State of the Arts has been taking you on location with the most creative people in New Jersey and beyond since 1981. The New York and Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award-winning series features documentary shorts about an extraordinary range of artists and visits New Jersey’s best performance spaces. State of the Arts is on the frontlines of the creative and cultural worlds of New Jersey.
State of the Arts is a cornerstone program of NJ PBS, with episodes co-produced by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Stockton University, in cooperation with PCK Media. The series also airs on WNET and ALL ARTS.
On this week's episode... Artist, historian and bestselling author Nell Irvin Painter on her book I Just Keep Talking, a collection of her essays interspersed with her art. Also on this week’s episode, in 1974, high school friends Phil Buehler and Steve Siegel rowed out to explore the ruins of Ellis Island and make a film. With the film’s re-release in the NY Times OpDocs series, Phil and Steve revisit the island after 50 years. And at Two River Theater in Red Bank, the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter, Kate Hamill’s stage adaptation of Hawthorne’s classic tale.
The Council will convene a virtual public meeting on May 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more.
Photo Courtesy: State of New Jersey
The Cultural Access Network will be hosting their 2026 Cultural Access Summit on May 28, 2026 at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton Township. Join colleagues from across the state for this free day of professional development and celebration.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is proud to announce the creation of a best practice guide for serving systems- and justice-impacted youth through high-quality arts learning programs: The Transformative Power of Art: A Guide to Arts Learning for Systems-Impacted Youth in New Jersey.
Read the full Press Release.
The Council’s virtual Arts & Health Roundtables bring together New Jersey artists and organizations actively involved in the arts and health field, as well as those interested in getting involved. Our next roundtable will be held on May 7th at 2:00 PM.
Photo courtesy of Monmouth Museum
The inclusion of "Angel" and "Amour" in the phrase suggests a narrative of hope and love. Angels are often depicted as messengers of hope, guidance, and protection, while amour represents the French word for love. These elements may signify the artist's desire for comfort, solace, and affection.
The use of a pig as a symbol can also be seen as a nod to the concept of the "inner child." The piggie in a dress may embody the artist's inner world, a place of playfulness, curiosity, and imagination. This element adds a layer of whimsy and humor to the overall narrative, inviting the viewer to engage with the artwork on a more lighthearted level. Assylum.23.01.28.Angel.Amour.Piggie.In.A.Dress....
The term "asylum" has a complex and multifaceted history. Traditionally, an asylum referred to a place of refuge or sanctuary, often associated with mental health institutions. In the past, these institutions were designed to provide a safe haven for individuals struggling with mental illnesses, but they often became stigmatized and criticized for their inhumane treatment of patients. The inclusion of "Angel" and "Amour" in the
The phrase "Assylum.23.01.28.Angel.Amour.Piggie.In.A.Dress...." presents a fascinating example of the intersection of art, mental health, and symbolism. By exploring the historical context of the asylum, the representation of hope and love through the angel and amour, and the symbolism of the piggie in a dress, we can gain a deeper understanding of the creative process and the power of art to express and heal. The use of a pig as a symbol
In the realm of art, there exist numerous examples of creative expressions that challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of conventional thinking. One such instance is the enigmatic phrase "Assylum.23.01.28.Angel.Amour.Piggie.In.A.Dress...." which appears to be a title or a reference to a particular artwork. While the meaning behind this phrase may seem obscure, it presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of art, mental health, and symbolism.
The artwork may be seen as a representation of the artist's journey through mental health, using the asylum as a metaphor for their inner struggles. The angel and amour signify hope and love, while the piggie in a dress embodies vulnerability and playfulness. This intricate web of symbols invites the viewer to engage with the artwork on multiple levels, fostering a sense of empathy and connection.
