The Art of Democracy at the New Jersey State House

This Week's Episode

State of the Arts takes a tour of the newly renovated New Jersey State House, with a focus on its collection of art dating back to its founding in 1792.

America’s newest dinosaur attraction: built overlooking a former quarry and active paleontological dig site in Mantua, New Jersey, the Edelman Fossil Park and Museum bridges the present with the prehistoric past through immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences.

For over 60 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has carried the spirit of South Africa across the globe with its songs of peace, unity, and resilience: we meet up with the legendary group at Montclair’s Outpost in the Burbs.

And, in Atlantic City, we see how Mighty Writers is using the power of the written word to provide kids with care, connection, and a new definition of community.

NJ PBS

Sat, 5/30 @ 7:30 pm

Sun, 5/31 @ 9:30 am

WNET Thirteen

Sun, 5/31 @ 11:30 am

ALL ARTS

Mon, 6/1 @ 10:30 am & 3:30 pm

Wed, 6/3 @ 10 am & 3 pm

Find out where (and how) to watch!

National Photography Month

This month, we're highlighting photography stories from our library.

“7 Steps to Freedom” is an Underground Railroad audio tour and website featuring stories related to the struggle for freedom in Salem County. Photographer Wendel White was commissioned to create images evocative of the seven featured stories. State of the Arts went on location with White as he photographed a famous 19th century anti-slavery book and a site on the Delaware River where the young Hetty Saunders may have crossed in her escape from slavery. Watch here.

On the Blog

As National Photography Month wraps up, head to the blog for an art history lesson with "Eye on America: Roy Stryker and Standard Oil." Many of the former FSA photographers featured were based in New Jersey. Read here. | Pictured: Truckdriver after a Run, Ohio, Sol Libsohn, 1945

Happening Now

Min Kwon's America/Beautiful project has been released as a five-volume album collecting piano works inspired by the song "America the Beautiful" that she commissioned from 76 American composers. Listen here. Plus, see her in concert on June 7 at 4 pm at Steinway Piano in Princeton! See here for more info, tickets, and other upcoming events.

Our related story: Min Kwon's America/Beautiful.

The Sister Chapel, an iconic feminist artist collaboration from 1978, has reopened at the Rowan University Museum of Contemporary Art after 18 months of restoration!

Our related story: The Sister Chapel.

The Harrison Township Historical Society's current exhibition, Hometown Revolutionaries: Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness features the work of Paul Stankard and other Gloucester County artists. Stop by the Old Town Hall Museum in Mullica Hill's Historic District Saturdays and Sundays through June 13! See here for more info.

Our related story: Glass Artist Paul Stankard.

Don't miss Opening the Vault: A Look Inside the GFS Collection, now at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton until December!

Our related stories: Willie Cole, Toshiko Takaezu, Tallur L.N., Steve Tobin, and Joyce J. Scott, all artists included in the exhibition

Highlights

State of the Arts producer Eric Schultz profiled artist Joan Snyder in 2011, shortly after she received a MacArthur Genius Award. Eric met the artist in New Brunswick and at Joan’s home and studio in Brooklyn where she reflected on her life’s work.

Our 2011 story: Joan Snyder: Dancing with the Dark.

The Birdhouse Center for the Arts, located in the quaint river town of Lambertville, is a creative hub founded on the principle that music and art can transform lives.

Our 2025 video: No Wrong Notes at the Birdhouse.