
Whittemore – Community, Culture & Conservation - Tenth Anniversary Gala
ART OF THE EARTH - A CULINARY CANVAS
TENTH
ANNIVERSARY
GALA
June 19, 2026
YOUR INVITED

May 7 - July 1st, 2026
Exhibition Dates
Opening Reception
May 7, 630:-8:30pm
Location
Submission Deadline
Whittemore – Community, Culture & Conservation
March 15, 2026
Entry Fee
$45


At A Glance
In 2026, Whittemore – Community, Culture & Conservation celebrates ten years
of cultivating community through nature, the arts, wellness, and education.
What began as a vision to preserve open space and bring people together has
grown into a vibrant cultural gathering place in Tewksbury and the surrounding
region.
Through programs spanning seven core platforms—including the arts,
conservation, education, wellness, and community engagement—Whittemore
continues to inspire connection, creativity, and stewardship of the natural world.
This special anniversary year honors the people, partnerships, and shared
passions that have shaped Whittemore’s journey and looks ahead to the futur e
we will continue to build together.
The Tenth Anniversary Gala marks this milestone with an evening celebrating the
spirit, beauty, and community that define Whittemore.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

For ten years, Whittemore – Community, Culture & Conservation has served as a gathering place where nature, the arts, wellness, and education come together. As we celebrate our 10-Year Anniversary, we reflect on a decade of growth and community support that has helped transform Whittemore into a vibrant cultural and environmental resource for our region. This milestone year is an opportunity not only to celebrate what has been accomplished, but also to invest in the future of Whittemore.
Situated on 180 acres of preserved land, Whittemore provides a unique environment where visitors can explore nature, attend cultural events, and participate in educational and wellness programming. The property includes more than 11 miles of walking trails, gardens, meditation spaces, and outdoor learning areas that are open to the public year-round. These trails wind through forests, meadows, and along the Rockaway Creek, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, reflection, and connection with the natural landscape.
Each year more than 4,000 visitors—including families, students, artists, educators, and community members come through Whittemore to attend programs, walk the trails, participate in educational workshops, and experience our cultural events.
The following sponsorship opportunities directly support the preservation of Whittemore’s 180 acres, the maintenance of our trail system, and the continued growth of our educational, cultural, and wellness programs. Sponsorships help care for these special places while ensuring that Whittemore remains a vibrant community resource for years to come.
Sponsors supporting Whittemore during this anniversary year will be recognized as partners in celebrating our first decade and helping shape the next chapter of Whittemore’s future.

