The Jersey Jewels Chapter of The Society, Incorporated will celebrate young artists with an afternoon of music, dance, spoken word, visual art and fashion.

CHERRY HILL — During my four years at Atlantic City High School, there were two dates I looked forward to every year. Right after Christmas, I would start preparing.

The first was the Atlantic City High School Youth Arts Festival, where the school’s dancers, visual artists, actors and other young creatives showcased their talents. The whole day was a celebration of artistic expression. Top participants would go on to the second event I eagerly anticipated: the South Jersey Youth Arts Festival at what was then Atlantic Community College.

I will write another time about why our young people need those festivals.

Although I am no longer a youth, I am saving the date of Nov. 7, 2026, because I am excited to experience the talent and creative vision on display at the Youth Arts Showcase.

The Jersey Jewels Chapter of The Society, Incorporated, an organization dedicated to supporting youth in the arts, will host the showcase Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 1989 Route 70 in Cherry Hill.

The chapter’s third biennial Arts Showcase carries the theme “Unleashing the Gift Within” and will highlight five artistic areas: literary, performing, visual, instrumental and vocal arts.

The afternoon’s lineup includes:

• Instrumental music: The string ensemble from Creative Arts High School in Camden will perform several selections under the direction of Patricio Acevedo.
• Music and literature: Two brothers who are both violinists and authors will perform. Their books will also be on display.
• Spoken word: An artist from the New Jersey Orators will deliver inspirational and thought-provoking monologues.
• A Michael Jackson tribute: Royal Purple Majesties, a Cherry Hill music and dance group directed by Lavon Fisher-Wilson, will pay tribute to the legendary entertainer.
• Dance: A student from Camden’s Creative Arts High School will give a dance performance.
• Visual arts: A gallery will feature paintings and other artwork selected from students in art teacher Shabree Crisdon’s classes at Eastside High School in Camden.
• Fashion: An emerging design student from Cherry Hill High School West will display fashions.

The Jersey Jewels Chapter supports The Society, Incorporated’s mission of uplifting young creatives and building a lasting impact through the arts. Guests will have an opportunity to meet the artists afterward and enjoy light refreshments.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through Zelle at thesociety.jerseyjewels@gmail.com. For tickets or additional information, contact Arts Committee Chairperson Emma Waring at 609-330-8539 or Ewaring33@verizon.net.

One of the best feelings I ever had was being a young artist and sharing my talent with the world. The next best feeling is discovering a young artist with a lifetime of possibilities ahead.

I am looking forward to Nov. 7, 2026, almost as much as the young people in the showcase.

Thanks for reading the whole story!

At Atlantic City Focus, we're committed to providing a platform where the diverse voices of our community can be heard, respected, and celebrated. As an independent online news platform, we rely on a unique mix of affordable advertising and the support of readers like you to continue delivering quality, community journalism that matters. Please support the businesses and organizations that support us by clicking on their ads. And by making a tax deductible donation today, you become a catalyst for change helping to amplify the authentic voices that might otherwise go unheard. And every contribution is greatly appreciated. Join us in making a difference—one uplifting story at a time!

The Unity & Heritage Exhibition is on display until December at The African American Heritage Museum Of Southern New Jersey.