In Millville This Weekend: A Film Fest, Art Exhibits, and More

Showcasing the arts on Third Fridays is a Millville tradition years in the making. The September event this Friday brings a rich offering of exhibitions and celebrations, including the CUT International Short Film Festival from 8 to 10 p.m. at Levoy Theatre (126 N. High St., njshorts.com).

In its third year, the CUT International Short Film Festival draws short films by filmmakers from all over the world each fall in Millville. This year’s Festival gets underway with the premiere of Palace of Depression–The Rebirth of the World’s Strangest House, an ArtC Films documentary.

Described as Vineland, New Jersey’s P.T. Barnum, George Daynor built his Palace of Depression in the 1930s using anything he could find. It was torn down in the 1960s. A reconstruction project begun in 2000 is ongoing. The film tracks the history of the building, the life and adventures of its unusual creator and the ongoing restoration effort.

CUT runs through Saturday, September 21 and also includes gallery exhibits, live entertainment, meet-and-greet events and a wrap party reception.

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Art by Lisa Jean. See more in the Associate Artist Alcove at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts.

ArtC’s CUE Exhibit & Fundraiser is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts (22 N. High St., rrcarts.com). Through collaboration, advocacy, exhibition, events and marketing, ArtC works to shine the spotlight on the arts and artists in New Jersey’s six southern counties. The not-for-profit, grassroots organization celebrates its 13th Anniversary with this retrospective exhibit and fundraiser.

Artwork will include work from past exhibits such as “Shattered: Portrait of a Glass Factory’” featuring photos by David Woeller and Tom Holding and “Body of Work,” featuring photos by Ruben Garcia of body art by Heather Deegan Hires.

All the artwork will be part of a chance auction, which will also include gift certificates from El Guacamole Mexican Restaurant, Colonial Florists & Gifts, the Levoy Theatre, Rowan College’s Arts & Innovation Center, and two framed and signed giclée prints by Pat Witt, Millville’s first lady of the arts. A block of 25 auction tickets is $20. Winning tickets will be drawn at the closing reception on October 11 at 7 pm. Ticket holders don’t need to be present to win.

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Palace of Depression, the topic of a documentary premiering this weekend.

The Clique 24 Artist Reception will be held 6 to 8 p.m. at Rowan College Arts & Innovation Center Gallery (321 N High St., facebook.com/ClayCollege/).

Art always looks good. In Millville this fall, it never looked better. Clique 24 exhibits the work of 17 of southern New Jersey’s brightest artists along with portraits of the artists by four of the region’s most accomplished photographers.

Established in 2016, Clique was conceived to give its artists the technical support and creative freedom to create spectacular art that says “Wow!” The show runs through Saturday, September 21. n

For more information about this weekend’s happenings and many other upcoming events in Millville, click to VisitMillvilleNJ.

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Third Friday at Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts

Third Friday at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts is presented by PNC Arts Alive. Opening reception is September 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. Experience the art, meet the artists, enjoy refreshments and live music.

Atrium Gallery – New exhibit of artist-created World War II historical poster art by Diane Rogers. The designs include messages encouraging viewers to consider joining as a member of the Millville Army Airfield Museum and to remember and honor our past. Information about the museum and the project grant, too.

Main Gallery – ArtC’s “CUE” Exhibit – A retrospective: Artwork includes work from past exhibits such as “Shattered: Portrait of a Glass Factory,” featuring photos by David Woeller and Tom Holding, and “Body of Work,” featuring photos by Ruben Garcia of body art by Heather Deegan Hires.

Witt Gallery – ““Jersey Fresh Off the Easel” Group exhibit by the Society of NJ Artists member artists. Awards will be presented at 7 p.m.