The arts are essential in building vital communities. Meaningful arts programming can connect us as a society and revitalize us as individuals. Art is fundamental to a well-rounded educational system and a prospering economy. Communities that integrate art into their culture possess a universal language to interpret the past and envision the future. Central Jersey has a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. CJAC ensures communities have access to everything this region has to offer.
Located at the Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, 63 Carteret Avenue.
Scan to RSVP and join us at our upcoming events! We look forward to seeing you there!
Summer Yoga & Breath work
Breathe, move, and reconnect this summer with a community-centered Yoga & Breath work series throughout Carteret.
Participants can enjoy gentle 55+ chair yoga, sunset yoga, breath work, and outdoor movement experiences designed to support mindfulness, flexibility, balance, relaxation, and overall wellness. No experience is necessary—come as you are.
Classes will take place at the Carteret Community Center, Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center Outdoor Patio, Carteret Park by the Pond, and the Carteret Performing Arts Center Rooftop. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat or towel if they wish; mats will be available for those who need one.
Sunset class times may slightly adjust throughout the summer based on the changing sunset schedule.
For more information, call 732-541-3879 or email info@centraljerseyartscouncil.org.
Magical DIY Color-Changing Crystal Ball
Step into a world of color, creativity, and a little bit of magic! In this hands-on workshop, kids will create their very own magical color-changing crystal ball using colorful materials, glitter, gems, and special color-changing effects. Participants will get to build and decorate their crystal ball while exploring how light and movement can completely transform its appearance.
Each crystal ball will turn out differently, giving every participant a unique creation to take home and enjoy. This workshop is perfect for young artists who love colorful crafts, imaginative projects, and creating something they can proudly display.
Date: Monday, August 3
Time: 5:00 PM
Ages: 7+
Location: Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, 63 Carteret Ave., Carteret, NJ 07008
Materials: All materials are included.
Jewelry Workshop – Open Studio
Bring your creativity to our Jewelry Workshop Open Studio! This open-format workshop gives jewelry lovers the opportunity to work on their own projects in a relaxed and creative environment. Whether you have a favorite piece that needs a little fixing, want to add new elements to something you already own, or have an idea for something completely new, this space is designed for you.
Participants will have access to tools, supplies, materials, and inspiration while working at their own pace. You can repair or mend jewelry, add new details, upgrade an existing piece, or start creating something new. No previous jewelry-making experience is necessary, making this a great opportunity for beginners and experienced creators alike.
Date: Thursday, August 6
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Location: Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, 63 Carteret Ave., Carteret, NJ 07008
Skill Level: All levels welcome.
Magical DIY Paint Pour Animals
Pour it, swirl it, and watch your artwork come to life! During our Magical DIY Paint Pour Animals workshop, kids will create their own colorful animal masterpiece using fun and creative paint-pouring techniques.
Participants will choose their animal and use vibrant paints to create colorful swirls, patterns, and combinations across their piece. Because paint pouring creates different patterns every time, no two animals will look exactly the same! Kids will get to experiment with color while creating a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork to take home.
This hands-on workshop is a fun way for young artists to explore color, creativity, and a different style of painting.
Date: Monday, August 10
Time: 6:00 PM
Ages: 7+
Location: Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, 63 Carteret Ave., Carteret, NJ 07008
Materials: All materials are included.
Leather Workshop- Open Studio
Work on your leather projects in a creative and supportive environment at our Leather Workshop Open Studio! This open studio is designed for participants of all skill levels to bring their ideas to life while working at their own pace.
Bring an old, unfinished, or previously started leather piece and continue working on it for free. Participants can work on projects such as wallets, keychains, bracelets, belts, pouches, and more. Tools and workspace will be available to help you repair, customize, finish, or reimagine your leather pieces.
Don’t have an existing project? You can also start something completely new during the workshop for a $20 project charge.
Dates: Thursday, August 13, August 20 & August 27
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Location: Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, 63 Carteret Ave., Carteret, NJ 07008
Cost: Existing/unfinished projects are FREE to work on. New projects are $20.
Skill Level: All levels welcome.
Back to School Kids DIY Charms
Start the school year with something that’s completely your own! Our Back to School Kids DIY Charms workshop gives kids the chance to create colorful accessories that show off their individual style and personality.
Participants can design their own bag charms, bracelets, keychains, and more using a variety of fun beads, charms, colors, and accessories. Kids can mix and match their favorite pieces, experiment with different combinations, and create something they can use on their backpack, bag, keys, or as an accessory.
This workshop is all about creativity, personalization, and having fun while making something unique to take home.
Date: Monday, August 24
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Ages: 6+ with adult supervision
Location: Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center, 63 Carteret Ave., Carteret, NJ 07008
Central Jersey Arts Council Summer Choir Camp 2026
Young singers are invited to spend two weeks learning, performing, and building their musical skills at the Central Jersey Arts Council Summer Choir Camp 2026, directed by Mr. M. Gonzalez, Carteret Junior High School Choir Director.
Throughout the program, students will strengthen their music-reading abilities, develop sight-singing skills, learn vocal warm-ups and rehearsal techniques, and perform music from a variety of genres. In addition to musical instruction, students will work on communication, leadership, collaboration, and building confidence while connecting with other young musicians.
The camp concludes with a free public performance on Friday, August 7 at 11:30 AM, where students will have the opportunity to showcase what they have learned throughout the program.
Dates: Monday–Friday, July 27–31 & August 3–7
Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM each day
Who Can Attend: Any Middlesex County student entering grades 6–12 in September 2026
Location: Carteret Performing Arts Center, 46 Washington Street, Carteret, NJ
Cost: $35 for the full two weeks
The registration fee includes music theory, choral instruction, and character education activities. Water will be provided each day, along with lunch on Friday, July 31 and a reception following the August 7 performance. Students are encouraged to bring a small snack each day.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required.