"People have an inherent need to see themselves reflected in art."

This Week's Episode

Streaming and broadcast this week on your public television station, Roberto Lugo’s wildly successful career making pots draws on his life as a Puerto Rican kid growing up in Kensington in Philadelphia. The young jazz vocalist Samara Joy’s deeply personal take on the standards reveres the greats, including her personal favorite, Sarah Vaughan. And artist Victor Davson turns from social and political themes to the landscape, finding beauty in his own backyard.

NJ PBS

Thurs, 7/3 @ 11:30 pm

Sat, 7/5 @ 7:30 pm

WNET Thirteen

Sun, 7/6 @ 11:30 am

ALL ARTS

Mon, 7/7 @ 10:30 am & 3:30 pm

Wed, 7/9 @ 10 am & 3 pm

Images in gif:

Roberto Lugo photographed by Ryan Collerd

Samara Joy photographed by Meredith Truax

Victor Davson working on a painting

Find out where (and how) to watch!

Celebrating Sculpture

State of the Arts visited Grounds for Sculpture in 2002, meeting founder Seward Johnson (1930-2020) during the park’s tenth anniversary year. Also included is Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930-2017), considered one of the most influential Polish artists of her time, as she directs the installation of one of her iconic stone pieces at the 42 acre sculpture park in Hamilton, New Jersey. Watch here.

On the Blog

In case you missed it, last month we headed to the Pine Barrens to celebrate photography on the blog! Read here. | Pictured: 1994 Fire! by Albert D. Horner

Happening Now

The New Jersey State Museum's Recent Acquisitions: Fine Art includes artists previously featured on State of the Arts, such as Robert Smithson, Willie Cole, Melvin Edwards, and Nancy Cohen.

The Wellmont Theater, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, and the New Jersey Hall of Fame present the Wellmont Arts Plaza Outdoor Concert Series with a summer calendar of events.

Our related story: JAZZ HOUSE KiDS

Check out the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's 2025 seaso n!

Don't miss Indigenous Identities: Here, Now & Always at the Zimmerli Art Museum in New Brunswick!

Our related story: Land and Art, on a recent exhibition at Stockton University featured artists also showing at the Zimmerli, including Edgar Heap of Birds among others.

Highlights

Ylvia Asal honors her Anatolian heritage by creating “Oya,” traditional lace, helping to keep this centuries-old art form alive. Once used to trim headscarves, oya has long been a way for women throughout the wider Anatolian area to express themselves.

Our 2024 story: Oya Lacemaker Ylvia Asal

Howard Finster (1916-2001) was a prolific artist with a mission to communicate his visions to the world. This story from our archive visits Finster’s “Paradise Garden” in Georgia, where he was busy making art.

Our 1992 story: H oward Finster, Man of Visions

Catch our stories and documentaries on our website, Youtube, and PBS.org.

Plus, find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Threads.

Pictured: Richard Thompson

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....going on location with New Jersey's most creative people!

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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