ENRICHING AND TRANSFORMING THE LIFE OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL THROUGH THE ARTS

                           

 

Job Opportunities at The Arts Council 

 

Director of Development

Administrative Program Assistant

 

Scroll down for more details

Ongoing:

 

J

NEWSLETTER:

To conserve natural resources, the Arts Council of the Morris Area is publishing its MAY-JULY 2008 Newsletter, ARTS MATTERS, in electronic format.

Please click HERE to read or download the May-July ARTS MATTERS.
Please click HERE to read or download the August-October ARTS MATTERS.

[Hard copies and/or large print versions are available upon request. Please contact the Arts Council at (973) 285-5115 to request same].
 

 

The ARTS and CULTURAL CALENDAR is also available on this website by clicking "On the Marquee/Arts Calendar"

 

 

The Atrium Art Gallery

As of January 2008, at the request of the County Administrator's Office and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Arts Council has assumed oversight for planning exhibitions at the Atrium Art Gallery, housed in the Morris County Administration & Records Building on Court Street in Morristown.

With an opening on May 15, 2008 from 6pm-8pm, the Arts Council of the Morris Area initiates the latest exhibit of artworks at the Atrium Art Gallery, located on Floors 2-5 of the Morris County Administration and Records Building on Court Street in Morristown.  The 191 works will be on display until the beginning of August and represent works in a variety of media by many talented artists of the area.

 

The fifth floor features 51 works by such artists as Linda Aldrich, Wanda Blake, Peggy Dressel, Mary D. Guidetti, David Gruol, Annette A. Hanna, Roz Hollander, Chris Kappmeier (who has an upcoming show at the Morris Museum), John Power and Elaine Provost.

 

 

     

L-R: Oil by Chris Kappmeier; watercolor by Wanda Blake; a series of oils by Annette A. Hanna; collage by Elaine Provost.

 

The third and fourth floors feature 99 juried works by approximately 50 members of the Art Association in Roxbury in various media including oils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, photography and mixed media. Elmer Day, President of the Art Association in Roxbury, organized the members’ exhibit.

 

   

L-R: Maria de Mos’ “Dem Bones;” Ruth Long’s “Loantaka Winter;” Roberta Millman-Ide’s “Who Deems Themselves as Worthy?;” and Ramona Dooley’s “Waterloo Village by Moonlight.”

 

 The surreal, whimsical and highly inventive paintings, sculptures and digital works by artist David Derr are found on the second floor.

       

 

Paintings and “sentinel” sculptures by David Derr

 

Nearly all of the artworks are available for sale, with details and pricing provided in the free catalogue which can be found on each floor. The Atrium Art Gallery is free and open to the public during business hours, Mondays-Fridays. For additional information about the show, please consult the catalogue or contact Dr. Lynn L. Siebert, Gallery Director, and Director of Arts Participation & Communication at the Arts Council of the Morris Area, (973) 285-5115, ext. 10 or Lsiebert@morrisarts.org.          

Just Past:

 
L-R: Expert ticket master, Arts Council Board President Alan Levitan with Dan Fenelon handing out programs; Raffle ticket sellers, volunteer Dr. Don Siebert and Arts Council Executive Director Anne Aronovitch; full house; Mr. & Mrs. Larry Bobbin, heading into the concert

 

Sunday, June 29, 2008
25th ANNIVERSARY of the GIRALDA LAWN CONCERT

Despite the grim weather predictions of severe thunderstorm which necessitated the move to the rainsite, the show went on!! Undeterred by the heat and humidity, the highly enthusiastic audience filled every nook and cranny of the Madison High School auditorium (and beyond) and gave rousing applause to the outstanding performance by the topflight New Jersey Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jeffrey Grogan. It was a wonderful 25th anniversary for the Giralda concert!

The program included a stirring mix of Americana - with music from classical, patriotic and Broadway repertoires including:

Gould: American Salute
Dragon: America the Beautiful
Lowden: Armed Forces Salute
Anderson: Home Stretch
Anderson: Bugler's Holiday
Copland: Down a Country lane
Copland: Outdoor Overture
Sousa: The Thunderer March

INTERMISSION

Gershwin: George Gershwin in Concert
Gershwin: Embraceable You
Rodgers: Richard Rodgers Waltsez
Arlen: Over the Rainbow
Herbert: American Fantasia

In 1983, when the first Giralda concert took place, Ronald Reagan was President, a gallon of regular gas cost $1.24, a dozen eggs $.86 and a first class stamp, $.20! Poverty was at its highest level in 18 years, inflation was a 7.6%, unemployment at 9.7% and the average home price was $89,800.  The hot trends were the Cabbage Patch dolls and the Rubik's cube. Yet, the power and value of the arts in our lives remains constant. Now, as then, Giralda offers families and friends a respite from the concerns and distractions of the day - the opportunity to hear a topflight orchestra performing inspiring music for a highly affordable price which also supports the valuable work of the Arts Council.

 

 
L-R: 1988 Giralda Photos: Arts Council Executive Director Barbara Keefauver testing walkie talkie; Barbara "Babbie" Downs; Barbara Keefauver with Conductor Michael Pratt, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Manager Ben Pyne and unidentified Arts Council individual.

