The Gallery at the Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes

Since the 1960's the Gallery at the Presbyterian Church has embodied the church's commitment to the belief that the arts are a vital expression of the human spirit. The Gallery is part of our mission, providing an arena for artists to exhibit their work and an opportunity for the community to experience that work.
Believing that the human spirit grows when stretched by the encounter with different visions and ways of expression, The Gallery offers quality works that challenge and engage the viewer, as well as those that comfort and affirm accepted viewpoints. In selecting artists and work to be displayed, The Gallery will choose works (conventional and unconventional) that affirm the goodness of God's creation.
--Mission Statement

The Gallery at the Presbyterian Church has chosen artists ranging from the young, emerging artist, to recognized, accomplished artists in North Jersey. The Director of the Gallery is Carol Mainardi, past President of "Salute to Women in the Arts." She makes decisions about shows, under guidance set by an advisory panel. For more information, call the church at (201) 891-0511.

A different show is mounted each month, September through June.

Former Gallery Director Cornelia Baker says: "It enhances all of our lives and society to see this kind of creativity. The artists and shows include various media, from the traditional to the very experimental. We choose artists from diverse ethnic groups. We have the full backing of the minister. It's a dialogue in the church community. The audience is the whole community. This is a way for us, as a church to reach out to the whole community. To bring all kinds of people, Muslims, Jews, Fundamentalists, Christians, whomever, into the gallery and into the church setting. I think it is our way of saying, we all need to get along. It may sound a little sweet and saccharine, but it really isn't. People begin to discuss what should be shown, what should not be shown. They'll say, this is the most fantastic show you've ever had. Then others will say, when it more abstract, more esoteric, not so obvious, 'I don't understand it'. It is is an opportunity for us to educate the public and help them to see beyond their expectations. It's a very wide and diversified audience. We invite the artist to give a gallery talk, which gives the audience some idea of where the artist is coming from. It is important to give the artists an opportunity to express what their intention was and to give the public a chance to ask questions."