December Summit First Thursday: Art, Holiday Shopping, and a Night to Remember

On Thursday, December 4, Summit’s First Thursday turns an ordinary weeknight into a mini art walk with a side of closet clean-out. Think paintings, tiny treasures, affordable art, and a good excuse to drop off that bag of clothes you keep meaning to donate.

Here’s what’s happening around town:

Ida Picker: Secret Spaces

3:00–7:00 pm • Summit Free Public Library, 75 Maple St

Start the afternoon at the Summit Free Public Library with paintings by Ida Picker. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Picker began her Necessary Things series, painting household objects in bold, expressive color. Those works evolved into strange, machine-inspired beings full of tubes and wires—hybrid forms that live somewhere between nature and technology. They’re surreal, a little unsettling, and very alive—art that insists on courage and hope even when the world feels chaotic.

December Small Stuff $ale

4:00–8:00 pm • The Healing Arts Gallery, 57 Union Pl, Suite 212

Next, head over to The Healing Arts Gallery for the December Small Stuff $ale—small artworks at small prices. This is the kind of show that’s perfect for holiday gifting or for finally starting that art collection you keep saying you’ll get around to. They’re in set-up mode for the sale, so you’ll get a sneak peek and early access energy: lots of bite-sized works, all designed to be easy to live with and easy to buy.

RAM Gallery Nights: Original Art Starting at $100

5:00–7:00 pm • RAM Gallery, 84 Summit Ave

At RAM Gallery, the current exhibition "Minis" taps into the miniature art movement—proving that big impact can absolutely come in small packages. Original works start at just $100, so this is another great stop if you’re in a collecting mood or want to buy that very special holiday gift. Refreshments will be served.

Textile Recycling & Art

5:00–7:00 pm • Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm St

Been meaning to clean out your closet? The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has you covered with "Textile Recycling & Art", in partnership with Helpsy, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping clothing waste out of landfills. Bring your freshly washed, odor-free clothing between 5:00 and 7:00 pm and give your unwanted items a new life. A portion of the value of all donated clothing will be returned to the Art Center by Helpsy, helping support exhibitions, programs, and community initiatives. While you’re there, explore the current exhibitions and enjoy some light food and drink.

Whether you make it to all four stops or just pick one or two, December First Thursday is about getting out, supporting local artists and organizations, and giving yourself a different kind of Thursday night.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 4, and bring a friend (or a bag of clothes, or both).