Freeholder Proclaim "Arts and Humanities Month 2015'' in Morris County

The Morris County Board of Freeholders has proclaimed October as “Arts and Humanities Month 2015’’ in Morris County, part of a national observance held every October to encourage all residents to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of active participation in the arts.

(l/r) Freeholder Dave Scapicchio, Tom Werder,
Freeholder DeFillippo, Lynn Siebert, Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo 

The freeholders issued an Arts and Humanities Month 2015 proclamation to Tom Werder, Executive Director of Morris Arts, and to Lynn Siebert, Director of Arts Participation & Communications for Morris Arts.

“The goal is to ensure that the Arts always play an important part in all facets of our lives, in business and government and education, and in our professional and personal,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo.

“During this month, arts organizations in Morris County and across the state and nation plan and develop events, celebrations and innovative programming to highlight the Arts and Humanities.’’ 

“I am honored to receive this proclamation on behalf of Morris County’s vibrant arts and humanities community. We know that the arts build community and are a key reason that people want to live, work and play in Morris County. The arts and humanities enrich, inform and empower us to reach for the best within us.”

National Arts & Humanities Month was established in 1993 and initiated to encourage Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of participation in the arts and humanities. 

National Arts and Humanities Month's four goals are to create a national, state and local focus on the arts and humanities; encourage participation of individuals nationwide; provide an opportunity for federal, state and local business, government and civic leaders to declare support for the arts and humanities; and to raise public awareness.

Please check out some terrific arts event and exhibits scheduled for Morris County in October: 
OPENING RECEPTION: Atrium Gallery’s Fall/Winter 2015-16 Exhibit in Morristown:
The link below gives the details for the upcoming opening at the Atrium Gallery (floors 2-5) in the Morris County Government Administration Building at 10 Court Street in Morristown. It features very exciting and beautiful work by six outstanding New Jersey artists. The free opening reception is on Friday, Oct. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Visit: http://www.morrisarts.org/2015/09/01/10529/

OPENING RECEPTION: Gallery at 14 Maple’s new exhibit Contrasting Abstractions: On Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m., at the Gallery at 14 Maple, on the 3rd floor, at 14 Maple Ave., Morristown. This features the Gallery Morris Arts curates in collaboration with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. It showcases work by seven outstanding New Jersey artists. It is an exciting, distinctive and eye-catching exhibit curated by Virginia Fabbri Butera. Visit: http://www.morrisarts.org/2015/09/03/10559/

The Morristown CraftMarket will be showcasing outstanding art and fine crafts in its annual juried show at the Morristown Armory from Oct. 16-18.

Morris Arts sponsors its annual Pumpkin Illumination event (with art making) on Sunday evening, Oct. 25 at the Vail Mansion, 110 South St., Morristown. 

There also are a host of other varied arts and cultural events occurring in Morris County throughout October, from performances by the Dance Company of Siberia and the New Jersey Symphony to comedian Bob Newhart and singer Melissa Etheridge at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.


The Harmonium Choral Society, the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and the Masterwork Chorus all will be performing. You can tour the Simon Gallery or the Speakeasy Gallery, or stop in at the Glassworks Galley, among many potential venues in Morris County to seek out the arts

For much more information, visit the following:
Morris County Tourism Bureau: http://morristourism.org/arts-culture
Morris Arts: http://www.morrisarts.org/
Morris Arts calendar of arts events: http://www.morrisarts.org/category/events/
Morris County Park Commission: http://mcpcevents.blogspot.com/


Morris County Board of Freeholders Resolution
Arts and Humanities Month 2015:
Whereas, Arts and Humanities Month is celebrated every October across the nation to encourage all Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong participation in the arts, and

Whereas, the arts and humanities embody much of the accumulated wisdom, intellect and imagination and allow us to explore ideas, express emotion and better appreciate cultures from around the world, and

Whereas, the arts and humanities add beauty and balance to our lives, and they also contribute to a strong and healthy economic climate by stimulating economic activity and creating jobs, and

Whereas, Morris Arts is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching and transforming the life of every individual through the arts, and

Whereas, since it was established in 1973, Morris Arts has worked diligently toward that goal by developing, supporting and advocating on behalf of artists, arts organizations and arts experiences;

Now Therefore, I, Kathryn A. DeFillippo, Director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, proclaim October 2015 to be Arts and Humanities Month in Morris County, to raise public awareness and of the many fine arts and cultural organizations that call Morris County home, and I ask all county residents to promote, support, and participate in the arts and cultural opportunities that Morris County has to offer.