David Clair, longterm Arts Council Trustee and Coordinator of Volunteers for the concert, observes: "I believe the concert has been successful for all these years because it combines picnic grounds informality, ...a very affordable concert and a first-class orchestra. As we celebrate the 25th consecutive year presenting the event, we are pleased that it has become the place to be on the last Sunday in June for so many people."

 

L-R: 1988 Giralda Photos: This concert is not just for grown-ups!;  Security detail keeping watch.

From earlier Giraldas: First Prize picnic winners with "Carmen" theme (2004); Uncle Sam visits Giralda (2004); Patriotic program inspires decorations (2005)

The Arts Council wishes to thank the following corporations of Giralda Farms, whose contributions and support makes this event possible: Open Spaces Management Association,Inc.; Wyeth; GRC Management Corp.; Maersk; and RexCorp Property Management LLC D/B/A Rex NJ Property Management LLC.

Our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors for this special anniversary program:
Kings Supermarkets
Paul and Gail Mandel
Whole Foods Market
Shirley Shapiro
Richard R. Eger

And special thanks to graphic designer John Weber of J.WeberDesigns of Morristown for donating the beautiful poster and flier designs for Giralda 2008.

The Green Was Rockin' on June 26th

      
L-R: front view of the band and crowds; The Robert Murdock Band in full swing; crowds enjoying the concert

On June 26^th, the Trustees of the Morristown Green, in cooperation with the Arts Council of the Morris Area,  presented those fab classic rockers, the Robert Murdock Band, in a free evening concert. Feet were tapping, hands were clapping, and people were singing (and dancing) along with the band's exciting performance.  With note perfect arrangements, sizzling solos and amazing vocals, the band delivered two + hours of nonstop rock classics - from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Donovan, Guess Who, to Creedence Clearwater, Moody Blues, Herman's Hermits, the Mommas and the Poppas, the Monkeys and a host of others...It was a concert no one wanted to end!

 

 

 Lee Scott Howard lights a fire, photo by Bob Karp for The Daily Record ©2007; Robert Murdock on vocals, photo by Bob Karp for The Daily Record, ©2007

Masters of classic 60’s and 70’s Beatles-era "British Invasion" and "American Response" rock ‘n roll, the Robert Murdock Band generated a major buzz in the Morristown area when they performed on the Green in October 2007 and, again, at the Community Theatre/Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, as part of First Night® Morris County. Guitar fireworks, especially those by the lead guitarist, Lee Scott Howard, complimented the outstanding singing and dead-on, 4-piece arrangements. They do it all: everything from "I want to hold your hand," to "Last train to Clarksville" or the iconic B side of Abbey Road.

L-R: More happy crowds enjoying the Band; running and dancing on the Green; Robert Murdock in action; clapping along with the music

Formed in the 1980s, the Robert Murdock Band tours extensively in the Northeastern USA, opening for such acts as New Riders of the Purple Sage, Leon Russell, Glen Burtnik (Styx), John Eddie, Gary US Bonds and others. Appearing on nationally syndicated TV and radio shows in England, Sweden, Germany and Chile, leader Murdock writes or co-writes many of the group’s songs with guitarist Lee Scott Howard. The duo also writes songs for film and TV. In addition, Robert has worked with notable producers Plinky Giglio (Glen Burnick/Styx), David Prater (Firehouse), Franke Perevite (Dirty Dancing movie soundtrack) and John Rollow (Kinks, Paul Young). His formidable songwriting skills have earned Murdock multiple honorable mentions in Billboard’s nationwide Song Contest and selection as one of only 25 songwriters (chosen from over 500 applicants) to participate in a recent ASCAP Songwriting Seminar in NY. Whether performing original or "cover" tunes, the group just plain rocks!

 

Job Opportunities at The Arts Council 

Job Title:         Development Director

Reports to:       Executive Director

   

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION: The Director of Development is responsible for all aspects of fundraising including foundation, corporate and government grants, individual and organizational giving, and donor cultivation events.  The position requires working closely with the Executive Director and the Fund Development Committee of the Board of Trustees to develop and implement a strategic fund development plan.

 

Functions and Responsibilities:

·          Work with the Executive Director and Fund Development Committee to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan with a broad range of strategies (including corporate, foundation, government, individuals and Board) to maintain diverse sources of contributed income and to cultivate, recognize and solicit donations from targeted constituencies.

 

·          Implement annual goals and objectives, and maintain calendar of deadlines and fund development activities, including but not limited to:

·          Maintain existing funding sources through timely solicitations and ongoing stewardship/ recognition, with an eye to expand support and involvement.

·          Write all grant proposals, as well as interim and final reports, to funders, meeting deadlines and ensuring high-quality submissions.  Work with the Finance Director to develop proposal budgets and final report actuals.

·          Research and identify new funding sources and initiate requests.

·          Maintain a major individual donor gift program, identifying prospects and initiating requests with the active support of the Fund Development Committee.

·          Ensure prompt acknowledgement of all gifts and sponsorships.

