Partnerships

Beyond campus, the College of the Arts extends its impact through partnerships and programs that bring the arts directly into the community. From student-created public art projects and educational outreach initiatives to hands-on learning opportunities for local high school students, these programs foster creativity, collaboration, and meaningful engagement throughout the region.

The Mural Project

An Initiative of the College of the Arts and Department of Art and Design, The Mural Project is a Community Partnership.

The project evolved from an initial proposal of the former Montclair Arts Council, brought forward by Councilman Dale Jacobs in early 2010, to install public-art murals in the Township of Montclair.  Years prior, University representative Asst. Dean Linda Davidson had proposed a similar idea to the Township Municipality, that University art students be enabled to develop a mural for the walkway between the east side of Valley Road and the public parking lot.  With a fresh proposal from the Arts Council, support provided by the former Montclair Parking Authority, interest expressed by the  University's faculty, and a willingness on the part of building owner Vanik Properties to allow use of the proposed space, the time became ripe to solidify a new town/gown/business partnership.

In November 2010, under the direction of Profs. Julie Heffernan and  Zachary Wollard, "The History of Montclair" mural was created and installed on the south wall of the site.  The artwork was a 35-by-8-ft. painted canvas reflecting elements of nature and depictions of the town's history and its people.

Not long after installing the first mural, Prof. Heffernan and students became inspired by the wall opposite.  Characterized by five defined bricked-over windows, the structure seemed to beckon an installation of five individual artworks within the spaces. "Word Play" -- based on a theme of plays on words -- was, thus, created and installed on the north wall of the walkway in June 2011.

Sixteen months later, Super Storm Sandy ravaged areas of New Jersey and, unfortunately, in October 2012, ripped the History of Montclair painting off of its wood panel structure.

In June 2012 a new piece, "Painting Adversity" replaced the original mural to recognize the contributions of community organizations in Montclair.

The mural is located in Montclair’s northern business district, spanning the walls from 605 Valley Road to the rear public parking lot, with plans to expand throughout the tri-county region served by Montclair State University.

Visit the Mural

Celebrating Montclair Arts, September 2015

Project Coordinator: Prof. Julie Heffernan
Artists: Luisa Henao, Anthony Coplan

History of Montclair, October 2010

Project Coordinators: Profs. Julie Heffernan and Zachery Wollard
Artists: Undergraduate students Kyle Coniglio, Andrew Fondanarosa, Melissa Graff, Alfred Marroquin, and Daniela Puliti, and graduate students Gianluca Bianchino, Gavin Gewecke, Saydi Kaufman, Ji Yong Kim, and Sarah Zar.

Film Form

Film Forum, an initiative of the College of the Arts at Montclair State University supported by the College of Communication and Media, promotes the art of film through research, education, professional development, screenings, and community programming. Drawing on the expertise of our Filmmaking faculty and industry connections in New York City, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, Film Forum’s weekly Speaker Series welcomes innovative filmmakers to discuss their work, share behind-the-scenes insights, and engage with audiences through open Q&A sessions. 

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact:
Teaching Assistant Grace Pula at filmforum@montclair.edu