Landscape & Community Space Sponsorships
Frog Pond - SPONSORED
$5,000 — Sponsorship through 2027
The Frog Pond is one of Whittemore’s most cherished natural habitats and a highlight of the property’s diverse ecosystems. This vibrant pond supports frogs, salamanders, insects, birds, and other wildlife—creating a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for visitors of all ages. More than a simple water feature, the Frog Pond serves as both a critical ecological resource and a place of wonder and discovery. Located along Whittemore’s trails, the pond provides a peaceful stop for walkers and a focal point for children exploring nature. It is also a central feature for school field trips, Summer Nature Camp, and environmental education workshops, where students can observe wildlife, study wetlands, and participate in hands-on activities that foster curiosity and environmental stewardship. Sponsorship helps ensure the ongoing health of the pond and its surrounding landscape, supporting Whittemore’s broader mission of conservation and education. It enables habitat maintenance, seasonal wildlife monitoring, and programming that teaches children and community members about wetlands, biodiversity, and the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems. By sponsoring the Frog Pond, donors help protect a vital part of Whittemore’s landscape while directly contributing to engaging educational experiences for hundreds of children and families each year.
Vernal Pond on Whittemore Way
$2,500 — Sponsorship through 2027
The Vernal Pond on Whittemore Way is a seasonal and ecologically rich habitat that plays an important role in supporting local wildlife. Unlike permanent ponds, vernal pools provide a safe breeding ground for frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians, free from fish predators. This small but vital ecosystem also attracts insects, birds, and other species, making it an important site for biodiversity on the property. Located along Whittemore Way, the pond offers a quiet and educational stop for visitors, and serves as a highlight during field trips and summer camp programs where children learn firsthand about wetlands and the cycles of nature. Sponsorship helps maintain the health of the pond and its surrounding landscape while supporting Whittemore’s environmental stewardship and hands-on educational programming.
Community Gardens
$5,000 - Sponsorship through 2027
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Labyrinth
$5,000 — Sponsorship through 2027
The Whittemore Meditation Circuit, designed by Director of Wellness Carl Klemme, is a thoughtfully curated mindfulness experience woven throughout Whittemore’s 11 miles of trails. This unique circuit invites visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect more deeply with the natural landscape. Each meditation bench is more than a place to sit—it is a work of art. Crafted from fallen trees found on the property, the benches are sculptural pieces created by artist David Horowitz, Whittemore’s Curator of the Sculpture Gardens. These organic forms honor the land itself, transforming natural materials into meaningful spaces for rest and contemplation. The benches are located in three distinct and serene settings across the property: Rockaway Stream — Helen Whittemore’s favorite place on the land The Cedars — a quiet, shaded grove The Pines — a peaceful, immersive woodland of towering trees Each location has been intentionally chosen to evoke a different sensory and emotional connection to nature. To further enhance the experience, each site features a QR code that guides visitors through a mindfulness meditation created specifically for that location. This allows individuals to engage in a self-guided journey of reflection, presence, and renewal. Each bench also offers a unique naming opportunity. Sponsors may dedicate a specific location in honor or memory of a loved one, family, or organization—becoming a lasting part of Whittemore’s landscape. Sponsorship supports the preservation of these sculptural benches and the continued development of Whittemore’s wellness programming, ensuring that visitors can experience moments of stillness, beauty, and connection throughout the property.
Bee Hives
$2,500 each — Sponsorship through 2027 – ONLY TWO LEFT!
Whittemore’s bee hives play a vital role in supporting pollination across our gardens and natural landscape, while also serving as an important part of our environmental education efforts. Through hands-on learning and observation, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the essential role bees play in sustaining our ecosystem and food systems. The bee program is led by our dedicated beekeepers, Mark Johnson and Ben Tolpa, who care for and maintain the hives while contributing to educational programming and seasonal activities. There are three hives available for sponsorship, each offering a unique naming opportunity. In addition to naming a hive, sponsors are recognized in connection with that hive’s seasonal honey harvest—creating a meaningful and ongoing connection to the land and its natural cycles. Sponsors are also acknowledged as part of Whittemore’s annual Honey Harvest, celebrating the connection between nature, food, and community. Sponsorship supports the care and maintenance of the hives, the health of our pollinator populations, and the continued growth of Whittemore’s sustainability and educational initiatives.
Whittemore Bench
$1,500 each — Sponsorship through 2027
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Whittemore Pathway Bricks
$250 each
Become a permanent part of Whittemore by sponsoring an engraved pathway brick. These bricks will be installed along the WCCC entrance pathway leading to Whittemore House, creating a welcoming walkway that honors the individuals, families, and supporters who have helped Whittemore grow. Each engraved brick serves as a lasting symbol of community support, offering donors a meaningful way to be recognized while becoming part of Whittemore’s story for years to come.
Education Program Sponsorship
$8,000 — Sponsorship through 2028
