About Us

OUR MISSION

The WTCAC serves as an advisory body directing the operation of the centrally located Barron Arts Center, a registered landmark listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places at 582 Rahway Avenue in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The Commission works to provide a vehicle for the promotion of activities in the arts and works with the Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission to preserve the history of the Township.

OUR VISION

As a Commission, we’re excited about Woodbridge as a growing destination for people interested in the arts. The Barron Arts Center has earned a solid reputation among the artistic community as a well-respected showcase for talented artists, writers, and performers. Our vision is to continue to expand our presence as the premier center for arts and art education in Woodbridge Township and throughout neighboring towns 

The work of the WTCAC is managed by a board of volunteer commissioners, appointed by the Mayor of Woodbridge Township for a three-year term. The Commission meets monthly on the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. at the Barron Arts Center  to plan and review operations. The Commissioners discuss building needs, review new artists and talent recruitment, analyze finances, evaluate fundraising activities, consider arts programming, and develop a strategic plan for the Barron Arts Center. Interested and qualified applicants are selected for a commissioner’s position based on inquiry or referral and in consultation with the Woodbridge Township administration. 

The governing of the Barron Arts Center, its direction of its work, its fiduciary responsibility, and its control of its property, is vested in the WTCAC. The WTCAC is governed by a set of by-laws that are reviewed, and updated, as necessary by a By-laws Committee, and discussed with and approved by the Commission every five years.

WTCAC LEADERSHIP

The leadership of the WTCAC is elected to a one-year term and is held by volunteers. The current officers of the Executive Board for the 2022 year are as follows:

Chair – Dr. Dolores Capraro-Gioffre

Vice Chair – Beth Schreier

Secretary – Bernadette M. Sohler

Treasurer – Ryan L. Michelson

The work of the WTCAC is further broken down into seven separate standing committees (Building and Grounds, By-Laws, Events, Education, Finance, Friends of the Barron Art Center, and Ways and Means). A Chair of each committee shares its progress monthly to the commission.

CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEMBERS

Terms Expire 12/31/2022

Constance A. Elek, Antonia Pancel, Beth Schreier, Rev. William Smith, Sonya Zarestky

Terms Expire 12/31/2023 

Amy Krysienski, Ryan Michelson, Carol Rebovich, Bernadette Sohler, Ray Zirpolo

Terms Expire 12/31/2024

Jeff Cohen, Carlo Fazio, Sonal Gadhavi, Dolores Gioffre, Ronald Wyatt

BARRON ARTS CENTER STAFF

The day to day operations of the Barron Arts Center is managed by a full-time director, Cynthia Knight and by a full-time program coordinator, Brandon Powell. A staff supports these two positions in coordination with Woodbridge Township the Mayor and his elected officials. The BAC staff manages the center’s gallery operations, staff liaisons, events preparation, building maintenance, and publicity and promotion.

Our events are presented annually for Woodbridge Township residents and guests from other townships through the collaboration and efforts of the WTCAC and the Barron Arts Center staff. The responsibilities of the Commission include:

1. To establish policy for the organization and annually review budget, goals, resolutions, and rules of procedure.

2. To serve as liaisons to special projects including maintenance of the facility and grounds.

3. To review artists to showcase based on certain standards of excellence.

4. To review the exhibition schedule to ensure a diverse blend of offerings that appeal to all ages.

5. To promote arts education, encourage, recognize and celebrate a passion for the arts.

6. To regularly attend openings/receptions and volunteer as hosts to events.

7. To generate revenue in addition to the operating budget for the financial well-being of the Barron Arts Center.

8. To develop and implement a Strategic Plan to help define the future direction of the Commission.