On February 28, 2022, the Voorhees Township Committee adopted an ordinance that established the Voorhees Art Commission.  With funding from the Township, the new Commission Board was able to approve many new visual and performing arts programs in the community through the year, as well as the rich art diversity in the gallery which stayed open to the public despite the challenges of the global pandemic.

The Voorhees Art Commission offers several programs to our community.

• VAC Kids Art Camp. This program with 17 offerings was resoundingly welcomed by the parents and guardians of our community.
• Art classes, such as Miniature Painting, Water Coloring, Adult Coloring and Oil Painting Basics were just some of the programs resumed in May. About 300 people were impacted positively with the monthly programs.
• Special Workshops. New art workshops such as Zentangle, Alcohol Ink and Painting on Pashminas were introduced. VAC will try new ones in 2023 and repeat those that have public demand.
• In early 2022, VAC partnered with the Spot and brought a guest art teacher to teach a class to their Eastern Learning Academy Students. This program and partnership will continue in 2023.
• Art Exhibits & Receptions. The Commission had a showing of art for their 4th Birthday Bash at the end of June. VAC plans to have more Art Exhibits in 2023 and will have a virtual exhibit tour on Feb. 23 at 7pm. There are 30 resident artists showing their work in the gallery representing incredible diversity.
• Class of 2022 Mural Project. Since 2020, the Voorhees Township Committee has been “commissioning” the artists to create a mural that honors the graduating class. In 2022, a 198’ mural representing all stages of education and graduation rites of passage once again was on full display on the Boulevard wall.
• Healing Art for the Hero’s Heart. The program impacted over 400 deployed service members and local veterans with hand-made art given to them by the artists in our community and community members.
• Online Presence. VAC sends e-mails to database of over 900, and the Voorhees Art Commission Township webpage so that the community is fully aware of programs offered.
• “Voorhees Got Talent” was brought back! Hundreds of community members participated in this wonderful interactive multi-event journey.
• VAC funded the GHVS Players “ENCORE! A Musical Theatre Cabaret Revue.”
• VAC partnered with Drama Kids of Medford, Voorhees & Williamstown to give scholarships to the students.
• VAC secured a public piano and will be sharing it with future performances!

In 2022, the volunteers of the VAC Board and Advisory Council, as well as Gallery Artists, were out and about in the community, having table displays and art activities for children at the Summer Concert Series, National Night Out, AWA’s Halloween Trunk or Treat, Voorhees Fire Department’s Cookies with Santa and the Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The Voorhees Art Commission and its artists impacted over 1,500 people in our community and provided 100 art activities and events in 2022.

The arts are alive and well in Voorhees!

 

** The Interfaith Homeless Outreach Council (IHOC) walk fundraiser is Fri-Sun, Feb. 24, 25 and 26 at the Voorhees Town Center.  Be a Walker, a Sponsor of Walkers, or a Benefactor. For more information about IHOC, visit ihocnetwork.com.

** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting its Annual Community Service Awards Dinner on March 9 from 6pm to 9:15pm at Lucien’s Distinguished Catering in Berlin.  The awards ceremony will follow a celebration to include hour d’oeuvres, dinner and desserts along with wine and beer. The cost to attend the dinner is $95 per attendee or $735 for a table of eight.  For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact event chair Nick Colanzi at 856-435-6200.