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.

Blazing Star Cultural Arts Center Building

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.

Design a peaceful retreat in miniature form.

Discover the calming art of Zen garden design while creating a personalized tabletop sanctuary. Participants will arrange sand, stones, decorative elements, and natural accents to create a unique garden inspired by traditional Japanese meditation gardens.

This relaxing workshop encourages mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression while providing a beautiful decorative piece to take home.

What You’ll Learn:

  1. Principles of Zen garden design
  2. Techniques for arranging natural elements
  3. Creating balance and visual harmony
  4. Personalizing your garden with decorative accents

All materials included. No experience necessary.

DIY Tropical Terrarium Workshop

Create your own miniature tropical paradise

Escape to the tropics without leaving town! In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and assemble a vibrant tropical terrarium using decorative sand, faux greenery, shells, and island-inspired embellishments.

Perfect for nature lovers and creative minds, this workshop allows you to build a unique display piece that brings a touch of paradise into your home.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Terrarium design fundamentals
  • Layering and arranging decorative materials
  • Creating balanced miniature landscapes
  • Personalizing your tropical scene

All materials included.

Open Studio – Leather Craft Edition

Bring It. Work On It. Finish It.

Open Studio is a flexible, self-paced creative session designed for leather crafters of all experience levels. Whether you’re working on an unfinished project, refining a previous creation, or starting something completely new, this open workspace provides the tools, materials, and support you need to continue your leatherworking journey.

Participants will have access to CJAC’s leatherworking tools, workspace, and creative community while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with light refreshments. Bring your own in-progress project or start fresh with leather provided by CJAC for a materials fee.

What to Expect:

  • Access to leatherworking tools and workspace
  • Supportive creative environment
  • Opportunity to continue unfinished projects
  • Leather available for new projects
  • Light refreshments

All skill levels welcome.

DIY Faux Waterfall

Bring the beauty of nature indoors.

Create a stunning miniature waterfall display using faux water effects, rocks, greenery, and decorative materials. Participants will learn techniques for constructing realistic-looking landscapes while designing a unique waterfall scene to display at home.

This workshop combines creativity and nature-inspired design to create a one-of-a-kind decorative piece.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Landscape composition techniques
  • Creating realistic faux water effects
  • Arranging natural elements
  • Building dimension and texture within your design

No prior experience required.

DIY Paper Crown Workshop

Create a crown that’s uniquely yours.

Explore the art of paper crafting as you design and decorate a custom paper crown. Participants will learn folding and construction techniques before personalizing their crowns with creative embellishments, colors, and patterns.

This workshop encourages imagination and self-expression while introducing basic paper engineering skills.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Paper folding and construction techniques
  • Decorative design methods
  • Creative customization skills
  • Wearable paper art fundamentals

Perfect for makers of all skill levels.

Game Building: Deck of Cards Edition

Design, create, and play with your own custom card deck.

Combine art, creativity, and game design in this unique workshop focused on creating a personalized deck of cards. Participants will develop themes, illustrate card designs, and assemble a fully functional deck that can be used for gameplay or displayed as a creative project.

Whether you’re an artist, gamer, or storyteller, this workshop offers a fun introduction to the creative process behind card game design.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Card design and illustration techniques
  • Creating cohesive themes and concepts
  • Basic game design principles
  • Deck assembly and finishing methods

Take home your completed custom deck.