2025
Music for Spring
DATE: May 10th
TIME: 2:00pm
TICKETS: $20 per person.
All paid audience members will be entered to win a free gift – a watercolor painting.
Celebrate spring through music at the Clifton Arts Center with a special music program “Music for Spring.” This performance will be presented by John Palatucci, euphonium, Ron Levy, piano and Richard Hagen, horn.
John J. Palatucci, a prominent New York metropolitan area musician since 1978, has had a distinguished career as a performer, conductor, and educator. He made his NYC solo debut in 1983 with the Mark Heter Brass Band and served as principal euphonium, conductor, and business manager of the Goldman Memorial Band from 1986 to 2005. Palatucci has also been a featured soloist and associate conductor with the Ridgewood Concert Band (now NJ Wind Symphony) and regularly performs with the Central Jersey Wind Ensemble and Gramercy Brass Orchestra. As a conductor, he has appeared at venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, and Yankee Stadium. His musical collaborations include Placido Domingo, Robert Merrill, and members of the NY Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera, and he has numerous works dedicated to him, including those by Patrick Burns, Johan de Meij, and Eric Ewazen. As an educator, Palatucci taught in various public schools, served as department chair at Eastern Christian Schools, and directed ensembles at Madison High School, while also teaching at Caldwell, Montclair State, William Paterson Universities, and Columbia Teachers College, and maintaining an award-winning private studio.
Ron Levy is an internationally acclaimed pianist praised as "first-class" by the New York Times, has performed as a soloist and collaborative artist at major venues worldwide, including as pianist and harpsichordist with numerous symphony orchestras. He was an Associate Artist with the All-Seasons Chamber Players and a frequent soloist with the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art's resident chamber ensemble. A Vermont resident for over 20 years, Ron has served as a faculty and Board member of the Manchester Music Festival, Music Director and Conductor of Opera Theatre in Weston, Program and Music Director at the Equinox Hotel, and impresario of the Southern Vermont Art Center's "Music On The Hill" series. A graduate of Oberlin College, he currently teaches at Montclair University’s Cali School of Music and the Ridgewood Conservatory, and is Music Director at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, pianist & Assistant Conductor of the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus, a member of the Arundo Trio, and pianist of the Palisades Virtuosi, which he co-founded. A prolific recording artist, his CDs are available on numerous labels, and he has been the two-term President of the Professional Music Teachers' Guild of NJ, Board member of the Rockland and Monmouth symphony orchestras, and a consultant to BIM Music Publications in Switzerland.
Richard Hagen is a highly accomplished French hornists and has performed with the New York City Ballet Orchestra. A member of the New York City Opera Orchestra and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, he has also performed with the New York Philharmonic. Mr. Hagen has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the New York Pops, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the St. Luke's Orchestra, the Little Orchestra Society and the New York Choral Society. On Broadway, he has performed in shows such as "Into the Woods", "Jerome Robbins Broadway", "Shogun", and "Fiddler on the Roof". He has recorded with RCA/BMG, EMI/Angel, Delos, and Nonesuch and has performed on the soundtrack of numerous films; among them, "Wolf", "Beauty and the Beast", "Cape Fear", "Shining Through", "Aladdin", "Interview with a Vampire", "Hudsucker Proxy", "Pocahontas", "A Time to Kill", and "Michael Collins".
To purchase tickets online click here.
To pay bey check or cash download the form below and submit it with your payment or call the Arts Center office at 973-472-5499.
Reach for the Stars: 3-2-1 Contact Astronaut Donald R. Pettit
DATE: February 12th
TIME: 10am - 6pm
Reach For the Stars: 3-2-1- Contact with Astronaut Donald R. Pettit
The Clifton Arts Center is proud to present “Reach for the Stars” – a day of program festivities that includes live radio contact with NASA astronaut Donald R. Pettit.
The festive winter program also includes music, dance, art workshops, refreshments and a visual art exhibit that relates to “Reach for the Stars”.
“Reach for the Stars” marks a milestone for the City of Clifton Arts Center as it celebrates its 25th anniversary year, reinforcing its mission to create an interactive environment where the arts can flourish and bring communities together for the common good.
No Reservations Needed, this is a Free event.
prior events - 2024
Winter Open House
DATE: December 5th
TIME: 4:00-8:00pm
You are invited to a Winter Open House featuring the music students from Saddle Brook High School. Refreshments will be served
View the Art Exhibit of “Clifton’s Quarantine Station” and Shop at the Holiday Pop Up Boutique
In case of inclement weather rescheduled date will be December, 6th
No Reservations Needed
november - december
Holiday Pop Up Boutique
DATE: November 13th - December 14th
TIME: Wednesday - Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm
The Clifton Arts Center once again presents “Holiday Pop Up Boutique”. Unique handmade art and one-of-a-kind items are for sale..
