CLIFTON — The Clifton Arts Center will be "Keeping it Real" this fall.
A new exhibit opening Oct. 8 will feature various traditional and fine art media from the Art Centre of New Jersey. Titled "Keeping It Real," the show will include traditional art portrayed realistically through every medium and will run through Dec. 13.
The exhibit includes two-dimensional paintings in watercolors, oil paintings, charcoal, pastel and pen and ink and acrylic, said CAC Director Roxanne Cammilleri, adding there will be no photographic art, but the works will be photograph-like in the portrayal of the actual objects highlighted.
A reception will be held to open the exhibit and introduce the various artists and their works on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be artwork available for sale.
Cammilleri is working in collaboration with Tim Maher, president of the Art Centre of New Jersey and coordinator of the exhibit.
"Notable artists who have taught at the Centre are George Schwacha, Stanley Turnbull, John Grabach, Wayman Adams and Miriam Burrill.
Maher, who will also exhibit some of his own work, describes the show as realistic art created by real, professional artists. The artists plan on showcasing portraits, still life, and a variety of landscapes. Maher says they are "real" in that they are pieces of art "that can be experienced by their color, value, size and shape."
The Art Centre of New Jersey was organized in the late 1920’s "to provide a meeting place for artists and art lovers. It is one of the oldest of such organizations in New Jersey and today "is chiefly used for those engaged in improving their artistic skills through workshop practice." One of the more exciting opportunities at the Centre is that they offer live models in their open studios and portrait classes.
Cammilleri said she is enthusiastic about this exhibit because it is not art in symbolism or abstract forms, but traditional, the foundation of art. She calls it an "imitation of life" and said it is important to offer this type of work to the community, who will then "go out and recognize art as part of our community."
"Everything is art!" Cammilleri said, adding 25 to 30 artists will be participating in the event who will be introduced with their work at the reception on Oct. 11. October is National Art and Humanities Month.
The Clifton Arts Center Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 1 to 4 p.m. Group tours are available by appointment. Admission fee is $1. For more information check the Web site at www.cliftonnj.org. It is located on the grounds of the Clifton Municipal Complex near the intersection of Clifton and Van Houten avenues.
