Cultivating the arts- Community Outreach- Education. The West Orange Arts Council enriches the lives of West Orange residents through the visual arts, music, film, crafts, poetry, writing, dance, and design.  We build community through the arts. We reach out to all ages and all cultural groups. This outreach is our mission and our achievement.

The West Orange Arts Council, also known as WOAC, is a 501c3 non-profit, all volunteer organization established in 1998. Board members contribute their rich and varied experiences in the visual, performing, and literary arts and in arts education. We nurture new artists of all ages.  We provide opportunities for township and area residents to enjoy the work of established members of the arts community.

The West Orange Arts Council believes in collaboration. Our projects involve Township departments and officials, the Board of Education, the West Orange Public Library, the West Orange Historic Preservation Commission, and a variety of local arts based non-profits. The West Orange Film Society was established and operates under our aegis.

West Orange Arts Council events are free. Memberships start at $10 a year for seniors and students. Benefits include a quarterly newsletter.  Members receive discounts to arts related area businesses and to the West Orange Film Society’s classic film series.

From the young to the young at heart, from beginners to world class artists, the West Orange Arts Council encourages everyone to Play a Part in the Arts.

View WOAC in Action to see what we do

Past Events

2008

• West Orange Film Festival Classic Film Festival, January - March at AMC Theater, including Black Maria
• Arts Expo 2008 Juried and Student Art Shows, Music, Reception and Awards, Poetry Reading, Kids Day on Sunday all with "Where do you Spring from” Theme.
• Art Scene at the Green Outdoor art and craft sale and exhibit at Essex Green.
• Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair THE premier Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show in the Area!

2007

• West Orange Film Festival Classic Film Festival, January - March at AMC Theater, including Black Maria
• Arts Expo 2007 Juried and Student Art Shows, Music, Reception and Awards, Poetry Reading, Kids Day on Sunday all with “Watt’s Up” Energy Saving Theme and interactive theater of “Rainbow Crow”.
• Art Scene at the Green Outdoor art and craft sale and exhibit at Essex Green.

2006

• West Orange Film Society Classic Film Festival, January through March at AMC Theater, Black Maria Film Festival, New Jersey Young Filmmakers, “You Be The Judge”
• Arts Expo 2006 Juried and Student Art Shows, Reception and Awards, Poetry Reading, Lectures, Kids Day on Sunday all with St. Patricks Day ‘Green’ Theme.
• Art Scene at the Green Outdoor art and craft sale and exhibit at Essex Green.
• Entering the 21st Century-Technology for Visual Artists Workshop co-sponsored with Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs
• Jeanne A. Saslow Memorial Art Scholarship Established with West Orange Scholarship Fund to honor former West Orange Arts Council Board Member Jeanne A. Saslow

2005

• West Orange Film Society Black Maria Film Festival, New Jersey Young Filmmakers, “You Be The Judge”
• Arts Expo 2005 Juried and Student Art Shows, Panel Discussions and Demonstrations, Poetry Reading, Kids Day on Sunday
• Art Matters Focus on Photography Exhibit
• Valley Arts Walking tour of the Orange/West Orange Valley Arts Redevelopment District
• Art Scene at the Green Outdoor art and craft sale and exhibit at Essex Green.

2004

• West Orange Film Society “You Be The Judge” audience-juried independent short film festival co-hosted with the Black Maria Film Festival.
• Creative Connection An on-going conversation about creativity.
• Art Scene at the Green Outdoor art and craft sale and exhibit at Essex Green.