December's month-long major exhibit by six local artists at the township's new Farmstead Arts Center will be followed by other shows and artistic endeavors into 2011.

"SHOW Number ONE, Works by SIX" continues through Dec. 28 with pieces from five artists from Basking Ridge and one from Bernardsville. The works from the artists are displayed on the walls of the once-dilapidated farmhouse on the Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmhouse, a property purchased by the township in 1999.

The farmhouse's rebirth as an arts center was formally unveiled in October.

"It's a really exciting an an intimate setting," said Serena Bocchino, a township artist who also used the occasion of a Dec. 4 reception for the Works by SIX to unveil her new book, "Who Am I?"

"The opportunity to have more art in Basking Ridge is the key thing," Bocchino said. She said an active arts scene enhances a town.

"I am so impressed. I love the building and I love the way it (the show) is set up," said Jean Melillo, of Basking Ridge, who attended Saturday's reception for the art show. She said she hadn't known that the new art center existed before her visit.

Carol Skolnik, of Basking Ridge, said she was struck by Bocchino's artwork, much of which is featured in the artist's books.

Local jazz guitarist Arturo performed at the reception. Refreshments were served to a steady crowd that arrived to view the artwork in a new setting.

The artists' work is displayed in rooms throughout the farmhouse, built in stages in the 1700s and 19th century. Volunteers will staff the center to allow the exhibit to stay open until Dec. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The center will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25.

The Farmstead Arts Center already has scheduled other major shows into the winter, including a Ridge High School show, scheduled for Jan. 14 to 17, which will feature sculpture, fine arts and photography by more than 80 students.

The arts center is envisioned as a place for all of the arts. A Valentine's Concert and Art Show, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 13, will bring together the Comune sisters from Warren Township, who will display their talents on the piano, in fine artwork and through floral arrangement.

Hilary Klimek, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead, said the center is looking into March for the scheduling of additional events.

Various arts and music classes for children and adults are expected to begin in 2011. The center also intends to present Sunday concerts with tea once a month.

Klimek said the center is constantly on the lookout for volunteers to help staff the center and keep it running as it continues to grow into an arts venue.

One of the featured artists, Linda Arnold, said she served on the original committee several years ago charged with the task of what to do with the farmstead after the property was purchased by Bernards Township.

"There were about 15 of us—we sat and thought about what it could be," Arnold said.

Eventually, the Liberty Corner artist said she would like to teach at the center.

Township artist Jody Jacobus said she thought it was exciting that the town had chosen to open a center for the arts, and she hopes the town will support the venue.

Bernardsville artist Gail Mardfin and Caren Frost Olmsted, a township resident who grew up in Bernardsville, said they envision the Farmstead Arts Center as someday being part of an art studio tour that would encompass Basking Ridge and Bernardsville.

Olmsted, who painted the school mural at the Oak Street School, said her style works well with paintings by Mardfin. The two artists, who also are friends, are displaying their pieces in the same room at the arts center.

Artwork in the show is for sale. 

More information on the Farmstead Arts Center is online.