Local Events

Founded in 1974 by visionary artists who saw promise in a 19th-centruy church building, The Art School at Old Church is a nonprofit, non-sectarian art and cultural center dedicated to inspiring individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Located in Demarest, New Jersey, we offer day and evening courses, workshops, and events for adults, teens, children, and families. The 4800-square-foot building houses four modern studios that are equipped for drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, glass beads, basketry, printmaking, digital photography, and collage. Classes are offered year-round over four semesters. Our summer camp, Blast of Art! for Kids, takes place in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of August. We also maintain two renowned art galleries: Mikhail Zakin Gallery, named for our founder, and Café Gallery, both of which host a variety of exhibits throughout the year. Our Old Church Pottery Show takes place the first week in December and attracts more than 1000 artists, collectors, and enthusiasts each year.

The Demarest Free Public Library is a welcoming community partner offering programs and services that encourage lifelong learning, foster creativity and exploration, and inspire connections.

Parents Magazine is proud to feature the Holy Angels Dance Team. This nationally recognized and award-winning dance team offers a comprehensive dance study in a variety of genres including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Pom, and Hip Hop. Since 2016, the Varsity Team is ranked 1st in the nation among high school dance teams and the Junior Varsity is ranked 2nd, with remarkable success at the National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida. The team is composed of dancers who share the same passion for success and take a mandatory 8 dance classes a week from leading professionals in the dance industry. They have a partnership with Ballet Hispanico as well as teachers from the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, the 8-time Collegiate National Champion University of Minnesota Dance Team, and the back-to-back National Champion Hofstra University Dance Team. This quality dance instruction, coupled with a beautiful, two-room dance facility equipped with a sprung, marley performance floor, is the key to their success. The Holy Angels Dance Team is also very committed to giving back to their community. In 2012, they were awarded 1st Runner Up in the prestigious American School Spirit Award. Throughout the year, the dancers participate in multiple philanthropic endeavors supporting various organizations. Parents Magazine is proud to recognize and support their inspiring and hardworking commitment to excellence.