Morris Arts is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for Great Conversations, happening April 29 from 6:00-9:30 PM at a NEW location – the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. This one-of-a-kind gala supporting Morris Arts encourages guests to unplug, make meaningful face-to-face connections, and immerse themselves in the art of conversation.
During the main dinner portion of the evening, attendees sit with one of 20 captivating conversationalists including artists, Broadway actors, culinary entrepreneurs, scientists, and a cross section of executives from pharma and medical, including a gut health expert. Each conversationalist leads a discussion with their table about their field of expertise and encourages the guests seated with them to ask questions and share their own experiences.
“Great Conversations is a rare opportunity to hear directly from individuals at the top of their field and meet other likeminded community members seated at your table,” said Merle Johnson, Morris Arts’ Board President, and Event Chair. “You never know where connections made at Great Conversations will lead – lifelong friendships, job opportunities, helpful career insights – purchasing a ticket can open a lot of doors.”
2026 Conversationalists
This year’s conversationalists include the drummer in Billy Joel’s band, a critically acclaimed horror writer, the Owners & Founders of LOKL Café, an expert in AI recruiting from a leading executive search firm, a Broadway actor, and more. A full list of conversationalists and their bios are available at morrisarts.org, where tickets are available for purchase.
When purchasing tickets, attendees select five conversationalists they are interested in. Upon arrival at Great Conversations, they’ll find out which one of their five choices they will be seated with at dinner. During the cocktail hour guests can mingle with other conversationalists, colleagues, and attendees.
Supporting the Arts, Connection, and Self-Expression
In an age of increasing isolation, Morris Arts’ programming cultivates connection and delivers vital opportunities for self-expression. Creative Aging Memoir Writing workshops provide a collaborative environment for adults 55+ to preserve their memories. The No More Empty Chairs Project, in partnership with Morristown High School, brings together students from a variety of artistic disciplines to create artwork focused on themes like loneliness, belonging, and mental well-being. Events like Pumpkin Illumination have become beloved traditions where community members of all ages gather. Proceeds from Great Conversations help Morris Arts continue these programs and many more.
The fundraiser also offers attendees the opportunity to experience the power of in-person connection firsthand. In addition to dinner with a conversationalist, the cocktail hour gives guests ample time to talk with individuals from all walks of life. Each year the event attracts business executives, artists, nonprofit leaders, educators, and more. “Not only does Great Conversations raise money for arts programs that connect and engage Morris County residents, but the event itself also brings people together. It perfectly complements our mission of building community through the arts,” said Morris Arts’ Executive Director Patsy Clew.
Sponsors
Morris Arts would like to thank the following sponsors for generously supporting Great Conversations:
Conversationalists’ Reception: Finn Partners
Encore: Finn Partners, Montclair Hospitality Group
Ovation: Valley Bank
Applause: Atlantic Health, Crispy Green, Gensler, PwC, Sills Cummis & Gross
Star: Bank of America Private Bank, Morris County Chamber of Commerce, NK Architects, ShopRite of Greater Morristown
Supporting Role: BrainWorks, Kraus Marketing, LOKL Café, Melanie and Alan Levitan, Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, Shital Kamble, Will Draper/Veterans Valor
2026 Conversationalists: L-R from top 2026 Conversationalists: Sarah Alspach – Biotechnology Innovati[on Organization (BIO), Jeff Andrilenas – TBLS Environmental Advisory Services, Yianni Arvanites – LOKL Café, Chuck Burgi – Drummer, Nat Cassidy – Horror Writer, Nana Danso – Pfizer, Cheryl Dennis – Circle in the Square Theatre, Todd Doney – Fine Artist, Amy Goff – Vocalist, Guy Gomis – BrainWorks, Matthew Grossman, MD – Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, Michael Hollick – Broadway Actor, Kristen Johnson – Johnson & Johnson, Emily Laber-Warren – Science Journalist, Brian Lawrence – FellowshipLIFE, Angela Liu – Crispy Green, Gary Lynch – The Risk Project, Ken Magos – Drive By History, Kelley O’Donnell – Actor, Tom Prol – Sills Cummis & Gross, Luck Sarabhayvanija – Montclair Hospitality Group, Panos Stogioglou – LOKL Café, Ron Weiss, MD – Ethos Primary Care.
Pictures from Great Conversations 2025
Founded in 1973, Morris Arts has been building community through the arts for over 50 years. As the designated arts council for Morris County, the nonprofit works to provide meaningful artistic experiences for all county residents regardless of age, means, or background. They facilitate high-quality arts education programs for students, community arts events, and arts in health programs that improve participants’ well-being. Additionally, Morris Arts advocates for the arts and regrants state funds to local arts organizations, expanding access to arts experiences throughout Morris County.