Visual Arts Center of NJ’s Art Empowers Gala Breaks Records, Raises $378,000

Broadway + NYC

Broadway

Off-Broadway

Off-Off Broadway

Cabaret

Dance

Opera

Classical Music

Eastern

Central

Western

Sarasota

St. Louis

Austin

Washington, DC

Philadelphia

Los Angeles

West End

WEST END

UK Regional

International

Canada

Australia / New Zealand

Europe

Asia

Latin America

Africa / Middle East

Entertainment

TV/Movies

Music

The 'Art Empowers' gala at Canoe Brook Country Club honored Dylan Baker and featured a 50-artist silent auction.

POPULAR

Get all the top news & discounts for New Jersey & beyond.

On Saturday, April 25, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) held its annual spring gala at Canoe Brook Country Club, hosting more than 200 guests, donors, and sponsors in a celebration of the arts. The signature event raised a record-breaking $378,000 to support the Art Center's powerful arts programming.

“Our annual gala is always a powerful reminder of the incredible community we have at the Art Center," said Samantha Davis , VACNJ Director of Development and Communications. "This year's theme, 'Art Empowers,' rang true throughout the night as our guests shared what art means to them through their stories and their generosity. We're deeply grateful that so many people chose to continue supporting our mission and know that their gifts will allow us to continue empowering through art.”

The funds raised will advance VACNJ's mission to bring the life-changing power of art to those who need it most—students in the Elizabeth Public Schools, individuals living with Alzheimer's or dementia, veterans finding healing through creativity, and families discovering joy together in the Art Center's galleries.

The evening featured music, delicious food and drinks, a silent art auction showcasing more than 50 artists, and a live auction overseen by Auctioneer Emily Longley. The Art Center recognized former VACNJ Board member Dylan Baker as their 2026 honoree and awarded its ninth annual Changemaker Award to former VACNJ Director of Education & Community Engagement Sarah Walko for her years of work in the arts.

Changemaker Award Winner Sarah Walko with VACNJ Executive Director Melanie Cohn.

The event was chaired by Lisa Butler. Gala committee members included:

Diamond sponsors for the evening included:

Platinum sponsors included:

Gold sponsors included:

Silver sponsors included:

Bronze sponsors included:

Community Sponsors included:

For more than 90 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center's renowned Studio School, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youths, families, seniors, and people with special needs annually.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, NJ. Gallery hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–8 PM; Friday & Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM; and Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours. Visit artcenternj.org for more information.

Videos

POPULAR

Sign up for announcements, and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows!

© 2026 - Copyright Wisdom Digital Media , all rights reserved. Privacy Policy

_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/Visual-Arts-Center-Of-New-Jersey-Raises-A-Record-Breaking-Amount-At-Art-Empowers-Gala-20260508)._