42 / matters magazine / spring 2026 until May 31 of this year. The council also considers unmet needs. One in particular rises quickly to the top: space. Artists need places to rehearse, create, perform, display and collaborate. Maplewood has strong public-facing venues, but Thompson says there is a need for more working space where artists can spread out, find one another and build community in an ongoing way. That vision feels very Maplewood: ambitious, practical and grounded in the belief that culture is not a luxury item. Says Andrea Teutli, manager for Maplewood’s Division of Arts & Cul ture, “The Maplewood Arts Council is a vital supporter of the Township’s Division of Arts and Culture. [It is a] collective of members from diverse artistic backgrounds whose insight and collaboration help strengthen and sustain our vibrant community.” Maplewood Township Commit tee member Dean Dafis is also a proponent of the Maplewood Arts Council. Says Dafis, “Underappreci ated, underutilized and often misun derstood, MAC serves to help mold and support Maplewood’s artistic and cultural identity or brand. With so many artists in town of all variet ies, we need more of them to help MAC expand or redirect the town’s artistic and cultural footprint. It’s also an amazing opportunity for net working and mentoring.” So why does a town like Maple wood benefit from having a dedicat ed arts council? Because artistic energy, as it turns out, does not organize itself. It needs advocates. It needs public spaces. It needs civic support. It needs people who think carefully about access, in clusion and how a community meets its own creative life. It needs resi dents willing to fight for the kind of town they want to live in. And if the best version of that work is sometimes a little invisible, maybe that is fitting. The Maple wood Arts Council is not trying to be the star of the show. It helps to ensure the stage exists, the lights turn on, the doors stay open and the audience finds its seat. If you’re interested in applying to join the Maplewood Arts Council, you can go to maplewood.nj.gov and fill out a volunteer form. To complete the MAC survey, scan the QR code below and follow the instructions. Adrianna Donat is a writer and Pollock Properties Group realtor who knows Maplewood real estate is ap pealing – but Maplewood’s real masterpiece may be the town itself. The Artist Registry on Maplewood Art Council's website is where artists in the com munity can post their profiles Although the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture operates venues such as the 1978 Maplewood Arts Center, MAC advocates for these spaces, supports their use by local artists and ensures the town contin ues to think seriously about accessibility, participation and artistic diversity High Quality Preparation & Painting Follow Lead Safety Regulations Fully Insured and Licensed Warranty up to 4 years Painting Since 1996 Carpentry and Deck Refinishing independentpainters.com CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 973-444-1956 Superior Painting for a Reasonable Price f a m i l y ev ents n a t u r e t u m b li ng s e n so r y e x p l o ra t i on m u l t i - i n d oo r play s p a c e s a rt l a r g e o u t d o or space a f t e r n o o n e n ri chm e n t p a r e n t i n g w o rksho p s BE PART OF OUR VIBRANT YOUNG FAMILY COMMUNITY! • 973-763-0113 • preschool@bethelnj.org • bethelnj.org • 222 Irvington Avenue • South Orange OUR WARM AND WELCOMING SCHOOL PROVIDES A HANDS-ON, PLAY BASED CURRICULUM FOR CHILDREN AGES 18 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS OLD Schedule a visit! Schedules to fit your family’s needs year round 8am–5:30pm, 9am–2pm or 9am–12pm REGISTER NOW FOR CAMP & 2026–27 SCHOOL YEAR
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