Lawrence Arts Council Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The Lawrence Arts Council celebrated its 40th anniversary last Sunday, May 1, by welcoming in artists and non-artists alike for a day of workshops, lectures and, of course, art.

The group set up its celebration at the Lawrence Township headquarters of the Mercer County Library, displaying paintings and sculptures by artists in the community. The program for the day also included two lectures, one on writing and publishing by Linda Levy and another on landscape painting by Bill Plank. Despite the slew of other events going on in the area that day, the lectures both drew big crowds.

 Beverly Nester, a member of the Arts Council’s board, said lectures and displays drew in both newcomers and those who were familiar with the Arts Council, including artists who’d worked with the council previously.

Nester said the entire board helped bring the event to fruition. “It’s a celebration of 40 years,” she said.

Nester and another member of the council, Joan Gray, spent time at the event just reminiscing about the group’s past. In particular, they thought back on the craft shows they used to help run at Rider University.

“That was a lot of fun,” Nester said. “We all had our jobs. Everybody helped.”

Gray has moved about half-an-hour away, but came back for the 40th anniversary celebration. “I enjoy coming back now and seeing old friends,” she said. She recalled how the Arts Council used to hang art on the snow fences in the township.

But the event was about more than just reminiscing. The group was also trying to raise money for the scholarships it gives out each year. The scholarships are awarded to four Lawrence High School students who are involved in the arts.

For Nester, the highlight of the event was seeing young people who were interested in the arts.

Those young people included the musical entertainment at the event - Cowop. The group, composed of two Lawrence High School students and one recent graduate of the high school, performed their distinctive, jazz-inspired music for guests enjoying the art show.

Lee Neamond, their teacher, said she was contacted by the Arts Council about having the boys come out and perform. “They’re about promoting music with younger students,” she said.

Two members of Cowop, Adam Tecley and Eliot Nagele, teach music at the Lawrence Neighborhood Center. The third member, Danny Albi, who is studying music at Mercer County Community College, also teaches music from time to time.

“It’s definitely fun to play music,” Albi said, “and promote music in general.”

“It’s cool to be in public,” Tecley added.

The group is present on YouTube and Myspace under the username Cowop.

The Arts Council's annual art show, which opened with the 40th anniversary celebration, runs throughout the month of May at the Lawrence Library.