State of the Arts has been taking you on location with the most creative people in New Jersey and beyond since 1981. The New York and Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award-winning series features documentary shorts about an extraordinary range of artists and visits New Jersey’s best performance spaces. State of the Arts is on the frontlines of the creative and cultural worlds of New Jersey.
State of the Arts is a cornerstone program of NJ PBS, with episodes co-produced by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Stockton University, in cooperation with PCK Media. The series also airs on WNET and ALL ARTS.
On this week's episode... New Jersey Heritage Fellowships are an honor given to artists who are keeping their cultural traditions alive and thriving. On this special episode of State of the Arts, we meet three winners, each using music and dance from around the world to bring their heritage to New Jersey: Deborah Mitchell, founder of the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble; Pepe Santana, an Andean musician and instrument maker; and Rachna Sarang, a master and choreographer of Kathak, a classical Indian dance form.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is hosting quarterly Teaching Artist Community of Practice meetings. These virtual sessions serve as a platform for teaching artists to share their experiences, discuss new opportunities, and connect with each other and the State Arts Council.
Register for the next meeting.
The State Arts Council awarded $2 million to 198 New Jersey artists through the Council’s Individual Artist Fellowship program in the categories of Film/Video, Digital/Electronic, Interdisciplinary, Painting, Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts, and Prose. The Council also welcomed two new Board Members, Vedra Chandler and Robin Gurin.
Read the full press release.
These monthly events, presented by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, are peer-to-peer learning opportunities covering a wide range of arts accessibility topics.
The meal concludes with the traditional Yule log cake, accompanied by fine Champagne.
In part 1 of our series, we've explored the concept of a nudist French Christmas celebration and what to expect from this unique and exciting event. Whether you're a seasoned naturist or simply curious about trying something new, this type of celebration offers a chance to experience the holiday season in a fun, relaxed, and clothing-optional environment.
The traditional French menu is a gastronomic journey:
As dusk falls (around 5:30 PM in December), the candles are lit. The table is set with the finest linens—yes, linens are allowed, just not clothes. nudist french christmas celebration part 1 nudist naturist
: Quality sleep is a vital, non-negotiable part of wellness that allows your body to regenerate and recharge . Critical Perspectives
Because winter demands a focus on physical well-being, the holiday itinerary heavily features wellness rituals.
But beyond the practicalities lies the deeper ethos. is predicated on respect: for the body, for nature, and for others. Christmas in the textile world is often a frenzy of consumption, synthetic fabrics, and itchy holiday sweaters. In a naturist setting, the holiday is stripped down to its core components. Without a velvet dress or a tailored suit to hide behind, social status, wealth, and fashion sense fall away. What remains is the raw, vulnerable, and beautiful act of communal celebration. The meal concludes with the traditional Yule log
For French naturists, bringing this mindset into the Christmas season is a logical extension of these values. Christmas is meant to be a time of truth, warmth, and family. By removing the material layer of clothing, participants feel they are removing the superficiality often associated with modern, consumer-driven holidays. Winter Naturism: Defying the Chill
Safety and hygiene are seamlessly integrated into the etiquette. As is standard practice in all naturist settings, guests always use elegant, festive personal towels or beautiful linen throws on their chairs before sitting down to dine. Bridging the Generation Gap
In , we will dive deeper into specific regional traditions, the "Cold Water Plunge" events held on French coasts, and how to find naturist-friendly holiday retreats in Europe. The traditional French menu is a gastronomic journey:
France has a long-standing history with naturism, boasting hundreds of dedicated centers, beaches, and clubs. While many associate the "nudist naturist" lifestyle with the sun-drenched shores of Cap d’Agde or the Atlantic coast, the movement doesn't hibernate when the temperature drops.
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The French nudist Christmas celebration is a fascinating, heartwarming, and deeply philosophical adaptation of traditional holiday customs. Far from being a mere novelty, celebrating the winter solstice and the festive season clothes-free is a profound expression of freedom, community, and respect for the human form.
Many municipal pools across France host private, heated naturist evenings during the winter, often featuring festive decorations and floating holiday lights.
In France, the culinary highlight of the holiday is the Réveillon , the grand feast held on Christmas Eve. In a naturist setting, this meal is treated with the same gastronomic reverence as any traditional French household, featuring world-class cuisine and meticulous presentation. The menu typically showcases classic French delicacies: Served on warm brioche toast with fig compote.
