About Studio Tour SOMA
South Orange/Maplewood
The townships of South Orange and Maplewood are home to a vibrant community of artists who live, work and play all within a short distance of New York City, the capital of the art world. Studio Tour SOMA (South Orange & Maplewood) was initiated in 2003 by volunteers, to celebrate the artists among us and to help make local art available to all.
Artwork by Samar Hussaini
Celebrating our 20th Annual Tour
Join us as more than 90 artists open their doors to share their own special brand of creativity and art during this beloved community event.
Talk to artists in their own studios, start or add to your art collection, view beautiful works of art, and gain a unique and personal view of the life of an artist.
South Orange & Maplewood, NJ
In South Orange and Maplewood, NJ, there is an explosion of vibrant colors and boundless curiosity. They provide the perfect backdrop for the Studio Tour SOMA. This sensational event is a remarkable fusion of artistic brilliance and refined taste, where residents and visitors can meet with a wide range of artists, view their latest works and take home a masterpiece. Here we are at the spinning, glittering, resonant whirlpool of contemporary art—bring yourself, your friends, and your family to surf the wave of creativity!
2023 Studio Tour SOMA Planning Committee
Jennifer Malone
Committee Chair
Sybil Archibald
Website Oversight Chair
Wendy Bellerman
Fundraising Chair
Jennifer Malone
Treasurer
Shara Bailey
Advertising Chair
Petra Pankow
Artist Relations Chair
Leslie Goldman
Promotion and Graphics Chair
Ken Stanek
Social Media Chair
Denise Hardie
Venue Chair
The Studio Tour is a wholly volunteer collaboration.
Please consider volunteering. We always need innovative and creative members to produce this event.
Our History
21 years in the making: How it all began
In 2003, things were really happening in South Orange and Maplewood! In 1994, The Pierro Gallery in South Orange opened to major acclaim followed soon after by 1978, the Maplewood Art Center. These two venues became a huge draw and artists began to flock to the area.
With so many artists and so much talent to draw on, Ellen Greenfield, President of 1978, and Judy Wukitsch, Director of the Pierro Gallery, had a vision: The South Orange and Maplewood Studio!
“I have found that you can make anything happen. Dream big and something, somehow, will come out of it.”
– Judy Wukitsch, former director of the Pierro Gallery & co-founder of the SOMA Studio TourCalling All Volunteers…
Ellen and Judy put out a call for volunteers and after much research, planning, and hard work, the first studio tour was born. It launched in June of 2003 with 20 artists opening their studios.
Since then the tour has grown every year and now boasts more than 75 artists in studios, galleries, and venues. It has become a beloved and important community event. A chance to meet and support creators in their own spaces, and to connect with community members who turn out in force to support this extraordinary event.
So, what are you doing the first weekend in November? Join us, you’ll be happy you did! Volunteer Now >
