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New Hope Arts Center Prepares For Grand Reopening

After months of anticipation, the iconic New Hope Arts Center is set to make its grand reopening next month.

Work on the arts center underway.
Credit: Submitted

After months of anticipation, the iconic New Hope Arts Center is set to make its grand reopening next month.

The nonprofit New Hope Arts Center closed for upgrades earlier this year and to prepare to offer more opportunities for artists from the New Hope Borough, Solebury Township, the City of Lambertville, and beyond.

The New Hope Arts Center on Stockton Avenue in the borough has planned a series of milestone celebrations leading up to the official June 15 reopening, including the “Beyond the Blueprint, Grand Reopening Celebration” on June 6 and a unique “Members Only Reception” scheduled for June 10.

In addition, the center has launched a new virtual exhibition titled “Artists Elevate the Arts,” in recognition of its successful fundraiser, “Elevate the Arts,” which helped fund the much-needed renovations of the building.

Tickets for the exclusive members-only reception are already available online, with a suggested minimum donation of $25 for active New Hope Arts members. The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Members in attendance will have the opportunity to preview the renovated building before the general public, reconnect with fellow members, enjoy complimentary refreshments and light fare, and experience the new elevator that has been eagerly awaited. Those interested in becoming a member can acquire membership on the New Hope Arts website.

The much-anticipated “Beyond the Blueprint, Grand Reopening Celebration” on June 6 will also feature a silent auction with exciting additions. Attendees will have the chance to bid on luxurious getaways, such as a Pocono Mountains-Lake Harmony Getaway for twenty people and a New York City Getaway at The Pierre Hotel on 5th Avenue. Other auction items include tickets to a Catch A Rising Star comedy show with a private ‘Meet & Greet’ with the comedian, a directors tour for four at Moravian Tile Works with a “make your own tile” experience, season tickets to Ballet X in Philadelphia, a Bucks County Playhouse 2023 Season Subscription for two with dinner and drinks at The Deck, and many more. In addition, there will be a virtual exhibition titled “Artists Elevate the Arts” featuring artworks contributed by member artists. The exhibition, which will be available for sale, aims to support New Hope Arts’ new and expanded program plan for future offerings.

The “Artists Elevate the Arts” virtual exhibition was launched on May 15 and will run until the official public reopening on June 15. The exhibition showcases the works of over 35 artists who have played a significant role in the New Hope Arts gallery over its 20-year history. Visitors can explore and purchase artworks in various media on the New Hope Arts website. A portion of all sales will contribute to the organization’s future initiatives. The exhibition features notable artists such as Robert Beck, James Feehan, and Jack Rosen, including a uniquely signed photograph of George Nakashima.

Executive Director Carol Cruickshanks leads the New Hope Arts Center, which was conceived in 2002 by founder Robin Larsen, and is looking forward to the grand reopening.

Carol Cruickshanks, the executive director of the New Hope Arts Center, stated: “Artists Elevate the Arts represents the focus of this extraordinary effort to rejuvenate and refresh our venerable building while also building a future for New Hope Arts.”

Tickets are still available for both the Beyond the Blueprint event and the members-only reception, but space is limited. Interested individuals can secure their tickets on eventbrite.com or by visiting NewHopeArts.org.

About the author

Alex Irving

Alex Irving is a freelance journalist based in Bucks County. They have been reporting on local news since 2022.
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