By: centraljersey.com
WEST WINDSOR-Nine years in the making, the West Windsor Arts Center is slated to kick off with a grand opening in the fall.
Back in 2001, 11 people gathered in the great room of the Princeton Junction firehouse with the idea of providing arts to the community. This autumn, their vision will become a reality as the West Windsor Arts Center – the "Junction where arts and community meet" – opens its doors. The first season of the new arts center will include theater, music, film screenings, art exhibits, classes and workshops. There will be events for children, teens and the whole family.
West Windsor Township has refurbished the 1931 art deco building that has served as a community gathering spot in the historic Berrien City neighborhood. Residents have gathered there for dances, barbecues, meetings and weddings, and now will be able to continue that tradition.
The building’s architectural features have been preserved and enhanced, including the restoration of the 79-year-old pressed tin ceiling, and the history of the volunteer firefighters has been commemorated with custom photographic tiles that capture images of firehouse equipment. Through its ongoing capital campaign, the West Windsor Arts Council has raised the money to add theater lighting, a stage and curtains, gallery space, a cafe and more.
The WWAC has operated without walls for nine years, programming music, art, film, poetry and dance events at remote venues, and building ground as an arts institution. Along with the opening of the arts center, the council has launched a new logo to reflect and meld the initials of the township (WW) with the outline of the firehouse faeade. The red in the logo pays homage to the history of the firehouse, while the citron green represents new beginnings.
Those original 11 volunteers who gathered at the firehouse in 2001 now number more than 60, and are working to prepare for the fall opening with the following events:
– A block party to kick off the grand opening festivities with music and dance performances, strolling musicians and hands-on art activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. The event will be free and open to the public.
– An artist reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2 to honor the artists included in the "Community Collage: West Windsor Then & Now" exhibit.
– A Five-Alarm Firehouse Fling Oct. 16, a fundraising reception with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, followed by lively musical entertainment and refreshments. For ticket and sponsorship information. contact the arts council at [email protected].
– A Season of the Arts will begin in mid-October to satisfy the palate of all art enthusiasts. Events will feature the work of outstanding international, national, state and local artists. There will be performances highlighting cultures from around the world in a 120-seat performance space. The new arts center will feature films, comedy nights, community readings and art exhibits. There will be open mikes, teen oriented programs, and even community dances to recapture the history of the firehouse.
Beginning mid-October, arts enthusiasts of all ages and abilities will also be able to participate in a variety of visual and performing arts workshops and classes.
For information about the upcoming series of events in the new West Windsor Arts Center and to join the mailing list, contact the West Windsor Arts Council at [email protected].
The council aims to provide professional quality community arts programming to support, educate, inspire and promote the arts and art appreciation in the greater West Windsor community. The West Windsor Arts Center is located at 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 and is just a Dinky ride from Princeton University and McCarter Theatre Center.

