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MISSION
Operating under the aegis of the South Orange Department of Recreation and
Cultural Affairs, the Pierro Gallery’s mission is to offer experience
and exposure to contemporary visual artists and to our communities through
an array of gallery functions. Our goals include: exhibiting diverse works
of art; fostering community involvement with art; serving as a vital force
in the arts community; creating and conducting educational programs; and
providing resources for artists.
EXHIBITIONS
The Gallery provides continuous exhibitions in a non-commercial, user-friendly
atmosphere. Established and emerging artists are featured with special sensitivity
to regional artists but without precluding consideration of work by any visual
artist. PGOSO presents solo exhibitions, a semi-annual “Essex Exposed” juried
exhibition open to any artist living or working
in Essex County, and special exhibitions of notable artists through an outside
curator that includes a color catalogue and special events. Some of the Gallery’s
special exhibitions—such as the recent
”Women On Top; Breaking Barriers, Resisting Limits”—have brought
in praise and recognition on a national level. Another special exhibition “Resisting
Categories: Prints,” reflected the various ways printmaking has evolved
beyond traditional etching, and was accompanied by an award-winning catalogue.
EDUCATION/OUTREACH
The Gallery is highly aware of the need for edification in contemporary arts
and strives to play an important role in the life of our communities through
education and public awareness. Experience and exposure to the arts are regularly
scheduled through Artists Gallery Talks, lectures, panel discussions, workshops
and special events, free of charge for the widest accessibility to all. The
production of a four-color catalogue yearly brings our exhibitions to a broader
audience.
PGOSO also works with various school districts
in arts support that is complimentary to their curriculum. An artist-in-residence
program brings a professional artist into the school providing
another vision or experience for the class. A co-operative working
relationship with Art Clubs and teachers results in concurring
or collaborative works with the Gallery. Special ArtWorks days
reflect a broader spectrum of a specific theme providing in-depth
exploration.
To further extend our reach beyond the gallery
walls, PGOSO also partners with other institutions to offer greater
impact and accessibility for our exhibitions and programs. These
collaborations include extensions of our exhibitions (New Jersey
Printmaking Center), workshops complementing our exhibitions (Rutgers
Center for Innovative Print and Paper, Newark Museum), and reaching
focus groups (inclusion in the College Art Association Tour).
SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS
Exposure is our primary mission, and the Gallery has now presented over 800
visual artists and approximately 600 craftspeople. But support to our artist
community does not stop there. We have provided networking opportunities for
artists to share ideas, resources and collaborations. An active artist board
is updated with current exhibitions, call for artists and residency opportunities.
PGOSO has also presented workshops specific to the working artist such as Photographing
Your Work, and Acrylic Techniques. Soon, The Print Center—now being established
through the Gallery—will help facilitate our supporting role allowing
limited edition print opportunities. Acting as a resource and advocate for
artists is an ongoingaspect of our role in supporting the arts.
FUNDING
The programs at Pierro Gallery
of South Orange are made possible in part by funds from New Jersey
State Council of the Arts/Departmentof State, a partner agency
of the National Endowment of the Arts and also by the
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Individual funding for PGOSO
is through Friends of the Arts and private donations and other
corporate
sponsors.
ABOUT THE NAME CHANGE
The Gallery of South Orange was officially
renamed the “Pierro Gallery of South Orange” on November
16, 2001, in honor of the late Lennie Pierro. A co-founded of
the gallery with his wife Judy Wukitsch, and he was recognized
for his impact and advocacy of the arts in the Village. Pierro,
who was a fine artist, longtime South Orange resident, and an
active member of the community, sought to bring fine art to his
town as a co-operative effort between town, the residents and
artists. |
