By Jenna Rocca Castano
The next time you’re in Morristown to work, eat, or play, consider adding a stop (or two) at a local art gallery. Unbeknownst to many, Morristown is full of several “hidden gems,” most of which are free to the public. Take a walk with me as I uncover six of Morristown’s finest art-filled locations:
1. MAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Our tour begins with a stroll down South Street. First stop: Mayo Performing Arts Center’s Art Upstairs Gallery and Starlight Gallery. Both galleries are open to ticket holders prior to shows, during intermission, by appointment, and every Tuesday afternoon from 12-2pm. They showcase the work of over 200 artists as part of group exhibits throughout the year.
2. SOTHEBY’S ART & HOME GALLERY
Further down South Street, Sotheby’s International Realty integrates their passion for real estate with their love for fine art in their Art & Home Gallery. Each show features an artist-in-residence and is open for viewing Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12-5pm.
3. GALLERY AT 14 MAPLE
Turn onto Dehart Street, make a quick right on Maple Avenue, and you’ll arrive at the Gallery at 14 Maple, a collaboration of Morris Arts and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation which exhibits two art shows annually. Their current exhibit, Color is Joyful, features 27 works created by five New Jersey artists. Visits can be scheduled now through August 14, 2023.
4. ATRIUM GALLERY
Circling Morristown Green and turning up Washington Street leads you to the most unsuspecting gallery in town, the Atrium Gallery. It spans floors 2 through 5 of the Morris County Administration and Records building on Court Street. Here, patrons experience a gallery filled with hundreds of pieces featuring the works of local Black artists, high school students, artists with disabilities, and more.
5. ELM+ART GALLERY
If our trip down the north end of South Street leaves you hungry for more, consider stopping at End of Elm where you can dine while enjoying their Elm+Art Gallery, which features a new show by various local artists every 2 months. Their most up-to-date hours can be found at endofelm.com.
6. MORRIS MUSEUM
Finally, a quick ride to the Morris Museum on Normandy Heights Road provides the opportunity to experience multiple galleries, both temporary and permanent. Their Main Gallery’s current exhibit, Each One Teach One: Preserving Legacy in Perpetuity is in partnership with Art in the Atrium and features the works of over 30 artists now through August 27, 2023. Museum hours are Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am-5pm and access requires the purchase of a general admission ticket ($12).
You don’t have to be an “art connoisseur” to enjoy local art. Take the tour. See what emotions are evoked and if you feel a connection to any of the pieces. Experience the art by yourself, with family, or with friends. These galleries host some of the county’s finest artwork, and many of the pieces on display are also available for purchase. Consider posting photos, tagging artists, or purchasing a piece to start (or add to) your own art collection. Take this opportunity to explore local art and spread the word about our gifted artists who could very well be your neighbor.
Local resident Jenna Rocca Castano has been passionate about the arts for as long as she can remember, and has advocated for the arts through her work in the nonprofit sector throughout the last decade. With related experience state-wide, she continues to promote equity and access to the arts for all.
