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Art Views, Education

Hudson County Community College Foundation Art Collection Celebrates the Incredible Works of African American Artists  

The Foundation Art Collection is proud to honor the works of African American artists during Black History Month

Willie Cole’s 1999 work, “Man, Spirit, Mask,” is displayed prominently in HCCC’s Gabert Library.

February 9, 2024, Jersey City, NJ – With Black History Month upon us, it’s a good time to reflect on and celebrate the rich and diverse contributions and experiences of African and African American artists. The Hudson County Community College Foundation Art Collection is proud to feature an extensive collection of works by African and African American artists and works depicting the African American experience and story.

The Foundation Art Collection is home to over 90 permanently installed works by African American artists and artworks exploring the impact of the African diaspora. Many of these are world-renowned artists, some of whom are from or live in New Jersey, like Willie Cole, Faith Ringgold, and more. 

Some of the works in the Collection are challenging to look at, serving as a stark reminder of the severe hardships and grave injustices that Africans and African Americans have endured. But the Collection also pays homage to the resilience and spirit of the people who collectively struggled against injustice and celebrates the triumph of overcoming adversity. In many ways, the works in the Collection embody famed African American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s words, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. It may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

One group of works that captures the poetry of this struggle is the Collection’s many portraits of renowned Caribbean artist Bob Blackburn by differing artists including Will Barnett, Paul John, Rie Hasagawa, Denise Kasof, Justin Sands, and Bruce Waldman. Born in Summit, New Jersey to Jamaican immigrant parents, Blackburn grew up in Harlem and became an accomplished artist. Frustrated that segregated printshops of the day wouldn’t let him work there, Blackburn took matters into his own hands and created his printshop in 1947 so that people of color and women (who were also excluded from printmaking workshops) had a place to work and create. Today, over 75 years later, the EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop (EFA RBPMW) is the nation’s oldest and longest-running community print shop.

The Foundation Art Collection is home to three works by Willie Cole, a world-renowned sculptor and New Jersey native. Cole is perhaps best known for transforming unassuming, everyday household items like bicycle parts, high-heeled shoes, and even discarded appliances into striking sculptures. He also creates art inspired by African masks, and his 1999 limited-edition print triptych, Man Spirit Mask, is prominently displayed in Gabert Library. Beyond HCCC, Cole’s art is found at prestigious museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Newark Museum.

The Collection also features two works by Faith Ringgold, who was born in Harlem and later moved to Englewood, New Jersey. As a child, Ringgold suffered from chronic asthma and was thus drawn to art as a hobby at an early age. Ringgold is known for her paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and, perhaps most of all, her narrative quilts like The American Collection and The French Collection. The Foundation Art Collection is home to the digital print with hand lithography, Coming to Jones Road, Under a Blood Red Sky, which explores the relationship between African Americans’ experience of escaping slavery by the Underground Railroad during the Civil War and Ringgold’s move from Harlem, where she was treated with dignity and respect, to her new home in Englewood, where she encountered racism and hostility. Meanwhile, a serigraph of Here Come Moses tells the story of the hopes and dreams of another formerly enslaved person as he fled northward by the underground railroad African Americans followed to freedom during slavery. Ringgold’s art can be seen in high-profile museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum.

Other accomplished African American artists featured in the Collection include Gordon Parks, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Mickalene Thomas, and Chakaia Booker. The Collection also features art from HCCC’s own African American art students, right alongside the works of world-renowned artists. Notably, recent donations have brought to the Collection of sculptures from ancient Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia.  

Furthermore, the Collection features many inspiring photographs of iconic moments of the civil rights movement, such as the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking at the National Mall and the iconic photo of Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists in the Black Power salute during the medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics.  The Collection’s curator, Andrea Siegel, Ph.D., explains, “The gravity of these iconic, historic moments can seem intimidating to students, but seeing these smaller photographs up close in person makes it a more manageable experience that they can take something from.”

Beyond celebrating the lives and work of African and African American artists, another primary goal of the Collection is to awaken a newfound appreciation and curiosity about African American art. Siegel says, “We want to instill and reinforce a sense of pride in the community. When the Collection can show someone something new about their heritage they didn’t know about or inspire a new passion, it has done its job.”

