Central NJ Artist Forum

Friends of Metuchen Arts - Central NJ Artist Forum

A Journey of Breakthroughs: Navigating the Evolution of an Art Practice

Join the “Friends of Metuchen Arts - Central NJ Artist Forum” for an afternoon dedicated to the business, heart, and hustle of growing an artistic practice, where we aim to foster a supportive “artist helping artists” community. From emerging creators to seasoned professionals, we’ll dive into the realities of evolving a sustainable creative life, while keeping inspiration front and center.

Date: June 14, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Location:

American Legion Post 65

17 Calvin Place, Metuchen, NJ 08840

Free Parking at Event Site

Event Highlights:

Keynote Presentation: The Counterpoint of Passion and Purpose

In the arts world, passion is the spark that starts a career, but purpose is the fuel that sustains it. What does it look like to move from a seat in the orchestra to a seat at the leadership table? Judy Yin-Chi Lee has navigated the highest levels of the New York arts scene, performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center while simultaneously managing multimillion-dollar arts district projects and global mentorship programs. In this session, Judy discusses the strategic shift from passion (doing what you love) to purpose (creating what is needed). She reveals how artists can leverage their disciplined training to lead organizations, influence policy, and build equitable pipelines—all while navigating the beautiful complexities of raising two sons.

A native of Taiwan, Judy Yin-Chi Lee is a dynamic musician and administrator serving as the Chief Program Officer at Maestra Music. A trailblazer in the industry, Judy holds the distinction of being the first female Asian brass player to hold a Broadway show chair, with a portfolio that includes over 25 Broadway credits and collaborations with legends like Hugh Jackman, Harry Connick Jr, Lang Lang, Kelli O'Hara, Jason Robert Brown, and many more. Her dual career as an elite performer, appearing regularly at major venues like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, and a seasoned administrator allows her to lead Maestra’s programs with a unique, artist-centered perspective. A dedicated advocate for community and equity, she has led large-scale engagement initiatives for the New Jersey Symphony and currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Friends of Metuchen Arts.

Expert Panel Discussion: Led by Claire McClanahan, a panel of distinguished local artists, Linda Vonderschmidt LaStella, Joseph Castronova, Vika Chala, and Dontae Muse, will pull back the curtain on the "nitty-gritty" of the art world.

Our panelists will tackle the practical questions every artist faces:

- Valuing Your Work: How to factor time, skill, and market trends into your pricing.

- Authentic Self-Promotion: Navigating social media while preserving your artistic integrity.

- Professional Presence: Best practices for gallery relationships, auditions, and presentations.

- Financial Stability: Managing a "portfolio career" through sales, teaching, grants, and part-time work.

- Insider Insights: Non-obvious business advice gained from years of lived experience.

- Networking & Community: Connect with fellow Central NJ creatives over light fare and refreshments.

Schedule of Events:

1:00 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:10 PM Networking & Refreshments

1:40 PM Keynote: Judy Lee - A Journey of Breakthroughs

2:10 PM Break

2:25 PM Panel Discussion: Navigating the Evolution of an Art Practice

3:25 PM Socializing, Networking & Light Fare

4:25 PM Closing Remarks

This program is sponsored by Basecamp Studio and Gallery, Metuchen.

Pictured above, left to right–Top: Judy Yin-Chi Lee, Claire McClanahan

Bottom: Joseph Castronova, Vika Chala, Linda Vonderschmidt LaStella and Dontae Muse

Come for Insight, Stay for Community

Let's build a sustainable Arts Future together!

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Host or Publisher Friends of Metuchen Arts