Self-portrait of painter John F. Peto in his studio | Courtesy John F. Peto Museum
As we make the journey through spring, State of the Arts is deep in production around the state, with many new stories to come this season.
On April 1st, watch “The Art of Reenactment.” On a frosty day in January, producer Jessica Dotson went on location to a Revolutionary War site to see how the Princeton Battlefield Society uses costumes, music, and staging to bring history to life. Second camera Jack Stawowczyk was embedded with the troops, where he captured the “soldier’s eye” view. He had to don a full uniform, as photographers are usually not permitted in the field!
Videographer Jack Stawowczyk has his uniform adjusted
In April and May, seven more features dedicated to the winners of this year’s New Jersey Heritage Fellowships will premiere. Each fellowship artist is a practitioner of a craft that carries on a valuable cultural tradition. Their stories were beautifully filmed and edited by producer and director of photography Nate Reininga. The first episode, featuring rhythm tap dancer Deborah Mitchell, Andean musician Pepe Santana, and Kathak choreographer Rachna Sarang, can be seen in full here.
2026 NJ Heritage Fellow Ramya Ramnarayan is a Bharatanatyam performer, choreographer & educator
In June, we visit the high-tech art conservation lab at the spectacular new Princeton University Art Museum. We take a tour of the quirky 19th century house in Island Heights that belonged to John F. Peto, a once-forgotten trompe-l’œil painter. And, we go into the field with People and Stories/Gente y Cuentos to see how literature can transform lives.
Conservator Elena Torok gives a tour of the Princeton University Art Museum Conservation Lab
State of the Arts goes on location with the most creative people in New Jersey, and that means our production crews can be found in some amazing places! If you see one of our crews out and about, stop and say hello. Also, we get many of our story ideas from viewers, so please send your suggestions along.