Whittemore’s education programs are at the heart of our mission, providing children and families with meaningful opportunities to learn, explore, and grow through hands-on experiences in nature. Rooted in environmental stewardship, creativity, and community connection, these programs serve students of all ages throughout the year. Each year, Whittemore reaches hundreds of children and works with a dedicated team of educators and program leaders who bring these experiences to life through thoughtful and engaging instruction. Our offerings include: School Field Trips — students engage directly with the land through guided exploration and seasonal learning After-School Programs — combining nature, art, and experiential education Summer Nature Camp — immersive outdoor experiences focused on ecosystems, wildlife, and the rhythms of the natural world Whittemore also hosts special programming such as Children’s Garden Quilt Day, along with a variety of seasonal workshops and activities that bring families together through gardening, storytelling, and creative expression. These programs are designed to inspire curiosity, foster environmental responsibility, and encourage collaboration and friendship. Sponsorship supports educators, program materials, and scholarships—ensuring that these enriching experiences remain accessible to a broad and diverse community of children. It also helps sustain and grow Whittemore’s role as a place where young people can connect with nature, learn through doing, and build lasting memories.
Galleries & Arts Program Sponsorship
$7,500 — Sponsorship through 2027
Whittemore’s Galleries serve as a vibrant cultural hub where art, community, and creativity come together. Over the past decade, Whittemore has hosted more than 100 artists from Hunterdon County and parts of Pennsylvania, showcasing a wide range of local and regional talent across multiple disciplines. Throughout the year, Whittemore presents rotating exhibitions, opening receptions, and its signature Salon des Artists events—creating opportunities for artists and the community to connect through shared creative experiences. Sponsorship also supports our Artist-in-Residence program and public workshops, providing both emerging and established artists with the space and resources to create while engaging the community in hands-on learning. The galleries serve as an extension of Whittemore’s educational mission, inspiring students and young artists through collaborations with local schools and interactive programs that foster creativity and artistic development. Sponsorship supports the curation and installation of exhibitions, artist partnerships, workshops, and programming—helping to ensure that the arts remain an accessible and integral part of the Whittemore experience. Sponsors receive recognition within the gallery spaces and at select arts events, aligning their name with Whittemore’s commitment to fostering creativity, culture, and community engagement.
Premier Sponsorship Opportunity
$25,000 — Gala Underwriter & 10-Year Anniversary Sponsor
As Whittemore celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary, this premier sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to serve as the lead underwriter of our Anniversary Gala—the signature event of this milestone year. The Gala Underwriter receives distinguished recognition as the 10-Year Anniversary Sponsor, with prominent visibility throughout the event and across anniversary programming. This includes recognition on all gala materials, invitations, event signage, digital communications, and select Whittemore programming throughout the year. Gala Underwriter Benefits Include: Premier recognition as “10-Year Anniversary Gala Underwriter” A VIP table for 10 guests at the Anniversary Gala Opportunity for on-stage recognition and/or speaking remarks Top-tier logo placement on all printed and digital gala materials Recognition in press, social media, and post-event communications Inclusion in event signage and sponsor displays throughout the evening Private pre-event access at the Gala Ongoing recognition tied to Whittemore’s 10-Year Anniversary celebration events through 2028 This leadership-level support plays a vital role in sustaining Whittemore’s mission. It directly contributes to the preservation of our 180-acre property, the maintenance of 11 miles of trails, and the continued growth of our educational, cultural, and wellness initiatives. As a premier partner, sponsors align their name with a decade of community impact—supporting nature, the arts, education, and wellness—while engaging with the thousands of visitors who come to Whittemore each year. Corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are available.
THE FINE PRINT
Juried Selection
Submissions will be reviewed by a jury panel composed of WCCC leadership and arts professionals.
Artists will be selected based on:
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Artistic excellence and craftsmanship
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Strength of the Then & Now pairing
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Clarity of artistic evolution
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Alignment with Whittemore’s mission and anniversary theme
All submitted artwork must follow the above mentioned guidelines and be ready for install (if complicated supply directions and supplies). To register, either use the form below or send your submissions to Carolyn Thow including high-resolution JPEG's, titles, dimensions, medium, and sale price or NFT information
Artists are invited to delve into the theme of nature across a spectrum of mediums, offering abundant space for interpretation. Whether it's through the inventive use of upcycled materials, the classic strokes of painting, the captivating lens of photography, the artistry of bookmaking, the delicacy of works on paper, the sculptural form, or the dynamic fusion of mixed media incorporating natural elements, we welcome diverse artistic expressions. The exhibition embraces both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works, providing a versatile platform for creativity that transcends traditional boundaries.

Thank You
Thank You to our following sponsors.

Flowers By The River

Highlands Dinner Club

Culinary Journeys

Metro Management