This week on State of the Arts, 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.

NJ PBS

Thurs, 1/9 @ 11:30 pm

Sat, 1/11 @ 7:30 pm

WNET Thirteen

Sun, 1/12 @ 11:30 am

And streaming on ALL ARTS!

Images in GIF: 

Artwork by Nell Irvin Painter

Steve Siegel rowing boat to Ellis Island 1974, courtesy the artists

Image from video footage of The Scarlet Letter by Michael Boylan

National Mentoring Month

This month, we're jumping into the State of the Arts archives to share inspirational stories of artists mentoring others.

In addition to having a successful commercial and fine arts photography business, Erik James Montgomery has mentored at-risk youth for 30 years. He says it’s the thing that saved him from his own self-destructive path. This is his inspiring story.

Our team greatly appreciates support from our viewers—your gift helps State of the Arts spotlight the most creative people in New Jersey and beyond. Thank you!

Producers Circle:

Pheasant Hill Foundation

Philip E. Lian & Joan L. Mueller

in memory of

Judith McCartin Scheide

Peter A. Benoliel & Willo Carey

Monica & Carlos Camin

Melanie & John Clarke

Elizabeth G. Christopherson

Hella & Scott McVay

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, encouraging excellence and public engagement in the arts since 1966, is proud to co-produce State of the Arts with Stockton University, New Jersey's distinctive public university, in cooperation with PCK Media.

 Additional support is provided by: Friends of State of the Arts

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