between the global pandemic, political divide, and racial injustices, our lives have been forever altered. The collages that make up this show began early in March when I started sending them to friends and family to brighten their days of monotony. I continue making them to help find purpose and a creative outlet. In an effort to support those in need in our local community, proceeds from the sale of these collages will be donated to Bridges Outreach in Summit, NJ. Their mission is to end homelessness through volunteer-driven outreach and individual case management, focusing on health, housing, and independence.”  

For more information on both these exhibitions, click here.

For over 85 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center’s renowned Studio School, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youth, families, seniors, and people with special needs every year. 

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, NJ. Gallery hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–8 PM; Friday, 10 AM–5 PM; and Saturday & Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM. Admission must be reserved in advance. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours.  

Major support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided in part by the Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation; the Wilf Family Foundations; and Art Center members and donors.  

IMAGES: (TOP) Jennifer Markovitz, Flat Iron Collage, 2020, Mixed Media Collage (BOTTOM) Susan Horn, Four Seasons, 2020, Mixed Media