Articles By Chris Lillja
Appel Farm Holds Annual 'Healthy HeARTS 5k' to Promote Mindfulness and Well-being Alongside the Arts
Physical health is one of the foundations of well-being. The arts add an expressive and enjoyable dimension to physical fitness when integrated into physical health routines. Physical activities that involve creativity or artistic expression can be more engaging and less intimidating for people who might be reluctant to engage in traditional forms of exercise. This synergy makes the arts a valuable partner in promoting physical health.
published on 10/24/2024
CUT International Film Festival at the Levoy
"Short films for quick minds."
Short films appeal to quick minds because they offer a concentrated burst of creativity, storytelling, and emotion within a limited timeframe. For those who think and process information rapidly, short films provide an immediate and satisfying experience, delivering a complete narrative or concept without an extended commitment. The brevity of short films often leads to innovative storytelling techniques, with filmmakers distilling complex ideas and themes into concise, impactful moments. This efficiency aligns well with quick thinkers who appreciate content that gets to the point without unnecessary elaboration.
published on 08/29/2024
Art All Night Trenton: Re-imagined and Re-born
Art All Night Trenton (AANT) has always been a vibrant and immersive celebration of art, culture, and the community that is Trenton, New Jersey. While the pandemic turned it into a virtual event, this highly-anticipated return to an in-person format brings together artists, performers, and art enthusiasts from all walks of life in the capital region, transforming part of the city into a colorful and lively hub of creativity. With its rich history and diverse artistic landscape, Trenton (and AANT's new home - the Trenton War Memorial Building) provides the perfect backdrop for this weekend-long extravaganza.
published on 06/20/2024
Cape May Stage Presents "Becoming Dr. Ruth"
Over the years, Cape May Stage has built a reputation for presenting a diverse range of productions, from contemporary plays and classic dramas to comedies and musicals. The theater is dedicated to producing thought-provoking and entertaining works that engage audiences and foster a love for the performing arts. Cape May Stage is also committed to supporting new playwrights and often features world premieres and new works.
published on 05/30/2024
Mercer County Inspires the Next Generation of Artists With Teen Arts Festival
The Mercer County Teen Arts Festival is an annual event that serves as a celebration of the artistic talents of teenagers from Mercer and across the state. This festival, typically held in the late spring, aims to foster the creative development of young artists through a diverse range of workshops, performances, and exhibitions. It provides an invaluable platform for students aged 13 to 19 to showcase their skills in various artistic disciplines and to gain recognition and feedback for their work. It is one of 19 county teen arts festivals that send participants to the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival in June. For work to be adjudicated at the state level, it must first be selected for adjudication at the county level.
published on 05/02/2024
Medford Arts "Just Faces" Juried Exhibition
The Medford Arts Center, nestled in the town of Medford, New Jersey, serves as a vibrant hub for the arts community in the area. It is a place where artists and art enthusiasts come together to celebrate and indulge in the beauty of creative expression. The center plays a pivotal role in enriching the cultural landscape of the region by offering a diverse array of programs and events that cater to people of all ages and interests. From art exhibitions and workshops to performances and educational programs, the Medford Arts Center is dedicated to fostering an environment where the arts can flourish. Its mission is to showcase local artists' talents and inspire and engage the community, making art accessible to everyone. With its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to the arts, the Medford Arts Center is a beacon of creativity and cultural engagement in southern New Jersey.
published on 03/21/2024
Have "A Tuna Christmas" With Cape May Stage
"A Tuna Christmas" is a humorous play set in the fictional town of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. The play is a sequel to "Greater Tuna" written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears, and Jaston Williams. It debuted in 1989 and has become a popular comedic fixture in American theater, especially around the holiday season.
published on 12/14/2023
New Jersey Symphony: "Jurassic Park" with Live Score
Symphony orchestras have long graced the world with beautiful renditions of classical music. However, in the modern era, they face the challenge of attracting younger and more diverse audiences. Playing movie scores and soundtracks has emerged as an effective strategy to broaden their appeal.
published on 10/12/2023
A Love Letter to Asbury Park: The APin3 Film Challenge
Asbury Park, NJ, a modest-sized, historic city of sixteen thousand with a rich tapestry of history, "punches above its weight" artistically and culturally. Founded as a premier seaside resort destination and connected to New York City (and the world) by rail, it drew countless visitors to its boardwalk and beaches even before the age of the automobile. The city faced significant economic challenges during the latter half of the 20th century, leading to urban decline and disinvestment. But, the resilient spirit of its community has been evident in its recent revival, as major efforts have been made to rejuvenate its cultural attractions, restore historic sites, and foster economic development, all while navigating the complexities of gentrification and maintaining the city's unique character.
published on 10/06/2023
Afternoon Delight: Artworks' "Art All Day"
Count me among the disappointed when the organizers postponed "Art All Night" 2023 earlier in the summer. The annual show was an absolute highlight and celebration of the arts and the arts community in Trenton. You know how you go to your favorite ice cream place, and they are out of your favorite flavor? It's slightly disappointing, but then you try a new flavor, and it's amazing.
published on 09/07/2023
Writers Stage Original Radio Plays at The Basie Cinema
Writing is rarely easy, even for people who love to do it. People aspiring to write often take on daunting projects that make it difficult to learn the fundamentals of crafting dialogue and narrative structure. The Labyrinth Theatre, a part of Red Bank's Project Write Now (PWN), is helping writers young and old crack through their barriers and succeed by breaking the task down to a 'fun' size.
published on 09/07/2023
"Jersey Shore Top Comic" at the Basie
Stand-up comedy is a captivating and unique craft that has the power to both entertain and provoke introspection in audiences. It requires a mastery of language, performance, and emotional intelligence to connect with audiences, generating a unique energy that binds performers and spectators in a moment of shared laughter and understanding. In this way, stand-up comedy stands as a powerful art form, capable of evoking emotions, igniting conversations and even effecting social change, making it an essential and dynamic part of our cultural landscape.
published on 08/10/2023
Yasmina Reza's Tony-Award-Winning Play "Art" at Cape May Stage
Yasmina Reza's play "Art" is a thought-provoking and hilarious exploration of the complexities of friendships, the subjective nature of art, and the impact of individual perspectives on relationships. Premiering in Paris in 1994, "Art" quickly became a worldwide sensation, translated into and produced in 30 languages, receiving numerous awards, including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Play in 1998.
published on 07/20/2023
FilmOneFest a Celebration of Short Films and Abundant Talent
In the very beginning of the cinema, most films were very short, running a minute or less. Before YouTube and TikTok there was the "short subject film," often shown with a feature film in a movie theatre. These days, aside from YT and TT, short films are platforms to get industry experience and showcase talent. That said, this art form has an intense and enthusiastic following among film fans.
published on 07/13/2023
"Songs for a New World" Highlights Life's Decisive Moments
Jason Robert Brown, well-known for writing the Tony Award-winning stage adaptation of "The Bridges of Madison County," wrote the music and lyrics for "Songs for a New World"—an impressive score that traverses multiple genres, including pop, gospel, and contemporary musical theater. Pioneer Productions will present a slightly reimagined production of this contemporary show, the weekends of June 9 and June 16. The performances will take place in the heart of Morristown in Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church.
published on 06/08/2023
