RAC: Winter Pop-Up Art Exhibition

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Throughout the year, the Rutherford Arts Council hosts a number of different arts events that are open to the public. In September, the RAC presented the first community-wide talent show, Rutherford's Got Talent. The upcoming RAC event, Winter Pop-Up Art Exhibition, will focus on the visuals arts in a beautiful space in the First Presbyterian Church. This is Rutherford interviewed Genesee Orlowicz, Board member of the Rutherford Arts Council, to learn more about this Art Exhibition.

TIR: The Rutherford Arts Council is starting the year off with their first Winter Pop-Up Art Exhibition at the First Presbyterian Church. What was the inspiration behind organizing this event?

Genesee Orlowicz: The Rutherford Arts Council's Winter Pop-Up Art Exhibition was inspired by our collaborative efforts with Reverend Warner. During our work on Rutherford's Got Talent, he expressed interest in hosting an art show at the church. We saw this as a fantastic opportunity to showcase local artists in a unique, historic setting, fostering community engagement and celebrating creativity.

TIR: How did you find the artists that will be presenting their art and doing live painting demonstrations?

GO: Our search for participating artists included posting calls for submissions on various town-specific and art-focused Facebook groups across Bergen County. The application process offered an opportunity for interested artists to express their willingness to perform live painting demonstrations. We received an overwhelming response from numerous talented artists, and after careful consideration, we've selected seven exceptional individuals to showcase their work at the event. Among them, four will be performing live painting demonstrations, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand while also enhancing the overall experience.

TIR: The First Presbyterian Church is lending a space in the church for this exhibition.  Can you tell us more about this space?

GO: The church is letting us use their gorgeous front space, which is basically a work of art itself. Imagine a room with huge, colorful stained-glass windows all around, high ceilings with gorgeous wooden beams.  It's the perfect spot to check out some amazing art and enjoy a unique experience.

First Presbyterian space where the Winter Pop-Up Art Exhibition will take place. Photo credit: Reverend Warner

Reverend Warner of the First Presbyterian Church told TIR, "Art has a unique way of opening windows into the soul, much like the vibrant stained glass that graces our sanctuary and chapel here at the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford. Those beautiful permanent pieces remind us daily that the intersection of faith and creativity is where we often find the divine. By hosting this winter pop-up, we are opening our doors to the incredible talent in Rutherford and transforming our historic chapel into a living gallery. My personal love for art stems from the belief that every creator reflects the ultimate Creator. We want FPC Rutherford to be more than just a place of worship; we want it to be a true community hub where neighbors gather, local artists flourish, and everyone—without exception—feels a warm sense of belonging. All are welcome here."

One of the artists, Courtney Scoppa, explained more about her art that will be on display, "I transform the silhouettes of mannequins by using cut glass to create beautiful mosaics on their bodies. I love the challenge of the little details and seeing where my imagination takes me. I connect with each one building a relationship and using that as my guide. I draw inspiration from life experience and the beauty I see everyday.  I grew up near Rutherford and I am very excited as this will be my first showing of 7 pieces."

TIR: Why do you think an event like this is so important in our community?

GO: Hosting events like this is crucial for our community as it empowers local artists to share their talents and gain exposure. We're thrilled to provide a platform, especially for first-time exhibitors, fostering artistic growth and community connection. By celebrating local creativity, we strengthen our cultural scene and inspire others to engage with art.

The Rutherford Arts Council posted about another one of the artists, Desy Todorova, on their Facebook page in April 2025, "Drawing inspiration from the architectural landscape, Desy's work beautifully captures the essence of European cities, born from extensive travels throughout Italy, Spain, and other captivating destinations. Her practice transcends the built environment to explore the realm of childhood and children's artistic expression, blending these themes to create a rich narrative within her work."

TIR: Any other upcoming events or meetings you would like to share?

GO: We've got some great events coming up! We're currently accepting kids' art submissions for the 2026 Youth Arts Banner Program, celebrating America's 250th birthday. Plus, we're planning workshops, exhibitions, and a mural project, so there's plenty to look forward to. And don't forget about the 2nd Annual Rutherford's Got Talent in the fall! Lots of exciting opportunities for local artists and performers. Stay tuned and follow our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/RutherfordArtsCouncil.   Or instagram: rutherfordartscouncil_nj

TIR: Anything else you would like to add?

GO: If you're passionate about art and want to get involved in our community, we'd love to hear from you! The Rutherford Arts Council is always looking for new members and fresh ideas. Whether you're an artist, a supporter, or just interested in collaborating, please don't hesitate to reach out at rutherfordartscouncil@gmail.com. Let's create something amazing together!

In June 2025, This is Rutherford published an article about Mark Ferguson's Art Exhibit at the Rutherford Public Library, click here to learn more about Mark and his artwork.