
Lydia Johnson Dance and Maplewood Arts & Culture Present Free Dance Performance on March 23 in Honor of Women’s History Month
On Sunday, March 23 at 3:00pm at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood NJ, a very special dance performance will take place featuring three dance groups performing all original choreography.

JUST LIKE A GIRL* - CALL FOR ART
Google Form Submission Deadline is March 9th by 5PM!
Drop-Off Deadline March 10, 2025 –Artists to drop-off artwork at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center between 10AM and 4PM
All participants will receive a gift certificate to A Paper Hat - An Art Supply Store In Maplewood!
The Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture invites young female artists, ages 10 - 20, to submit their artwork for Just Like A Girl*, a collaborative exhibition at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center in celebration of Women’s History Month. The exhibition, running from March 15 - April 6, 2025, aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase the creativity, strength, and vision of young female artists.
We encourage participants to explore and redefine the phrase Just Like A Girl* through their art—flipping outdated narratives and demonstrating the power, resilience, and brilliance of girls in the creative world.



Reimagining Pain Through Art
Reimagining Pain Through Art Exhibition @ 1978 Arts Center, curated by Maplewood Arts and Culture and Pathways to Trust, is a monumental event celebrating the power of art as a therapeutic medium and a form of resilience amidst adversity. This exhibition emerges as a platform that not only showcases breathtaking artistic achievements but also serves to unite the community through healing and support initiatives.

MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES TALENT SHOW 2024
In-Person Auditions - Wed Oct 9, 6-8pm (The Woodland)
Video Submissions - Wed Oct 9 thru Wed Oct 16 (mapsofollies@gmail.com)
Info: //maplewoodartsandculture.org/follies
Last year’s MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES was such a smashing success, we’re doing it again—and hopefully, this time with you! Save-the-date for this year’s sold-out, standing-room-only, smiling and cheering crowd at The Woodland, Thursday, Nov 21 at 7:30pm. Auditions are Wed, Oct 9th (6-8pm at The Woodland) so start those wheels turning (See FAQs). The more the merrier, we always say, and the more creative, the better. This isn’t a contest but a community talent show full of low-key, multi-generational, old-timey fun! Join us!

Robert J. Miller Oysterfest 2024
The 8th annual Robert J. Miller Oysterfest, a community health event for Melanoma awareness and fundraiser featuring live outdoor music and food, is back at The Woodland on September 7, 2024. In partnership with the Township of Maplewood, since 2015 this MUST SEE event and fundraiser has raised more than $150,000 to support awareness of melanoma and provide essential funds for melanoma research grants and MAPSO families in need.

JUNETEENTH DERBY PICNIC
We look forward to celebrating Juneteenth in Style at the MAPSO Derby Picnic!
Get ready to mark a momentous occasion with flair, family, and fun! The Township of Maplewood, in partnership with South Orange Village, is thrilled to invite you to the Juneteenth Derby Picnic. This is your chance to shine in your most fancy hat, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of our community, and celebrate freedom and unity.

Maplewood Arts & Culture Presents: “Fluid Forms” A Vibrant Exhibition Celebrating LGBTQ+ Artists
Maplewood, NJ - Maplewood Arts and Culture is thrilled to announce the upcoming exhibition "Fluid Forms," showcasing a diverse array of LGBTQ+ artists. This groundbreaking show, curated by Cheyenne Allegra Ceasar of Newark Arts, CHS graduate and Zakiyyah Williams, Manager of Maplewood Arts and Culture, aims to highlight the richness and diversity within the LGBTQ+ artistic community.
The deadline for submissions is May 22, 2024.

Artist/Curator Conversation: Sherry Beth Sacks on her upcoming exhibition “Ban This”
The Division of Arts & Culture sat down with local artist and curator Sherry Beth Sacks to talk about her artistic practice, her activism, and her upcoming exhibition “Ban This: A Group Exhibition Benefitting the ACLU Defense Fund” which will open on Friday, September 22 at the 1978 Arts Center at 1978 Springfield Avenue. The opening reception on 9/22 will be from 6 - 9 PM and is open to the public. The exhibition will be on view through October 29, 2023 during weekend hours Sat/Sun 2-4 PM. Extended gallery hours will also be announced soon.

1st ANNUAL MAPSO FAMILY FOLLIES PROMISES OLD-TIMEY TALENT & QUIRKY FUN
MAPSO Follies will occur on Thursday, November 16 at 7:30 PM at the Woodland (60 Woodland Rd., Maplewood.
Auditions will be held on a first come, first serve, sign-in-and-wait basis at The Woodland Wednesday and Thursday, October 18 &19 from 6-8pm. Auditioners are invited to bring a 1-2 minute sample of a song, juggling, drag, stand-up, bird call, step routine, poetry, yodeling, acoustic/instrument playing, clogging, magic, opera, ribbon dance, tap dance, comedy improv, jazz trio, bird act, dramatic skit, balancing bit, or any other “talent" deemed entertaining. Maplewood, South Orange, and surrounding residents are welcome. No solos. No drum kits or amps--acoustic instruments only. No spiders and/or snakes.

First annual Pollock Arts Fair to occur September 10, 2023!
Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture and Pollock Properties Group are so excited to host the first annual Pollock Arts Fair at the Woodland in Maplewood on Sunday September 10th, from 3pm to 5pm!
The Pollock Arts Fair is a place for local performing and fine arts schools, programs and teachers to link up with their community and connect with potential future students! We will be hosting programs and teachers for kids AND adults!

MAPSO Celebrates Lavender Graduation 2023
MAPSO Celebrates Lavender Graduation 2023
The Township of Maplewood along with the Village of South Orange and South Orange Maplewood School District to honor local LGBTQIA+ and allied High School Graduating Seniors from the class of 2023.
As part of annual June Pride Month Celebrations across MAPSO and Essex County, the Township of Maplewood and South Orange are again partnering with South Orange Maplewood School District (SOMSD) and community partners to present MAPSO Lavender Graduation 2023 to be held in person on June 15, 2023 at 5:30 pm in the Columbia High School Auditorium in Maplewood, New Jersey. Special guests to be announced.


ARTIST INTERVIEW - Beyond Friends: The Places We Paint
Maplewood Department of Arts & Culture sat down with local artists Sandra Charlap and Jocelyn Fine to discuss their upcoming exhibition at 1978 Arts Center entitled “Beyond Friends: The Places we Paint.”