1978 Arts Center, 1978 Springfield Avenue

Gallery Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

A contemporary Ethiopian artist blending the sounds and visions of his African roots with his African American branches.   Tesfaye Tessema has received accolades, achieved recognition, and earned respect for his work on a national and international level for decades.  In addition to exhibiting at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, his work has been seen in France, Germany, England and Japan.  Considered a master painter as well as a master print maker and muralist, his art has been collected by such institutions as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian in Washington and the Schomberg and the United Nations in New York City.  Born in Ethiopia, he has made Harlem his home for almost thirty years; his work reflects his love for his adopted community.  The visual and aural associations of the African American culture reverberate in his paintings in the “Comb Series” featured in this exhibit.  The confluence of rhythm, design and colors in a personal improvisational style are a reflection of the jazz music he loves.  Like African American artists looking for their historical roots, Tesfaye revels in searching out his branches.  “Together we form a Tree”

For more information call 973-763-2536 or visit www.1978artscenter.org

Astah’s Fine Art Gallery, 1897 Springfield Avenue

One man show by artist Terrence Bell. All new originals and prints representing the visions of Africa and the sounds of Jazz.

For more information contact 973-761-5012 or visit www.astahsartgallery.com.

Express Yourself Studios, 1877 Springfield Avenue
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

 Every Saturday during the month of February enjoy a special Black History Month lesson in art exploring a different African-American Master Artists (Alma Woodsey Thomas, Romare Bearden, Varnette P. Honeywood, David C. Driskell).  This program is offered as part of Express Yourself’s Studio Saturday offering and is open to children ages 5-12.

For additional information or to RSVP for any event please contact Express Yourself Studios 973-763-5256 online, www.expressyourselfstudios.com or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Jazzberries Center for Music & Art, 1677 Springfield Avenue

Time: 10:00 am  – 1:00 pm

Got mess?  We do.  Come & let your child join a fun-filled, playful exploration into all things messy.  Drop in, make a mess & leave the clean-up to us.  Be sure to dress for the mess!  To celebrate Black History Month, during February we will be exploring activities inspired by black artists, musicians and celebrities.  In addition, we will incorporate projects that promote tolerance.  Rates $12/visit per child; $100/for 10-visit pass.

973-762-6575 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   www.jazzberries.yourvirtuoso.com

Jazzberries Center for Music & Art, 1677 Springfield Ave.

Time:  4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Featuring African folktales, songs, dances, arts & crafts and foods.  We’ll learn songs and games           of African children and create African masks and traditional “Adinkra” cloths.  A South African         folktale will be explored through instruments and multi-cultural elements.  For ages 4 – 7 years.    $15.00 per child

973-762-6575 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   www.jazzberries.yourvirtuoso.com

Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Avenue 

Time: 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm

Join us on a musical journey from a time when the "First Lady Of Song," Ella Fitzgerald graced the stage, to when the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin ruled the airways. In addition to Ella and Aretha, this showcase pays tribute to Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson, Etta James, Martha and The Vandellas, Mary Wells and Gladys Knight. Through the music, the magic and the message, there is something for everyone!

www.MaplewoodLibrary.org 973 762-1688

Dancers Pointe, 1874 Springfield Avenue

Time:  11:00 am – 11:45 am

In honor of Black History Month, Dancers Pointe is offering a reduced trial of our popular Hip      Hop Class.  Cost - $5.00 per child (normally $20).  An RSVP is required to join the fun!  Please l       call 908-241-9595 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Don’t miss out!!!

Purple Pegusus® at Dancer Point, 1874 Springfield Avenue Time
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Send your child on a journey to West Africa in this exciting Globe Trotter Adventure Workshop! Children will enjoy stories and music from West Africa and create their very own Bogolanfini, (Mud Cloth), a traditional art form native to Mali. An RSVP is required to join the fun. Please call Crystal @ 973-908-0411 $15 per child, includes a special treat! Please remember to bring a smock! Purple Pegusus® at Dancer Point, 1874 Springfield Avenue Time 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Send your child on a journey to West Africa in this exciting Globe Trotter Adventure Workshop! Children will enjoy stories and music from West Africa and create their very own Bogolanfini, (Mud Cloth), a traditional art form native to Mali. An RSVP is required to join the fun. Please call Crystal @ 973-908-0411 $15 per child, includes a special treat! Please remember to bring a smock!

