Art Galleries

May 19 – June 28, 2026
Closing Reception: June 28th from 4:00 – 6:00

Essex Watercolor Club is New Jersey’s oldest watercolor organization, founded by 27 Essex County Artists in 1932 to meet, share ideas, discuss techniques, watch demonstrations  of  other watercolorists, attend workshops, and exhibit their work.  Today membership represents watercolor artists of all abilities from across the entire State of New Jersey.  Visit our website at http://www.EWCClub.com, Facebook: Essex Watercolor Club, Instagram at essexwcclub.

The Art Upstairs Gallery is a gift of the John and Margaret Post Foundation.

May 19 – June 30, 2026
Reception: June 9th from 5:00 – 7:00

The Matheny Arts Access Program empowers artists with disabilities to create without limitations, fostering an environment where artistic expression is driven entirely by the individual. Since its founding in 1993, Arts Access has developed a highly specialized communication and choice-based system that enables participants with physical and developmental disabilities to fully engage in the visual, literary, and performing arts.

Through the support of trained facilitators, artists are provided with the tools, materials, and neutral assistance necessary to realize their creative visions. Every element of the artistic process originates from the artist – each color selection, brushstroke, movement, and word is an intentional act of self-expression. Facilitators serve only to support execution, ensuring that the work remains authentically the artist’s own.

The works presented in this exhibition reflect a wide range of perspectives and approaches, each shaped by the artist’s imagination and intent. Together, they form a compelling exploration of expression that challenges conventional assumptions about ability and the nature of artistic practice.

For more information, visit artsaccessprogram.org.

The Starlight Gallery is a gift of Wendy and Jay Birnbaum

The Art Upstairs Gallery is located in the balcony lobby of Mayo Performing Arts Center. Exhibits are varied and showcase visual artists from a variety of mediums including watercolor, oil, photography, sculpture and more. Each year, the works of over 200 artists are showcased in group exhibits. Recent groups that have been showcased include the Essex Watercolor Club, New Jersey Photography Forum, Art in the Atrium and the Pastel Society of New Jersey. The Art Upstairs Gallery is a gift of the John and Margaret Post Foundation.

The Starlight Gallery is adjacent to our Starlight Room, MPAC’s donor lounge.  Exhibits feature individual exhibits by accomplished local artists. The Starlight Gallery is a gift of Wendy and Jay Birnbaum.

The galleries provide a unique opportunity to marry the visual and performing arts, and provide exposure to artists with an audience that may not normally frequent an art gallery. All artwork is available for purchase.

The Galleries are open to ticket holders prior to shows, during intermission, by appointment and every Tuesday afternoon from 12:00 -2:00.  For more information, please contact Charles Miller at cmiller1@mayoarts.org or Lee Kaloidis at 973-539-0345 x6587.