I’m hoping that our readers are in good health and will remain so until we can start opening up the Glasstown Arts District. Several artists and the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts have been posting a wide variety of artwork in virtual exhibits. Here’s a link for YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=kjmfiWPaKO8 where you can view art such as Sue Rau’s watercolors shown here.

Many of the regional artists in southern New Jersey, are posting new works of art on their Facebook pages. Browse Facebook to find most working artists and let them know how much you like and enjoy their pieces.

Small, very small, businesses are trying to re-invent their marketplace. For years, some artists and artisans have been selling their work on Etsy (etsy.com) and on their own websites and Facebook. Use GlasstownArtsDistrict.com to look for gallery names, artists’ information and our several restaurants offering takeout and delivery.

When we are allowed to open, it will be especially important for us all to shop and buy at our local businesses. These entrepreneurs have been and are risk takers. Many artists are creating works of art as a reflection of our times and the humanity of it. Your support will mean everything to them.

We are very hopeful to plan the Art Creates Excellence (ACE) summer youth camp for July 6 to 31. Every year since 2000, the Arts District has sponsored and hosted a four-week art camp. Generally, 60 to 70 kids attend one or more weeks. The age groups are 7-9, 10-12, and 13-18. The younger two groups attend Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Teens are in from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. These young artists have a great time learning new techniques along with comradery with friends from school or their neighborhood.

You can find registration brochures on our website: GlasstownArtsDistrict – ACE. We may have to make a few changes due to COVID-19, but the basics are there. Should July be unrealistic, we will strive to host ACE in August. I am sure you will have questions if your kids haven’t attended before, so please give me a call at 856-293-0556.

Planning ahead must be credible and will be in constant change mode for most people and organizations like ours. Please consider ACE as a great way for kids to get back to activities outside of your homes. The wide variety of artists we employ will help children to create art that often will be self-expression. Again, we cannot be 100 percent sure at this point that we can begin on July 6, but we are working on it!

In the next few weeks, we will plan for new dates for events. The Levoy Theatre has rearranged their schedules for concerts and plays. You can check their website to see the schedule at levoy.net

We are all counting on you! From your dining choices to live theater to art exhibits and special events, please advocate for the well-being of our Millville Glasstown Arts District! Like us on Facebook, please: MillvilleGlasstownArtsDistrict.