One need not be an artist to enjoy membership in the Watchung Arts Center. Members get a monthly newsletter, discounts on certain events, plus other benefits. But those members who are artists are rewarded with an additional dividend: participation in a members-only juried show.

Artist-Members will be submitting work in various media: drawing, painting, photography and even two-dimensional art. This makes for a diverse and interesting show, awaited by non-exhibiting members and the public alike.

Accepted work will be exhibited from Saturday: August 1-September 14. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday from 1 to 4 PM. The juried Members Art Show will have its public reception on Sunday August 9, 1-4pm. This is an opportunity for visitors to see the work, meet the artists, and enjoy light refreshments too.

There is no admission charge for the reception or the exhibit. Exhibited pieces will be selected from among submitted work as being worthy of exhibit. Noted professional artists and talented amateurs are found among the Center's members, and their work will fill both Upper and Lower Galleries for this show. The displayed pieces are available for purchase from the artists.

Mary Ellen Simon from The Simon Gallery will be the distinguished Juror for the show. She will select first, second and third place winners, and the cash prizes. After this show 15 pieces will be selected to travel to the Somerset County Building in Somerville, where it will be displayed in the public entry lobby from Sept 15-Oct 15.

The Watchung Arts Center is located on the Watchung Circle between the Rescue Squad and Valley Furniture and is easily reached from Interstate 78 (exit 40) or Route 22 (Plainfield overpass).

Membership in the Watchung Arts Center provides numerous benefits to non-artists too. Members receive an informative newsletter each month, discounts on classes and certain events, and a voice in the running of the non-profit Center. Membership is not limited to local residents, although most members are drawn from the three counties that converge at Watchung. Further information can be obtained by calling (908) 753-0190.

If you have a web site you can link for free to the WAC site (watchungarts.org). Send us your URL and we will be pleased to enter you into our members artists listing. We also have redone our slide file. There are very few slide files in northern NJ so those available are consulted frequently by curators and others looking for artwork. With your participation we can have one of the best files on line in the state. If you participate you help yourself, the WAC and the NJ artists community.

If you have become a member in the last six months or have renewed your membership and want to put your artwork on the Members’ Wall at the top of the stairs call Bruce at the office (908) 753-0190.