The 25th Annual Newark Arts Festival kicks off tomorrow at Express Newark. I strongly encourage you to attend and experience the exhibitions, performances, open studios, workshops, and artists throughout the four-day festival.

FESTIVAL KICKOFF — TOMORROW
Express Newark
54 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ

Newark Arts Council and Express Newark invite you to the official kickoff and opening reception of On Purpose., the festival’s signature group exhibition.

The evening will feature exhibitions, open studios, live music, performances, interactive experiences, DJs, food, and more, including performances by Stefon Harris & Blackout, D. Cross, and Charissa the Violin Diva.

There will also be Bisa Butler: On Purpose, a special conversation between acclaimed artist and NAF2026 guest curator Bisa Butler and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and scholar Salamishah Tillet.

Learn more: newarkartsfestival.com

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EXTRA CREDIT: MAKE SOME ART
I am offering +5 points toward your final grade for attending either of the following mural-making workshops.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 | 11 AM–2 PM
Community Care: A Mural Painting Workshop
With Karena Bravo & Mike Maka
Riverbank Park
Market St. & Van Buren St., Newark

Join artists Karena Bravo and Mike Maka for a hands-on mural painting workshop celebrating Newark’s Ironbound community. Participants will help paint elements of a new large-scale mural for the RWJBarnabas Health and Saint James Health clinic at 604 Market Street.

The mural’s imagery is inspired by medicinal plants, healing, nature, and community care. No previous art experience is necessary.

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-care-a-mural-painting-workshop-with-karena-bravo-mike-maka-tickets-2000642500575?

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 1–5 PM
Community Quilting Mural Workshop with Bisa Butler
Project for Empty Space
800 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd., Newark, NJ

Join acclaimed Newark-born artist Bisa Butler for a community quilting mural workshop connected to her inaugural large-scale Newark mural, commissioned by the City of Newark Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

Bisa will kick off the workshop at 1 PM, with participants welcome to drop in anytime between 1–5 PM.

You’ll have the opportunity to see Bisa’s mural in progress, learn about her creative process, and create artwork alongside Bisa and her team of muralists. Your contribution will become part of a community quilt that extends the mural’s ideas, patterns, and imagery into the space.

We’ll explore color, pattern, fabric, personal storytelling, family, history, memory, and community.

No art experience necessary.

RSVP:paintwithbisabutler.eventbrite.com

HOW TO RECEIVE EXTRA CREDIT

(1) Attend one of the two workshops.
(2) Participate in the mural-making activity.
(3) Take a photo of yourself participating or with your artwork.
(4) Share the experience in the next class.

One workshop = +5 points toward your final grade.