The holiday pop up boutique will run from November 13th through December 14th and is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1pm-4pm.
Call the Arts Center office for more information at: 973-472-5499.
may
Rose Bush Dedication for the late Councilwoman Lauren Murphy
DATE: Saturday, May 18th
TIME: 1:00pm
Light refreshments will be provided.
The Clifton Arts Center will have a rose bush dedication in honor of the late,
Councilwoman Lauren Murphy. The rose bush will be planted by the Arts Center’s Peace Garden patio area as a remembrance of Lauren Murphy helping others and the City of Clifton. The Clifton Arts Center Advisory Board of Trustees helped to coordinate this memorial dedication.
In conjunction with the special dedication, there will be an art exhibition by the Community Arts Association. The title of the art exhibition is called Artists’ Perspectives. The artists use perspective techniques to create realistic and non-realistic impressions. The artist’s perspective values process, communication, and understanding. It embraces\ emotion and encourages connection. When artists communicate information, in this case through paintings, their perspectives can help make that visual information accessible, comprehensible, and approachable. The artist’s perspective can also shape how we think about and act with each other as a community at large.
The Community Arts Association originated in Allendale, NJ in 1965. Meetings were originally held in the Highlands Presbyterian Church before relocating to Northern
Highlands Regional School, Archer United Methodist Church, and finally to Trinity
Episcopal Church. Community Arts Association sponsors workshops, hosts demonstrations, lectures, day trips, and art scholarships for graduating high schoolers.
ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
DATE: FRIDAY MAY 3RD
TIME: 6:00pm
JOIN CONGRESSMAN BILL PASCRESS FOR HIS ANNUAL ART COMPETITION
Every spring, a national high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the awesome artistic talent of our nation’s young artists.
To learn more visit: www.pascrell.house.gov/art/
march
Presentation - Women & Myth by Lannie Hart
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
WHEN RESCHEDULED A NEW DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
DATE: Saturday, March 23rd
TIME: 12:30 - 2:00pm
PRESENTER: Lannie Hart, Artist
Registration Fee: $5 Residents, $8 Non-Residents
About the Presentation
Woman and the Myth examines the perception of women in contemporary society as informed by their portrayal in history and myth. In her painting “Adam and Eve”, Hart addresses how, through the ages, the story of the “fall from grace” has continued to exist through cultural attitudes toward women. Even in contemporary society, the belief in woman’s culpability for that fall endures.
About the Presenter
Lannie Hart is a sculptor, painter and installation artist in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Hart was a member of SOHO20 for 7 years and is a current member of Sculptors Guild since 2012 where she was VP of publications. In 2009 she taught sculpture at Brookfield Center for the Arts and has exhibited at various art galleries and museums.
Also, participants can view & tour the gallery of the exhibit in honor of Women’s History Month - Women's Work: Unique Visions by Women. The sculptures by Lannie Hart and artwork by Springboard Artists will be on display
For adults of all ages.
Call the Arts Center office for more information at: 973-472-5499.
february
Lunch & Learn - The Artist as Historian: Gaetano Federici
DATE: Saturday, Feb. 24th
TIME: 11:00am -2:30pm
PRESENTER: Dr. Flavia Alaya, Lecturer & Author
Registration Fee: $40 per person, CASH ONLY - Limited Seating
About the Lecture Presentation
Celebrate History, Heritage & Tradition! Join us and learn about
Gaetano Federici - 1880-1964 Artist As Historian and see the art exhibition in the Gallery.
In addition to the lecture presentation, a catered luncheon buffet by a local restaurant will be included plus a free small souvenir for all participants to take home.
RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 21st
visit the Arts Center Office to pay by cash
Office Hours: Mondays - Fridays 8am-4pm and Saturdays 1pm-4pm.
Notes: Closed on Legal Holidays. In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 22nd -same time.
For adults of all ages.
Call the Arts Center office for more information at: 973-472-5499.
past events - 2023
Holiday Pop Up Boutique
DATE: November 8th - December 9th
TIME: Wednesday - Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm
The Clifton Arts Center once again presents “Holiday Pop Up Boutique”. Unique handmade art and one-of-a-kind items are for sale., cash only will be accepted.
The holiday pop up boutique will run from November 8th through December 9th and is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1pm-4pm.
