PRINCETON NJ Announcement

Arts Council of Princeton July 2025 Events

Jersey Art Meetup
Every Wed | 7-9pm
Princeton Comic Makers presents: JERSEY ART MEETUPS (JAM), a weekly social event connecting creatives within the greater Central Jersey area through a shared passion for sequential art and new media. Attendees may use this open workshop space to draw, write, and develop their own artwork, with an opportunity to receive peer review and feedback from other members if desired. Illustrators, animators, writers, and generalists are all welcome to join and discuss their art and career goals, share learning resources, promote current projects, or find friends and collaborators. Together, we aspire to cultivate a local community that keeps artists motivated towards achieving their dreams! Learn more.


Café Improv
Every Fourth Saturday of the month | 7-10pm
For the past 30 years, Café Improv has connected beginning and professional performers in the Arts Council of Princeton’s Solley Theater. Serving as a vibrant musical oasis for the Princeton community, Café Improv is a gathering place to share artistic ideas and provide inspiration to others. Attendees can expect an evening of exciting local music, poetry, comedy, and more! Café Improv is easily accessible to the public through affordable admission rates of $1 for ACP Members and $2 General Admission. Learn more.


Reading: “What to the Slave is Fourth of July?”
Mon, July 7 | 7:30-8:30pm
Community members read an amended version of Frederick Douglass’ influential speech, given on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, to the Rochester Ladies Anti-Slavery Society. A gifted orator and prescient writer, Douglass forces us to reckon with the legacy of slavery and the promises of democracy. Learn more about the event and register.


Devil and Daisy Dirt: A Garden State Gothic, Alt-Folk Event
Thurs, July 10 | 7:30-8:30pm
Bluegrass tall tale about the Jersey Devil with live music and an 8′ wearable puppet, featuring: Alex Dawson, Dan Diana, Arlan Fieles, and Jackie Fogel. Sure, you’ve seen Bruce at The Stone Pony and one of your parents went to the same high school as Bon Jovi. You’ve been to Maxwell’s, Hurricane Harbor, and The Gates of Hell. You know that Taylor Ham and Pork Roll are the same thing. BUT. Have you seen the bluegrass, Jersey Devil tall tale Weird NJ calls “the most original, Jersey-centric and downright weird presentation in our state’s theatrical history!” No? C’mon! I mean, how Jersey are you? Don’t miss this singular experience! Learn more.


ART OF Papermaking
Fri, July 11 | 5:30-7pm
From plant to paper, the Art of Papermaking explores the history and structure of Western papermaking processes. Told through hands-on techniques of sheet-pulling and wet-process college, the story of papermaking encompasses cultural histories, artistic traditions and artists own personal visions. With ties close to printmaking, painting, drawing and collage, fine handmade papers -in their many forms- speak to artists across diverse backgrounds. Save your space.


ACP BYOB: Illustrated Recipes
Tues, July 15 | 6:30-8pm
Meals just taste better when you know they’re made with love, and what better way to pass down a recipe than with an illustrated recipe card? Meet us in the studio to hand-embellish your favorite recipe with charming illustrations and hand-lettered instructions, sure to become a family heirloom! During this beginner-friendly workshop, artist Lisa Walsh will provide an introduction to watercolors and lettering pens. All materials are provided. If desired, bring your favorite beer, wine, or bubbly to enjoy during the session. 21+. Save your spot.


Story & Verse: A Storytelling and Poetic Open Mic
Thurs, July 17 | 7-9pm
Story & Verse provides a warm and welcoming spotlight for both emerging and established artists in our Solley Theater, an intimate space in the heart of Downtown Princeton. Share your story, your poetry, or your prose, based on this month’s theme, “In the Deep End”. Or join our encouraging audience! Learn more.


ACP BYOB: Wheel Ceramics
Fri, July 18 | 6-8pm
Shake off the stress of your work week and give pottery a whirl! You bring your favorite brew, wine, or bubbly, and we take care of the rest. Sela Stazzone, ACP artist-instructor and owner of Jean Ceramics, will introduce you to the basics of throwing a bowl on the potter’s wheel. You’ll throw, choose your glaze, and pick up your two completed pieces in a week or two. Instruction, materials, and tools are provided. Bring some friends or come on your own to meet fellow art-lovers during this creative night on the town.  Register here.


ART OF: Yoga Nidra + Sound Healing
Sun, July 20 | 6-7:30pm
Treat yourself to an evening of deep nourishment to help you unwind. Come by yourself or join with friends to be guided through a relaxing yoga Nidra meditation and sound healing experience. You’ll leave feeling restored and ready for your the week ahead. Sign up here.


DIY Arrangements with That Girl with Flowers
Tues, July 22 | 6:30-7:30pm
DIY your own summery arrangement with Hafsa of That Girl with Flowers! During this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll supply seasonal blooms for you to arrange in a terracotta pot. Perfect to gift to a loved one or keep for yourself! Instruction, materials, and tools are provided. Learn more.



Free Pop-Up: Craft Corner
Wed, July 23 | 6:30-8pm
Have a stack of art supplies collecting dust? Looking to make your existing artistic process more social? If you’re ready to tackle a craft and enjoy the company of other creative-minded folks, join us in the Craft Corner for an evening of casual art-making. This is an open space to use freely – bring your watercolor set, coloring book, sewing machine, polymer clay – and get to work! If you’re between projects, you’re welcome to bring a book, a puzzle to work on with the group, or anything that will spark your creativity. Ages 16+. Learn more.


ACP BYOB: Polymer Clay Earrings
Thurs, July 24 | 6:30-8:30pm
In this beginner-friendly workshop, Haily of DesignsbyHails will guide you in crafting two pairs of earrings completely customized to suit your individual style. You’ll learn how to mix custom colors, shape and cure your unique designs, and attach jewelry hardware to complete your earrings. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner looking to try something new, this workshop is the ideal opportunity to unleash your creativity. Register here.


Gallery Opening: The Mind of the Maker: Figure Drawing and Painting Practice
Sat, July 26 | 3-5pm
Across centuries and continents, artists have gathered to draw and paint the human figure—a timeless practice rooted in observation, discipline, and community. This exhibition celebrates the ongoing tradition as it lives in our own backyard. Meeting on Monday evenings and the first two Thursdays of each month here at the ACP, the figure drawing sessions bring together a diverse group of individuals—professional artists, hobbyists, and newcomers alike. While the artists backgrounds and levels of experience vary, they are united by a shared commitment to honing their craft. Learn more.


ART OF Plant Based Nutrition
Thurs, July 31 | 6-8pm
Dr. Scott Stoll will guide us through his plant-focused approach to wellness. Dr. Columbus Batiste will explore the Seven Key Pillars of Heart Health—spirituality, exercise, love, food, intimacy, sleep, and humor—and their role in community and individual well-being. A segment with Rev. Dr. Natalie Mitchem, RDN and Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional and Karina Pearse, MS will underscore the impact of food on Brain Health, followed by cooking demonstrations and a food tasting featuring easy recipes for wellness, disease prevention, and recovery. A portion of ticket sales will support the Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Princeton, NJ mission to empower communities and build health equity. Save your space.