Morris County Proclaims October Arts & Humanities Month

Morris Arts and Friends Celebrated at Commissioners Public Meeting

With the proclamation, (l-r) Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Tom Werder, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioners John Krickus, Douglas Cabana and Tayfun Selen.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October 2024 “Arts and Humanities Month” last night during a work session meeting in Morristown.

Commissioner Director Christine Myers presented the framed proclamation to Tom Werder, Executive Director of Morris Arts, who was joined by colleagues from Morris Arts, Allison Larena, President & CEO of Morris Performing Arts Center (MPAC); Tom Loughman, Executive Director of Morris Museum; Dave Sipple, President of Morris Music Men; and Cydney Halpin, President of the New Jersey Jazz Society, along with other members of the Jazz Society.

“Morris County is fortunate to have a wide range of arts organizations, historical sites, museums and cultural venues that enrich our community. The Commissioners proudly support the arts and humanities through various funding sources, including the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund,” said Director Myers. “As we gear up for nation’s 250th anniversary, their role in sharing our county’s story is more important than ever!”

Morris County supports Morris Arts annually with funding, which included $18,000 in the 2024 county budget.

Many local arts and cultural organizations have also benefited from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Program launched in 2003. Since 2021, the Twin Oaks Mansion at the Morris Museum and MPAC’s Community Theatre have received more than $500,000 in grants for exterior restorations. Additional funding was approved this year for preservation work at the Darress Theatre in Boonton and The Growing Stage in Netcong, building on grants that provided in 2023.

“The arts generate a $49.2 million industry in this area. We attract 45 percent of people who participate in cultural activities in Morris County from other counties, boosting the local economy," said Werder. “Thank you to the Commissioners for your continued support, and I also want to thank my colleagues from arts organizations across Morris County.

Amy Gilligan, Morris Arts Marketing Communications Manager, Allison Larena, President & CEO of MPAC, Dominique Tornabe, Morris Arts Director of Development, Tom Loughman, Exec. Director of Morris Museum, Dave Sipple, President of Morris Music Men, Tom Werder, Exec. Director of Morris Arts, Cydney Halpin, President of New Jersey Jazz Society, Mike Katz, Treasurer of New Jersey Jazz Society, Sanford Josephson, Editor of Jersey Jazz magazine, Jackie Wetcher, Board member of New Jersey Jazz Society, and Caryl Anne McBride, Board member of New Jersey Jazz Society and Acorn Hall.

Morris Arts, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, was recognized in the proclamation for its continued promotion of arts in the county.

Morris Arts’ opening reception for its newest exhibition in the atrium of the County’s Administration and Records Building will take place on Nov. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.