See Below the List of Upcoming Workshop
The Sistars’ Connection “HERstory: Past, Present & Moving Forward”—an all-woman artist exhibition and pop-up boutique at the West Orange Arts Center—continues to receive overwhelming support from the community. The Artist’s Reception on Saturday, March 15, 2025, was a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection, and the power of women in the arts.
“We’ve had an incredibly active and exciting start to the year,” said PM, Chair. “It’s wonderful to see so many artist-led workshops happening alongside this exhibition. It’s a rare opportunity for the community to learn from such accomplished, working artists.”
As we honor Women’s History Month, we are also celebrating National Craft Month and National Quilting Month with a series of engaging workshops and events. Don’t miss these hands-on opportunities to create, learn, and connect!
Upcoming Events & Workshops
🔹 Saturday, March 22 | 1-4 PM – Concurrent Workshops
📍 Sewing/Quilting Workshop with exhibiting artist Denise L. Toney
📍 Patchmaking Workshop with Yvonne Onque, creator of God-S Wearable Art
✨ Drop-ins welcome! The gallery opens at 1 PM. Minimal materials fee applies.
🔹 Sunday, March 23 | 2 PM – When Women Speak: Poetry & Spoken Word
📍 Hosted by Ameerah Shabazz-Bilal
📍 Featuring Kendee Love, Rescue Poetix, Laura Daniels, and Edwinna Simmons
✨ Experience the powerful voices of these artists and community leaders.
🔹 Saturday, March 29 | 2-4 PM – Beaded Bracelets Workshop
📍 Gina Rivas-Velazquez (Gina Rivas Design & Art for a Cause – Autism Art)
📍 Cynthia Vaughn (Denim Pallette Wearable Art & CJGallery)
✨ Drop-ins welcome!
🔹 Sunday, March 30 | 2-4 PM – A Send-Off Celebration for Artist/Curator Maria Luis Estrela
📍 Details coming soon!
Visit, Create, & Celebrate!
All are invited to explore the gallery, shop the boutique, and join a creative workshop before the exhibition closes. Help us spread the word and continue celebrating the artistry and empowerment of women.
During the month, the celebration of women continues with “When Women Speak”, a poetry and spoken word event hosted by Ameerah Shabazz and featuring performances by Kendee Love, Rescue Poetix, Laura Daniels, and Edwinna Simmons. This special presentation will take place on Sunday, March 23, from 2-4 p.m.
HERStory honors the talent and vision of this group of local women artists, whose varied creations enrich and elevate our community. This exhibition showcases the compelling narratives and artistic expressions of women, emphasizing the significance of representation in the arts.
“The West Orange Arts Center continues to be a vital space where artists can share their voices and connect with the community,” says WOAC Chair Patricia Mitrano. “As we honor women artists during Women’s History Month, we invite sponsors and supporters to join us in sustaining this creative hub—because without community support, spaces like ours wouldn’t be possible.”
The West Orange Arts Council is dedicated to promoting the arts in West Orange and providing opportunities for artists and the community to connect through exhibitions, workshops, and events. The West Orange Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate, inspire, and support the arts in West Orange. Area artists and community leaders remain the core of this all-volunteer organization that operates the West Orange Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop at 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ. For more See our FACEBOOK page here – www.facebook.com/woac.org.
This program is made possible partly by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs and the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund.
The West Orange Arts Council
Play a Part in the Arts
Visit our Website: www.woarts.org ~ EMAIL US HERE
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551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ 07052 USA
West Orange Art Center Phone: (973) 325-0151