William Paterson University Galleries
Founded in 1979 in the Ben Shahn Center for the Visual Arts, the William Paterson University Galleries is one of a few visual arts organizations in Passaic County (northern New Jersey) and uniquely provides meaningful and valuable opportunities to view, interpret, study, and discuss the arts. The University Galleries oversees a collection of approximately 3,500 objects that is often the basis for thematic exhibitions and an educational resource for WP faculty, students, staff, visiting scholars, K-12 audiences, and the public. The University Galleries encompass three exhibition spaces that total 5,000 square feet. Annual programs consist of, on average, six solo and thematic exhibits, numerous public programs, exhibit tours, and K-12 arts education workshops. These activities provide direct access to art and artists, offering an intimate insight into the artistic process.
The University Galleries serve as a cultural resource for William Paterson University, neighboring communities, and the region by presenting visual art exhibitions, overseeing the University's art collections, and offering educational programs. The Galleries seek to introduce diverse audiences to contemporary art and artists and to enhance visitors' appreciation and knowledge of the arts. They are embracing the University's commitment to diversity and reflecting their diverse communities, the Galleries endeavors to explore and respond to all aspects of diversity and to foster critical thinking, discussion, and discovery.
The University Galleries is dedicated to presenting historically under-recognized artists and artistic movements that are frequently overlooked in more prominent, mainstream institutions. The University Galleries emphasize a global perspective on the arts that reflects WP's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and the diversity of the WP community and the surrounding region. This commitment to diversity is rooted in WP's mission and core values. In addition, the Galleries serve the needs of professional artists, particularly those based in New Jersey, by offering exhibit opportunities, residencies, and public programs such as lectures, artist and curator talks, and exhibit tours. These diverse programs enable artists and the public to interact, be introduced to new work, and participate in a dialogue about the visual arts.
