It’s a world of imagination, a smorgasbord of art, a sneak peek behind the scenes of how the Muses move us—it’s the 20th Anniversary of the SOMA Artists Studio Tour! Located just a stone’s throw from the Big Apple, the art mecca of the universe, South Orange and Maplewood, NJ, are an explosion of vibrant colors and boundless curiosity. This sensational event is a remarkable fusion of artistic brilliance and refined taste, where residents and visitors can meet with a wide range of artists, view their latest works and take home a masterpiece. Here we are at the spinning, glittering, resonant whirlpool of contemporary art—bring your self, your friends, and your family to surf the wave of creativity!

Over 70 artists in the two towns open the doors to their studios as visitors travel on a self-guided tour from place to place, meeting artists, learning about how art is made, and buying original art!

I’ll be there with new pieces of stone art, samples of ochres, and even some new B&W’s and bright animals! Hoping to see you and talk art!

This is probably my favorite event of the year—I get to welcome you into my actual studio! It’s full of jars of ochre, shelves of books, stacks of canvases, and walls of paintings. Josh will be there with his carved jades, too! Come see it all!

Manufacturers Village is a fantastically amazing arts space in East Orange. A factory complex built in the 1880’s by Johnson & Johnson, it has served many functions, including, purportedly, a stint as a production site for adult films. Now all of that creative energy is harnessed by 65+ artists. In its 15th year, the Open Studios welcome the public into this warren of creativity. For one weekend, the doors will be open to explore the work and spaces of professional painters, sculptors, woodworkers, quilters, designers, printmakers, photographers, multi-media artists and more.

The annual Open Studios weekend is a free event designed to fuse art, architecture, community and inspiration. It will be a chance to meet the artists, view their work and purchase original pieces. It also hopes to inspire visitors to start a new artistic pursuit, meet other people in the local community and to give lovers of history and architecture, the rare opportunity to explore these well-preserved historic buildings with a self-guided tour. 

Visitors will also be able to view the East Orange Community Black Lives Matter Mural, one of the state’s largest murals. Painted in the spring of 2021, this 9,000 square foot mural was created by sixteen artists from the greater East Orange Community.

21 artists and artisans will converge on Warren Court in South Orange, NJ, for a wonderful weekend of art, fun, and community connection. Come discover emerging and established local artists, and shop affordable original works of art. Latin street food from Miti Miti, music and cocktails will sustain you as you shop!