We are an eclectic, diverse group of 100+ artists located in Toms River NJ. We encourage and develop the participation of a board cross section of citizens, including, but not limited to , diverse ethnic populations, individuals with physical/mental disabilities, senior citizen's, women and LBGTQ.
TRAC is tying to raise additional funding so we could keep reaching the children and families of our community with art. With TRAC trying to move to a larger facility we have to be very careful about spending money. We have secured a new location with a big price tag. but for our community we will somehow make it happen. Additional funding would help us keep our classes going and help us send all the children home with "goodie bags" filled with art supplies to take home. Because what good is a class if you can't practice what you learned. Below is a few things we have done in the last few years. Working with Ocean County Family Support, we held 16 art classes for families. the child and the parents both attended all classes. They made vision boards, the kids made boards about what they dream of, want, their favorite places, their favorite person etc. The parents made a board about their child. Why are they so special to you, what do you love about them, what you want for them, how proud you are etc. They were than all joined together on a large board and still hangs at their facility.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227290307427454&set=g.39492165134 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227329447245925&set=g.39492165134. TRAC and the Filipino-American Community two non profits working together to enrich our communities.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227941457065788&set=g.39492165134. TRAC and Make-A-Wish
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10228049027074971&set=g.39492165134 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10228049031155073&set=g.39492165134 Our friend Emma has kidney cancer, something no child at 10 should ever have to. Make-A-Wish granted her a wish, her only wish was her very own art studio. In conjunction with Make-A-Wish, Home Depot, NJ Shed Builders we made her dream come true. TRAC went in a painted it "Emma's Way" Summer camp, yup we do that
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10228503848125809&set=g.39492165134 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227783043425546&set=g.39492165134 Our Seniors matter. We hosted last year for the first time the Ocean County Senior Art Exhibit.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1199723867507805&set=g.39492165134. 2023 will be our 2nd year hosting this show.
Some of our favorites
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227107438575847&set=g.39492165134 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227117869716619&set=g.39492165134 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227082076821819&set=g.39492165134 One of our proudest moments was the creation of our "Appreciation Mural"
https://www.facebook.com/appreciationmural. This is a mural we did with 285 children from the town of Toms River, during the height of COVID! We did it safely and still allow the children to get out and see some friends, even if they couldn't get close, talk to others, paint, get messy, laugh and share stories about how COVID has effected them.
https://www.facebook.com/appreciationmural/photos/pb.100079069630057.-2207520000./129317459179151/?type=3 https://www.facebook.com/appreciationmural/photos/pb.100079069630057.-2207520000./129317282512502/?type=3 https://www.facebook.com/appreciationmural/photos/pb.100079069630057.-2207520000./125734246204139/?type=3TRAC does have a brick and mortar gallery at 53 Main Street, The Downtown Shops, Toms River, NJ 08753. We are open 6 days a week 12-6pm. We hang a new gallery show every two months. We have an Executive Boards of 5 voted in seats, with 6 Trustees as well. We are a member driven community, with a yearly membership fee of $45.00, our artist also pay a "hang fee" $5.00 per piece or 5 pieces for $20.00, with a 20% commission due to the gallery when a piece sells. This pricing is well within the industry standards, and at some points below. One of our long term goals, is to be come the "Art Hub of Ocean County"
From all of us here at TRAC,
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us.
Lisa Cifaretto
President