·          Develop sponsorship packages for funders to support events, programs or services offered by the Arts Council.

·          Serve as staff liaison for fundraising events, including assisting in the design and implementation as well as developing mailing lists, guest lists, and follow up recognition and solicitation.

 

·          Work with the Finance Director to develop the annual organizational budget by identifying sources and amounts of contributed income.

 

·          Work with the Executive Director and the Communications Director to develop strategies for increasing the visibility of the Arts Council to support fundraising efforts.

 

·          Participate in organizational planning.

 

·          Provide ongoing reports to the Executive Director and the Fund Development Committee on fundraising income and initiatives.

 

·          Manage the Access Database with the Administrative Assistant.

 

Qualifications

Education:       Bachelor’s degree required.

 

Experience:      3-5 years experience in non-profit fundraising with demonstrated ability to successfully raise funds; knowledge of Morris area arts community and/or New Jersey ’s funding community is a plus.

 

Skills:

§         Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

§         Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

§         Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and familiarity with Access database.

§         Creative thinking and problem solving skills, and the ability to see relationships between funder objectives and the Arts Council’s services and vision.

§         A high energy level, flexibility and sense of humor.

 

Salary Range :   Commensurate with experience.

 

Starting Date:  Immediate

 

Those interested in applying should submit their resume, a writing sample, and a cover letter outlining interest in the position and salary requirements to:

  Anne Aronovitch , Executive Director

Arts Council of the Morris Area

163 Madison Ave. , 6^th Floor

Morristown NJ 07960

aaronovitch@morrisarts.org

 

 

Job Title:         Administrative Program Assistant

Reports to:       Executive Director

 

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:  The Administrative Program Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support for the Arts Council’s programs and development activities in addition to overseeing management of the office. 

 

Functions and Responsibilities:

 General

• Provide administrative support for existing programs and development activities as well as support in the planning and management of activities and events.
• Manage the current ACCESS database information including inputting data, running reports, mail merge of letters, and maintaining mailing lists.
• Manage requests for volunteer support.
• Maintain and update resource information and materials; research special topics as necessary in support of programs.
• Collect, process, and distribute the daily mail.
• Record and process all incoming revenue.
• Assist the Executive Director as necessary.

 

Information Technology

• Provide IT support for existing computer system and all office equipment.
• Act as in-house contact for IT consultants on all technology needs.
• Administer network backups.

 

Skills:

§         Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining an attention to detail

§         Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and familiarity with Access database; knowledge of exchange server a plus, as is working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

§         A high energy level, flexibility and sense of humor.

§         2-3 years of comparable experience.

 

Position:          32 hours per week, with health benefits

 

Starting Date:  Immediate

 

Those interested in applying should submit their resume and a cover letter to:

 Anne Aronovitch, Executive Director

Arts Council of the Morris Area

163 Madison Ave. , 6^th Floor

Morristown NJ 07960

aaronovitch@morrisarts.org

 

CELEBRATE THE ARTS
For more details on the May 15th event, click here

 

APRIL ARTS

For more details on the April 5, 2008 event, click here (then scroll down)

 

ANNUAL ARTS EDUCATION SHOWCASE

For more details on the March 2008 event, click here (then scroll down)

ARTS MENTORING PROGRAM at Morristown High School
For details on the 2007-08 school year, click here (then scroll down)

FIRST NIGHT® MORRIS, December 31, 2007
For details on this past First Night's offerings, click here (then scroll down).

News:

L-R: Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle; Amy B. Simon, Council Member, NJSCA; Carol Ann Herbert, Chair, NJSCA; Anne Aronovitch, Acting Executive Director, Arts Council of the Morris Area; Kadie Dempsey, Local Arts Consultant, Arts Council of the Morris Area; New Jersey Secretary of State, Nina Mitchell Wells; Steve Runk, Executive Director, NJSCA.

STATE RECOGNITION AND GRANTS FOR THE ARTS COUNCIL

At its March 2008 meeting in Trenton, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) honored the Arts Council of the Morris Area on multiple levels:

·         For the eleventh time, NJSCA awarded ACMA the prestigious CITATION OF EXCELLENCE, "For achieving the highest standard of excellence as recognized by your peers"

·           and the coveted designation as a MAJOR SERVICE ORGANIZATION "in recognition of your organization's solid history of service excellence, substantial activity and broad public service as determined by your peers."

These honors are tangible evidence of the high regard in which the New Jersey State Council on the Arts holds a most grateful Arts Council of the Morris Area.

                                                                           

ARE YOU ART SMART?

Did you know that, in Morris County alone, there were 1,399 arts-related businesses with 6,839 employees, representing an increase of 2.94% over the prior year?
Of these, 20 involved Museums and Collections (employing 76)
184 involved the Performing Arts (employing 663)
412 involved the Visual Arts/ Photography (employing 1,365)
202 involved Film, Radio and TV (employing 908)
512 involved Design and Publishing (employing 3,462)
and

69 involved Arts Schools and Services (employing 365).
These figures are based solely on businesses that have registered with Dun & Bradstreet. The Americans for the Arts analysis indicates an under-representation of nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists, making this a conservative estimate.
 

 

 

 

Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.