Gallery U Boutique is proud to host the first of two exhibitions of work by members of the New Jersey Photography Forum. This first exhibition will highlight abstract photography. Participating photographers include Thomas Hart, Parvathi Kumar, Neil Larsen, Lane Lewis, Charlann Meluso, Charles Miller, Kathleen Nademus, Nancy Ori, Lisa Redburn, Phyllis Raffelson, Ken Roberts, Tom Stillman, and Heidi Sussman. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015, from 6-8 PM. All are welcome. The exhibition will be on display until March 2, 2015.

The New Jersey Photography Forum, started in 1995, is a group of professional fine art photography artists. The Forum provides exhibition opportunities and a chance for members to gather and talk about their work. The Forum has grown over the years to become the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in New Jersey.

Since their opening in September 2013, Gallery U Boutique has quickly positioned itself as an arts resource for the Westfield and surrounding communities by holding monthly art exhibits that focus on the talents of local artists, as well as showcasing original unique merchandise created by local artisans.

Gallery U Boutique is an extension of Universal Institute, a rehabilitation facility that services adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The venue serves as a vocational training program whose goal is to introduce people with TBI back into the work force and community. Clients at Universal Institute take part in all aspects of running Gallery U Boutique. Vocational, occupational and cognitive therapies are conducted in the back workrooms. Working at Gallery U Boutique provides an opportunity for adults with TBI to rejoin the workforce, engage with the community, learn new skills, and experience the transformative power of art through exposure to existing art and creation of their own artwork.