1978 Maplewood Arts Center, 1978 Maplewood Avenue 

Time:  3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Dr. Ismali, a writer of short stories, plays and poetry,  will lead a workshop for both children and adults which will focus on written response to visual stimuli and she will read an original poem that she has composed  in response to the art as a starting point and lead the participants in creating their personal interpretation.  For more information call 973-763-2536 or visit www.1978artscenter.org

Jazzberries Center for Music & Art, 1677 Springfield Ave.

Time:  4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Using the poem, “I Love My Skin” and the story, “The Crayon Box That Talked” by Shane DeRolf,             children will be guided through several art projects, including creating a Color Collage, People           Puppets and Colorful Crayon People.  For ages 4 – 7 years.  $15 per child

973-762-6575 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   www.jazzberries.yourvirtuoso.com

Astah’s Fine Art Gallery, 1897 Springfield Avenue
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Friday)
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saturday)

One man show by artist Terrance Bell featuring all new originals and prints representing the visions of Africa and the sounds of Jazz.

For more information call 973-761-5012 or visit www.astahsartgallery.com, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Parteaz, 1860 Springfield Avenue 

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Bring your doll or furry friend with you to tea!
Make matching bracelets. Have a real tea party with cups just the perfect size for both you and your friend.  Tea sandwiches included and make a yummy dessert  Dress up- really will just be too much fun! $30 for 1 child $25 each for 2 or more. For more information call 973-447-0616. 

Hair Chalet, 1632 Springfield Avenue
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Hair Chalet presents the 4th Annual “Reading Extravaganza” featuring African folktales with selections from contemporary authors and illustrators. Light refreshments are served. Parents and children Welcome. No charge. For more information call 973-762-2272. Hair Chalet, 1632 Springfield Avenue Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Hair Chalet presents the 4th Annual “Reading Extravaganza” featuring African folktales with selections from contemporary authors and illustrators. Light refreshments are served. Parents and children Welcome. No charge. For more information call 973-762-2272.

Express Yourself Studios, 1877 Springfield Avenue 

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

As part of the Studio’s Pizza & Pottery Workshop, children ages 5-12 will participate in a fun sculpture project creating an African Clay Pot that they will embellish with paint. 
For additional information or to RSVP for any event please contact Express Yourself Studios 973-763-5256 online, www.expressyourselfstudios.com or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Astah’s Art Gallery, 1897 Springfield Avenue 

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Ms. Jones has electrified audiences locally and internationally. Her greatest vocal influences are anchored in the tradition of jazz song stylists Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson.

Jackie Jones is a graduate of Newark's High School of the Performing Arts and Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey.

Event sponsored by Springfield Avenue Partnership. For more information call 973-763-6011 or visit www.SpringfieldAvenue.com, Facebook: Springfield Avenue Partnership

1978 Arts Center, 1978 Maplewood Avenue

EXPLORE YOUR LIFE IN VISUAL TERMES with Mansa K. Mussa

Time: 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

This workshop will explore how the medium of shadow box making can be used to make a personal statement about your life and times.

Preregistration required: $50.00 for the class $10.00 for supplies.

Contact Mansa K. Mussa at  (973)  978-0972 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info and to sign up for class.

Jazzberries Center for Music & Art, 1677 Springfield Ave.

Time:  4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

In honor of Black History Month, Jazzberries Center for Music and Art will offer Kindermusik        Playdate – a one-day music and movement class for babies and children up to 7 years old            featuring African & Black American Folk songs and spirituals.  In this class, you’ll get the same    Kindermusik fun and learning as in the weekly classroom and the same high-quality take-home      materials, including a 10-song download card for Kindermusik’s digital music website and child-    safe instrument.  A Kindermusik Playdate is a multi-age class and is parent & family interactive.

Kindermusik is the original music and movement program for children.  These time-tested,           giggle-approved classes remain the leader in the industry and best choice for parents and            children alike.

For Families with babies and children up to 7 years old  Cost: $25 per child (siblings $15) includes 10-song music card & instrument

973-762-6575 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.jazzberries.yourvirtuoso.com

Our Gang Travel, 1897 Springfield Avenue

Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Valerie Adams and Sam Manigault of the Dimension Band will deliver melodic sounds as           performed on the many Our Gang cruises and exploring how far African Americans have    come    from slavery and forced travel on boats to modern day travel on cruise ships.

For more information call 973-761-5012 or visit www.ourganggroup.com,