The Morris County Tourism Bureau brings together artists, cultural leaders, philanthropists, and community advocates to celebrate the power of the arts to connect communities, inspire innovation, and strengthen the region’s cultural identity.

Creativity is at the heart of every vibrant community. It preserves local stories, inspires new ideas, builds connections, and helps shape the places we call home. Throughout Morris County, artists, cultural organizations, creative entrepreneurs, and community leaders are making a lasting impact through their work and their commitment to the arts.

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the Morris County Tourism Bureau will bring this creative community together for the Made in Morris: Arts in Action Breakfast, a celebration of the people, partnerships, and ideas shaping the county’s cultural future.

Held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, the breakfast will explore how the arts, philanthropy, business, and public leadership can work together to strengthen Morris County’s cultural identity, support economic growth, and sustain a thriving arts community.

A Keynote on Connection, Stewardship, and a Sense of Place

This year’s keynote presentation, “The Business of Connection: Art, Stewardship, and a Sense of Place,” will feature Sarah Ahart, President of the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation.

From the perspective of a place-based funder, Ahart will explore how collaboration and stewardship can foster meaningful connections and create a stronger sense of place. Her presentation highlights the important role that philanthropic investment and community partnerships can play in supporting the arts and building vibrant, connected communities.

The conversation reflects a broader understanding of the arts as more than a source of inspiration and entertainment. Creative initiatives can help preserve local character, encourage collaboration across sectors, and create lasting cultural and economic value.

Meet the Panelists: Building Our Cultural Future Together

The breakfast will also feature a panel discussion titled “Made in Morris: Building Our Cultural Future Together.” The conversation will examine how arts organizations, philanthropy, business, and public leadership can collaborate to strengthen the region’s cultural identity and support a sustainable creative community.

The 2026 panelists are:

• Thomas Loughman, President and CEO of the Morris Museum.
• Sarah Ahart, President of the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation.
• Marisa Sweeney, Assemblywoman for New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District.
• Stephen L. Fredericks, of The Growing Stage — The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, and a recipient of the Lifetime Arts Impact Award.

Together, these perspectives bring cultural leadership, philanthropy, public service, and arts advocacy into one conversation. By exploring shared challenges and opportunities, the panel will encourage attendees to consider how collaborative efforts can help Morris County’s arts community flourish for generations to come.

Celebrating the 2026 Award Winners

A highlight of Made in Morris: Arts in Action is the recognition of the individuals and organizations whose dedication, creativity, and leadership make a meaningful difference throughout the region.

The 2026 award winners represent a diverse range of contributions, from arts education and community engagement to creative entrepreneurship and long-standing cultural impact.

Patron of the Arts Award

Bruce and Ilene Jacobs

Recognized for their commitment to the arts, Bruce and Ilene Jacobs are honored through the Patron of the Arts Award. Their names are also associated with the Ilene and Bruce Jacobs Arts & Education Center at Mayo Performing Arts Center, reflecting the important connection between arts patronage and educational opportunity.

Arts Education Visionary Award

Cathy Roy — Mayo Performing Arts Center

This award recognizes Roy’s contribution to arts education and the role of educational programming in making creative experiences accessible and meaningful to the community.

Community Champion Award

Adia Harris — Cornerstone Family Programs and Morristown Neighborhood House

Harris is recognized for her community-focused work, highlighting the ways that arts and cultural engagement can help strengthen relationships and create opportunities for connection.

Innovative Creative Business Award

Alison Lukin and Kim Cera — Greater Morristown City Lifestyle and Eastern Morris City Lifestyle magazines

This award celebrates creative entrepreneurship and the role of local media in showcasing the people, businesses, and stories that contribute to the region’s distinctive identity.

Lifetime Arts Impact Award

Stephen L. Fredericks — The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey

Fredericks is recognized for his lasting contribution to the arts. Through its commitment to children’s theatre, The Growing Stage helps introduce young audiences to the performing arts and encourages creativity, imagination, and lifelong engagement with culture.

These honorees demonstrate how the arts thrive through the combined efforts of patrons, educators, community advocates, creative businesses, and cultural leaders. Their work underscores the importance of sustained support for the organizations and individuals who make Morris County a culturally vibrant place to live and visit.

Meet the Artists: Creativity That Connects and Inspires

The Made in Morris: Arts in Action Breakfast also celebrates the artists and creative entrepreneurs whose work reflects the richness, innovation, and collaborative spirit of Morris County.

This year’s featured artists include:

• Barbara Hindson — Barbara Hindson Photography. Through photography, Hindson captures images and perspectives that help tell stories and preserve meaningful moments.
• Caitlin Lodato — Hazy Moon Studios. An artist associated with Hazy Moon Studios, Lodato represents the creative talent and independent artistic practice that contribute to the county’s cultural landscape.
• Danielle and Chris Merzatta — Founders of Merzatta Jewelry. Recipients of the Creative Business Award, the Merzattas bring artistry and entrepreneurship together through their jewelry business.
• Gabriella D’Italia — Artist and Writer. D’Italia’s work across visual art and writing reflects the many ways creative expression can communicate ideas, experiences, and stories.

These artists and entrepreneurs demonstrate that creativity takes many forms. Whether through photography, studio art, jewelry design, or writing, their work offers opportunities to connect with others, share perspectives, and bring new ideas into the community.

By spotlighting local talent, Made in Morris celebrates the people behind the region’s creative energy and encourages continued support for the artists and businesses that make Morris County distinctive.

The Arts as a Catalyst for Community and Economic Growth

The impact of the arts extends far beyond galleries, theatres, and studios. Cultural experiences help shape memorable destinations, strengthen community pride, support local businesses, and create opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the region in meaningful ways. Through conversations, recognition, and networking, Made in Morris: Arts in Action encourages attendees to look beyond individual organizations and consider how collective investment can create a stronger creative ecosystem.