Juneteenth In West Orange: Art Exhibit Explores ‘Freedom In Full Color’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Arts Council. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The West Orange Arts Council (WOAC) announces Freedom in Full Color Juneteenth Exhibit, presented to the community in partnership with the West Orange Juneteenth Film Festival at the West Orange Arts Center on 551 Valley Road, West Orange.

The Freedom in Full Color Juneteenth Exhibit can be viewed June 14, 2025, through July 12, 2025, Saturdays from 2 – 4pm and by appointment. On Saturday, June 21, West Orange Arts Council, invites the community to Meet the Artists Wine & Cheese Reception from 3 pm - 6 pm.

Installed by gallerist Rey Arvelo, the exhibit highlights the works of WOAC artists Peter Astor, Andrei Averbuch, Jeanette Averbuch, Cathleen McCoy Bristol, Joan Carter, Lyman Dally, Maria Estrela, Angela Ettrick, Mary Franklin, Laurie Harden, Bernard Jackson, Carol T. Jenkins, Theodore Jenkins, Shakima Johnson, Joanne Leone, Dayana Pierre Louis, Cassandra Martin, Barbara May, Louis Nesbitt, John Piccoli, Ameerah Shabazz, Denise Toney and Tasha Williams. It has been designed to be a vibrant, emotional, and visual celebration of Black identity, joy, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

Freedom in Full Color is part of a full day of cultural programming on Sat., June 21at the West Orange Arts Center, during the West Orange Juneteenth Film Festival weekend. The day’s events will include:

Lights, Camera…Dream! "Film Dreams" Book Reading

• 10 am - Noon
• Join "Film Dreams" author Nicole Thompson in an intimate reading that encourages young dreamers to embark on a thrilling journey where imagination meets Hollywood magic.

Film: "Being Gladys"

• 1 pm - 2:30 pm
• Gladys Barker Grauer advocated for the poor, the working class and liberation as a Black woman through the power of her art. Her story is one of determined efforts to sustain the work of Black women artists in Newark and to uplift the lives and careers.

Freedom in Full Color Artists’ Reception

• 3 pm - 6 pm
• Celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth and meet the artists responsible for this impactful exhibit. Refreshments include a wine and cheese reception, musical performances, and special presentations.

The WOAC Gift Shop is highlighting hand-crafted home accents and bath products using the brilliant colors of Juneteenth Freedom Day and specifically created and selected exhibit-related items, jewelry, pottery, and one-of-a-kind pieces.

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 info visit www.woarts.org, www.facebook.com/woac.org or email info@woarts.org

West Orange Juneteenth Committee has curated three amazing days of film screenings, panel discussions and talkbacks with directors, producers, and actors. Experience electrifying performances, riveting films, engaging youth programming, informative workshops, insightful academic discussions, and vendors. Full film schedule on Zeffy

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.

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