The Watchung Arts Center (WAC) thrives in historic Watchung in Somerset County, NJ. The nonprofit, volunteer-run Center excels in cultivating an eclectic mix of professional and emerging artists in the performing and visual arts. Quality works in fine arts, exciting music, and comedy events are presented to enthusiastic audiences.

Appreciation of painting, photography, and music from classical to folk to jazz to coffee house, comedy, theater, and mind/body arts is fostered through classes, workshops, and performances. All are structured to catch and expand the interest of youngsters of an early age to seniors of any age.We, at the WAC, encourage active membership, community involvement, and inspirational discussions that only a multidisciplinary arts organization can achieve. The WAC is unique in New Jersey due to the depth and variety of art experiences and educational opportunities that it offers.

The Watchung Arts Council was founded in 1978. It operates in a charming, 125-year-old building, part of which was the original schoolhouse for the village of Watchung.

The Heinz W. Otto Gallery on the second floor, with its 12-foot ceilings, superb acoustics, and a seating capacity of 100, represents the “heart and soul” of the WAC’s many activities. The first floor houses the lobby, the smaller Lower Gallery, kitchen, and a large classroom/studio.

Board and Staff

Cynthia Lubeck
Ruth Rovtar
Vonnie Mott

Parties and Rentals

The Watchung Arts Center is available for rental. If you would like to hold an event at WAC, call 908-753-0190 or e-mail us.
If you’d like to have an art party for your child or for an adult at WAC, see the Party Page for more information.

Accessibility

The Watchung Arts Center has a chair lift available so that physically handicapped individuals who cannot climb the stairs may access the upper gallery. This chair lift is only rated for persons up to 200 pounds and requires individuals to be able to stand up and be seated in the chair lift. It is not rated to handle individuals heavier than 200 pounds. It is accessed through a rear door in the building. Please alert staff or other people in the building that you will need access.