Free First Thursday Nights Launch Fourth Season at MAM

MONTCLAIR, N.J. - Sept. 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Free First Thursday Nights invite the Montclair Art Museum’s (MAM’s) entire community to enjoy a night out at the Museum the first Thursday of the month (October–June) from 5 to 9 p.m. The programming includes a dynamic mix of free admission, a full-service bar, live music, and a variety of activities. Offerings change on a monthly basis, providing something new to see and do at every First Thursday Night. First Thursdays return October 1 for an exciting fourth season! Free First Thursday Nights are made possible by TD Bank.

The Montclair Art Museum is proud to announce two new partnerships with Free First Thursday Night: Upstairs restaurant and bar in Upper Montclair and Wolke Chiropractic of Verona. The Art Bar at MAM, a Free First Thursday Night favorite, is now in partnership with Upstairs bar and restaurant. The full-service bar will feature signature cocktails, wine, and NJ Beer Co. beer at special Free First Thursday Night prices. Museum members receive a special discount on all drinks at the bar. Guests can also relax with complimentary chair massages courtesy of Wolke Chiropractic.

This fall, MAM will highlight its new exhibition Eric Carle: Animals and Friends, including more than 60 original collages, studies, and book dummies/mock ups by the acclaimed and beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle. Family-friendly programming in October will include a performance by the Jungle Gym Jam Duo, a Montclair-based Jersey acoustic rock act geared toward children and families, and a kid’s refreshments bar provided by Whole Foods Montclair. Additionally, children (grades K–5) are invited to enter TD Bank’s Children’s Art Contest for a chance to win a prize pack from MAM and TD Bank (entries are due by Sunday, October 4). The exhibition also includes two interactive spaces—the Reading Nook and Family Learning Lab—which will be open to drop in during Free First Thursday Night.

Following the theme of illustration, two artist/author/illustrators will also be on hand to discuss their work: Ashli Sisk (The Sumatran Rhino Coloring Book) and Kristine Lombardi (Lovey Bunny, Yard School of Art instructor of Writing and Illustrating Children’sBooks). Artist Janet Taylor Pickett will also be featured in an intimate art talk with gallerist Kathy Imlay at 7 p.m. Pickett is the subject of an exhibition at the nearby Gallery at Hillside Square opening September 26 and will be featured at MAM in 2016. Finally, another fan favorite, the Yard School of Art Draw Along Workshop offers a free session with a clothed model every Free First Thursday Night.

Additional exhibitions on view include permanent collection exhibitions Work and Leisure in American Art and Illustrations and Literary Themes in American Art. Illustrations and Literary Themes closes October 18, so don’t miss the only Free First Thursday Night chance to see the exhibition! Tours will be held every hour on the half hour: at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. docents will feature Eric Carle: Animals and Friends and at 7:30 p.m. Work and Leisure in American Art.

Enjoy tasty treat samples from Pink Cupcakes (West Orange) or pick up a meal from one of MAM’s featured food trucks: Cayena Columbian Street Food, Ann’s Catering, and Oink and Moo BBQ.

Free First Thursday Nights run October through June. For an up-to-date schedule of upcoming Free First Thursday Nights, visit montclairartmuseum.org/free-first-thurs-nights (https://www.montclairartmuseum.org/free-first-thurs-night...).

Free First Thursday Nights are made possible by TD Bank.