General Office Hours are Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm.
Thursday, November 23rd – Thanksgiving Day we will be closed.
Saturday, December 9th the hours are 9am-12noon.
Call the Arts Center office for more information at: 973-472-5499.
october 2023
An Afternoon Poetry Reading & Reception
DATE: Saturday, October 14th
TIME: 12:30 - 2:30pm
Tickets: $8, Includes light reception
Join award-winning poets and authors Maria Mazziotti Gillan & Linda Hillringhouse for a poetry reading and Q&A. Learn about their journeys as writers, lessons learned along the way, and how to establish yourself as a writer.
Maria Mazziotti Gillan is an award-winning poet, who has published 23 books. She is the Founder/Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, editor of the Paterson Literary Review, and Professor Emerita in creative writing at Binghamton University—SUNY.
Linda Hillringhouse is an award-winning poet whose recent book of poetry, The Things I Didn’t Know to Wish For, was published by New York Quarterly Press and long-listed for the Julie Suk Award and shortlisted for The Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize in 2021.
Limited Seating Available. Pre-Registration and online payment is required: no tickets will be sold at the door.
september 2023
Stigma Free Wellness Fair
DATE: September 14th
TIME: 4:00 - 7:00pm
Join us in ending the stigma on mental illness and addiction. The event will include yoga, art therapy, additional resources and giveaways.
Registration is required - contact Tom Sadowski at 201-835-0541
august 2023
An Evening of Low Brass
DATE: Saturday, August 19th
TIME: 4:00 - 6:00pm
Join us at the Arts Center for a low brass recital with Clifton residents, Wes and Julie Krygsman, joined by pianist Martha Locker. A group of accomplished musicians, Wes plays the tuba, is a teacher of band in Clifton elementary schools and tuba at Kean University, and has performed with the New Jersey Symphony, Garden State Philharmonic, and many others. Julie is a freelance trombonist in addition to an aerial musician and has performed alongside acts including Maroon 5 and Cirque du Soleil. She is the Asst Marching Band Director at Cresskill High School and coach in residence for The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra. Martha is a piano soloist and teacher, and has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the New Juilliard Ensemble and the New York University Symphony Orchestra among many others. She is a fellow of the Tanglewood Music Center, is an adjunct at the Packer Collegiate Institute and collaborative pianist at Juilliard and NYU.
A $10 Donation at the door is suggested to support the Arts Center and musicians.
JULY 2023
THE ART OF BRONZE PRESENTATION
DATE: Saturday, July 29th
TIME: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Learn about the process to create a finished bronze piece, starting with clay. Catherine has been working with bronze for nearly 30 years, including with artist Louise Bourgeois through the Modern Art Foundry and other highly skilled professionals.
TICKETS: $5
Includes light refreshments
Limited Seating Available, Pre-Registration and payment is required: Purchase a ticket online with a credit card or with cash only.
June 2023
Clifton Arts Center at the Farmers Market
June 28th - Cancelled due to Rain: Rescheduled to Wednesday, July 5th, 1pm-2:30pm. If it rains on that date then we will be at the Clifton Main Library in the Library Gallery Hall at the same time.
July 12th
1:00 - 2:30pm
Come to the Downtown Clifton Farmers Market and visit the booth for the Library and Clifton Arts Center, held at the corner of Clifton Avenue and 1st Street.
Learn more about our services and participate in arts and crafts with Clifton artist Marisol Rodriguez!
March 2023
Children's Winter Programs - March
The Clifton Public Library has partnered with the Clifton Arts Center on programs for Clifton residents.
Pre-registration online is required. Click here to register.
New to the Clifton Arts Center? Visit our Contact page for the Arts Center address and printable directions.
February 2023
Children's Winter Programs - February
The Clifton Public Library has partnered with the Clifton Arts Center for programs for Clifton residents.
Pre-registration online is required. Click here to register.
New to the Clifton Arts Center? Visit our Contact page for the Arts Center address and printable directions.
January 2023
Children's Winter Story Time
The Clifton Public Library has partnered with the Clifton Arts Center for Story Time programs for Clifton residents in January, while the library remains closed.
Monday, January 23rd - Family Story Time
6:30pm
Tuesday January 24th - 1&2 Year Old Storytime
10:30am
Wednesday, January 25th - Baby Story Time
10:30am
Pre-registration online is required through the Clifton Public Library and seating is limited.. Click here to Register,
New to the Clifton Arts Center? Visit our Contact page for the Arts Center address and printable directions.