The Sunday Edit: Local Events in Morris & Essex Counties
This time of year always feels hopeful, from the noticeable addition of daylight to the ubiquitous chatter about the dawn of spring. Right on cue, this week ushers in a triple hitter of pre-spring holidays and calendar events: February 20 is President’s Day, February 21 is Fat Tuesday and February 22 is Ash Wednesday. For those of you who will be celebrating Mardi Gras, may you find the auspicious baby in the King Cake! Below are some local events (throughout Morris County and Essex County) that tip their caps, robes and shirts (!) towards this busy week and beyond.
Scott Harbison. Source: harbisonbyscott.com
Scott Harbison: Just Disintegrate
February 7-April 2
Conveniently located right across from the Train Station, you can enjoy tailored plates and craft cocktails, while visiting their newest art exhibit. Lynn's favorite is the tuna sushi pizza; Drew's is the EoE Burger. The current exhibition features a collection of neoexpressionist paintings of alien beings in colorful universes from outsider artist Scott Harbison’s imagination.
End of Elm Gallery
140 Morris Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
Installation view at Flint Institute of Art with Miracles and Glory Abound, 2018. Mixed-media assemblages. Dimensions variable. Courtesy of Kasmin Gallery, NYC.
Vanessa German: please imagine all the things i cannot say
February 11-June 25
This large-scale, immersive, site-specific installation of mixed-media works by Vanessa German offers a form of healing and protection, especially for African-Americans.
Montclair Art Museum
3 South Mountain Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
Thaddeus Expose. Source: MorrisTourism.org
Mardi Gras Celebration with Thaddeus Expose
February 19
Thaddeus Exposé made his debut at the Morris Museum last year and returns to bring NOLA back to Morristown for his second annual Mardi Gras Celebration. This extravaganza will have you dancing in the aisles or in your seat! Having attended the New Orleans Jazz Festival for 25 years before, we love the sounds this city has produced. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
Explore the history of African Americans in Montclair, from the 18th century to modern day. Source: Montclair History Center
Guided House Tour to Black History
February 19
Explore 200 years of Black history in Montclair and New Jersey through rare first-hand accounts, primary and secondary source documents at the Crane House & Historic YWCA.
Crane House + Historic YWCA House
110 Orange Road
Montclair, NJ 07042
St. James Episcopal Church, Upper Montclair. Source: northjersey.com
Ash Wednesday Services
February 22
St. James Church at the heart of Upper Montclair and worshiping in the Episcopal tradition, is an inclusive community focused on faith, family and social outreach. Ash Wednesday Services will be held at 12pm and 7pm, led by the town's beloved Reverend Melissa Hall.
The Episcopal Church of St. James
581 Valley Road
Montclair, NJ 07043
Sewing Book. Source: Morris County Historical Society
History Lunch Break: Morristown Sewing School
February 22
Throughout the 1880s, teachers from the upper echelons of Morristown society taught young girls, many the daughters of tradesmen, practical sewing skills at the Morristown Sewing School, and yet, few records of the school’s existence remain. Acorn Hall (MCHS) houses a vast and renowned collection of 19th and e.20th century clothing, a most appropriate location to study the "Sewing School." Join the historical society for a look at some of the fascinating new insights gained from the two years of research that formed the basis of their current exhibit on display February 12-late May 2023.
Morris County Historical Society/Acorn Hall
68 Morris Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
Video still from a video about the remarkable perseverance at Morristown. Source: National Historical Park New Jersey
Ongoing: Washington’s Headquarters
Take a moment to give thanks to our Founding Fathers this week by visiting Morristown National Historical Park. The park commemorates the sites of General Washington and the Continental army’s winter encampment of December 1779 to June 1780, where they survived through what would be the coldest winter on record. The site also maintains a museum & library collection related to the encampments & George Washington, as well as items relating to pre- and post-Revolutionary America.
Morristown National Historical Park
30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 07960
Here's to the shortest month of the year with a long list of activities. Until next week!
-Authored by Heather Zises, Marketing Director
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