PRINCETON AREA: Local arts groups win People’s Choice Awards

By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
   Four Princeton arts organizations have been recognized with People’s Choice Awards from Discover Jersey Arts.
   ”The reality of Princeton as a true arts and cultural destination has a direct economic impact on these organizations as well as the general business community,” said Adam Perle, vice president, Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Princeton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There is a direct correlation between the high level of arts opportunities and the quality of life in the Princeton region.”
   ”I believe it’s a real marker of what an arts center and destination Princeton is becoming,” added Melanie Clarke, executive director of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, which was honored as a runner up. “It’s a confirmation of that. I believe there is real value in being selected and having so many local organizations at the top.”
   She says all the wonderful entertainment, arts, and restaurants really make Princeton a destination for visitors.
   ”We have so many great facilities and arts organizations in town,” she said. “It’s a win-win for the whole town.”
   The symphony has sold out all of its performances this season, which is an example of how supportive the community is, said Ms. Clarke. She also congratulates all the organizations that were recognized.
   The honorees are:
Favorite Art Gallery – Arts Council of Princeton
Favorite Choral Group – Westminster Choir College of Rider University
Favorite Opera Group – Opera New Jersey
Honorable mentions, granted in recognition of excellent showings and creativity amidst stiff competition in the People’s Choice Awards: Princeton Symphony Orchestra (Princeton, NJ): First Runner-Up, Symphony / Orchestra
   The Arts Council of Princeton has about eight shows a year in its main gallery, the Taplin Gallery in the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts on the corner of Witherspoon Street and Paul Robeson Place.
   ”We’re proud of it, we’re very pleased,” said Jeff Nathanson, executive director at the Arts Council of Princeton. “This award indicates that our hard work at creating a quality exhibition program has received broad recognition. We hope it will help us by letting a broader audience know about the excellence of our gallery program.”
   The Arts Council also organizes exhibitions at the Princeton Public Library and throughout the entire Paul Robeson Center and the sculpture terrace outside. “We do a lot of exhibitions programming in our gallery and beyond,” said Mr. Nathanson. He hopes the recognition will allow the gallery to receive attention statewide and additional exposure for the local and regional artists that exhibit.
   ”We’re thrilled to be New Jersey’s favorite opera company, it’s the first time for us,” said Richard Russell, general director of Opera New Jersey. “It’s a great recognition of what the company has achieved over the past few years. It’s an honor, and we will use that in our materials. It helps us with our message and gives us a level of recognition and validation.”
   The opera has three productions with 10 performances in to addition to smaller events and school programs. The opera plans to expand it summer season offerings to additional venues, so the exposure will help to promote those performances, he said.
   All recipients will formally receive their awards in a ceremony at The New Jersey Conference on Tourism, from March 14-16, 2012 in Atlantic City.