Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Shows You How to Express Your Views with Compassion & Respect

Summit, NJ (January 9, 2017)—The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is offering a workshop to
educate students in the art of developing effective cause political posters that peacefully express their
views in upcoming marches and events that will include an education in the history of protest/support
graphics. “Graphics for Change: Poster Design and Printing,” will run this Sunday, January 15 from
10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Art Center in Summit and is open to children 9 years and up, allowing parents
to bring their children to learn these important skills.

Libby Clarke, Artist and Director of the Studio School at the VACNJ, will lead students through the
process. “Most people have a cause they are passionate about. It is essential that we learn to speak up,”
says Clarke, “And we also must be able to develop messages that will have impact. I emphasize the
process of developing a message through consensus so we begin from a place of shared values and
responsible messaging.”

Clarke, a Maplewood, NJ resident, has been a printmaker, designer, and educator for more than 20 years.
She developed the workshop 8 years ago and has taught it in various iterations at the Gowanus Studio
Space in Brooklyn, NY, and several other institutions. Each time, the workshop has become more
focused: “I have found a great balance of history, art lessons, and basic printmaking principles to mix into
the instruction,” Clarke said. “What is actually the hardest part is getting people–even ones who are very
much in agreement–to really share ideas and work on a design. It is such a lovely thing to see when a real
collaboration begins to form.”

By the end of previous workshops, Clarke reports that people began to truly work together, which may be
the biggest lesson of all: we can navigate difficult political topics with respect and compassion, no matter
where we fall on the ideological spectrum.

To enroll, go to www.artcenternj.org or call 908.273.9121

Graphics For Change: Poster Design and Printing

Sunday, January 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (with breaks and time to get lunch)
Fee: $100, all materials included.

Support
Major support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided by the New Jersey State Council on
the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R.
Dodge Foundation, the WJS Foundation, the Wilf Family Foundations and Art Center members and
donors.

About the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
For more than 80 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been dedicated to viewing, making and
learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization and accredited by
the American Alliance for Museums, the Art Center’s renowned studio school, acclaimed exhibitions, and
educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youth, families, seniors and people with special needs
every year.