Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tom Capezzuto
(973)972-7273

At UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School Annual Spring Arts Festival Opens April 28

"A Celebration of Art, Medicine and Life: Overcoming Adversity Through the Arts" is the theme of the fourth annual Spring Arts Festival being held from April 28 through May 28 on the Newark campus of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).

The exhibit will be on display on the first floor of the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through May 28. A multitude of mediums on display will include oils, pastels, acrylics, watercolor, photography, digital art, multimedia, sculpture, quilts, poetry, jewelry, crafts, and literary works.

Dr. Ernesto A. Amaranto, festival founder, psychiatrist and artist, said, "This year's theme of overcoming adversity through the arts, is more meaningful than ever. What is happening around the world, near and far, underscores the importance of having a balance in life."

Lawrence Goldman, president and CEO of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, will discuss "Why the Arts Matter to Us All" during opening ceremonies on April 28 at noon.

Several other activities are planned. They include:

? Artists at work on-site on April 28 and May 5 in the lobby of the medical school.

• Interactive art and demonstrations by the Newark Museum, including water-color, weaving and pottery, on April 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the lobby of the medical school.
  
• Poetry workshop hosted by Dr. Diane Kaufman on April 29 at noon in B-515 of the medical school, followed by an open microphone for poets from the university and the community.
  
• Discussion on "Overcoming Adversity Through the Arts," with representatives from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Newark Museum, Creative Heartwork, and UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School faculty on May 5, at noon, in B-515.
  
• Faculty Organization concert presented in conjunction with members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra on May 8, at 12:30 p.m., in B-515.
  
• "A Showcase of Student Talent" on May 12, at 5:30 p.m., in B-515.
  
• Employee talent show in the UMDNJ-University Hospital cafeteria, 150 Bergen St., on May 15, at 2 p.m.

For more information, contact Mary Ellen Morrow at (973) 972-3335, or Tom Capezzuto at (973) 972-7273, or visit the festival web site at www.umdnj.edu/springartsfestival/.

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