After 50 years, the New Arts Program (NAP) in Kutztown is ending.

According to NAP Vice President Ted Ormai, the work of local, New York City and international artists exhibited in the program “put Kutztown on the map.”

The Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institute, has accepted NAP archives for repository.

Nearly 300 visual artists, dancers, musicians, writers and poets participated in NAP since its founding in 1974, including artist Keith Haring, poet Allen Ginsberg, musicians Philip Glass and Lenny Pickett, artist Patricia Johanson and painter and computer artist Robert Stanley.

“New Arts Program 50th Season Celebration Exhibit, The Middle Years: 1982-1999,” second of three exhibitions marking the anniversary, continues through March 24, New Arts Gallery, Kutztown.

“The Late Years: 2000-2023” is April 12-June 23, with an opening reception, 6-9 p.m. April 12 and closing reception, noon-2 p.m. June 23.

“The Early Years: 1974-1981” was Sept. 15-Dec. 10.

NAP has hosted forums and performances, produced television programs and publications and become an archive and reference library.

Founded in 1974 by Kutztown University professor and artist James Carroll, NAP provided visiting artists with two-day residencies where they presented talks coinciding with their exhibits in the gallery on the first floor of Carroll’s art studio. Carroll has served as director for five decades.

In his “NAP Preview” newsletter, Carroll announced that the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., has accepted the New Arts Program archives for repository.

In the “New Arts Program 50th Season” booklet, Carrol states “The New Arts Program itself will end on June 20, 2024.”

While the New Arts Gallery is NAP’s home, Ormai says, “We don‘t have a big space.” When needing a larger venue, events were held at Kutztown University and other colleges, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown, and the Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia.

Ormai, an artist and videographer, has been involved with NAP for 30 years.

Lisa Eshleman Murray has known Carroll and his family for more than 50 years. “I used to be a babysitter for them when I was a kid,” says the 1977 Kutztown University graduate and multimedia artist. “James was always a mentor to me. He was the best professor that I had,” says Murray.

Kutztown native Murray knew Haring since high school. “He was my sister Janice’s best friend in high school,” Murray recalls.

Murray and Haring remained friends after he moved to New York City. “The last time I saw Keith was in 1989,” says Murray. “He died shortly thereafter on February 16, 1990, on my sister’s birthday.”

Artist and writer Patricia Goodrich says it’s Carroll’s wish that all of the artists be included in the collection destined for the Smithsonian, not just materials relating to famous artists. The Archives of American Art agreed to that condition, she said.

New Arts Program funding is provided in part through the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and local businesses.

“New Arts Program 50th Season Celebration Exhibition, The Middle Years: 1982-1999,” through March 24; “The Late Years: 2000-2023,” April 12-June 23; Opening reception, 6-9 p.m. April 12; Closing reception, noon -2 p.m. June 23, New Arts Gallery, 173 W. Main St., Kutztown. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday - Sunday, and by appointment. Information: 610-683-6440; https://newartsprogram.org

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com