Art’s at home in Boonton

Among the long-standing antique shops and boutiques along Boonton’s Main Street, a cluster of art galleries has formed, creating buzz about the town’s emerging art district.

Among the long-standing antique shops and boutiques along Boonton’s Main Street, a cluster of art galleries has formed, creating buzz about the town’s emerging art district. “Boonton is home to many artists and graphic designers, making it a natural home for the arts,” says Karen Korinda, executive director of Boonton Main Street, a nonprofit organization that promotes and preserves the town’s historic downtown. “We are working on developing Boonton as a destination for people to come and enjoy the arts.”

In the last year and a half, two new galleries have joined the veteran Broadfoot & Broadfoot Gallery (973.331.0077) and Tyndale Collection (973.334.3124) on the 800­–1000 block. With four contemporary fine art galleries now in place, visitors can see an exhibit, purchase art and—at the new Speak-Easy Art Gallery (973.557.8268, speakeasyart.com)—even take classes in drawing, painting and printmaking. Korinda hopes, in time, to offer performing arts in the district as well. 

“It’s an up-and-coming community,” says Kim Saunders, co-owner of the new s.h.e. Gallery (Supporting Human Equality) (973.335.0943, shegallery.com). “The residents are really invested in the community, and the businesses have really banded together to promote it.”

“Boonton is like a little secret,” says Saunders. “It’s a cool, edgy arts community, and people are already coming from all over to visit.”