HCCC serves Hudson, one of the most diverse counties in the United States. Its Journal Square campus in Jersey City is located in the heart of one of the most diverse cities in the United States, while its North Hudson Campus in Union City is home to a richly diverse community of the Hispanic diaspora.  HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber says, “We are honored to serve one of the most diverse communities in the United States, and our Foundation Art Collection is a true reflection of this diversity.”

Additionally, the Foundation Art Collection supports HCCC students, many of whom are first-generation college students from traditionally underserved communities. Seeing fine art firsthand inspires empathy, ignites curiosity, and gives students newfound cultural capital. Siegel states that, ultimately, “The Foundation Art Collection reflects to our community all its diverse beauty.”

Unlike some college collections, the Foundation Art Collection isn’t under lock and key, out of reach of the public. Under Dr. Andrea Siegel’s leadership, the entire HCCC campus has blossomed into a living art museum, open to all members of the College and the wider community to experience and enjoy. Students see these pieces by renowned African and African American artists daily.

The Foundation Art Collection is proud to pay homage to the incredible contributions of African and African American artists during Black History Month and all year long. The Foundation Art Collection honors these amazing artists and works by being open to all, and HCCC is happy to give tours of the Collection.

If you’d like to arrange a tour of the Hudson County Community College Art Collection, please email Andrea Siegel at asiegel@hccc.edu

If you’re interested in checking the collection out online, visit  www.hccc.edu/FoundationArt/Collections

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St.  Henry Church of Bayonne to Observe the 100th Anniversary of its Pipe Organ

St. Henry Roman Catholic Church of Bayonne announced that it will be celebrating a special mass at 12:00 noon on February 25, 2024, to kick off a year-long celebration on the 100th anniversary of its Hook & Hastings pipe organ. Also included in the yearlong program is the recognition of the church’s patron, St. Henry, Duke of Bavaria and Holy Roman Emperor, and his wife, St. Cunigunde. The church is observing the 1,000th anniversary of St. Henry’s death in 1024. St. Henry’s homeland, Bavaria, is a state in southern Germany.

Hook & Hastings, a Boston-based firm, produced more than 2,000 organs from 1827 to 1935. Several of their organs remain in use.

          Constructing the church was the idea of Pastor Peter Reilly. He purchased the property on Avenue C from his brother in 1907. Father Reilly’s plan was to erect a church, school, rectory, convent, and a hospital on the property.  The groundbreaking for the church took place in June 1911. A year later, the cornerstone was laid. Four years later, on May 30, 1915, the dedication of the church took place. It included a choir loft but no organ. Other items, such as furnishings, took priority at that time. Unfortunately, in September 1919, Pastor Reilly died suddenly in the rectory.

A short while later, Father, later Monsignor, Michael Mulligan was assigned to be the new pastor.  He had a new, but incomplete, church and a large debt. It was not until he had a decrease in debt and an increase in parishioners that the idea of an organ came about. Pastor Mulligan organized a fundraising committee to raise the $15,000 for a down payment. The committee continued the fundraising until a total of $30,000 was completed. The new Hook and Hastings Company Opus 2500 pipe organ was installed in February 1924.

St. Henry Church invites the community to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the pipe organ.  The church is in Bayonne on Avenue C between 28th and 29th Streets. Parking is available next to the church and on the nearby school grounds.

Other special events for the centennial of the organ and the 1,000th anniversary of St. Henry’s passing will be announced

https://sthenryrc.org/

Jersey City News

Jersey City Launches City-Run Animal Control and Sheltering, Expanding Services & Adoption Opportunities

Jersey City pet services

Valentine’s Event Makes Love Connections for Residents & Stray or Abandoned Animals in Need

Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and community members to celebrate the successful transition to full-service Animal Care and Control now run by the City of Jersey City to ensure humane treatment and enforcement for animals in need by establishing 24/7 operations, on-site dog licensing with adoptions, expanding operating hours for more public access, and working with the community to create a robust volunteer program.

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FROM PUBLIC SERVICE TO NEW JERSEY TRANSIT

Mayor’s Corner- Bayonne Mayor James Davis

            When I was growing up in Bayonne, the Public Service Corporation owned the #14 Bus that ran from Avenue C in Bayonne to Exchange Place in Jersey City. The company operated numerous bus lines across New Jersey.  Each bus bore the company’s insignia, a circle that had a triangle inside it.  The same symbol was on the old Public Service building at 36th Street and Broadway in Bayonne.  (The Bayonne Adult Medical Day Care Center occupies that building now.)

            The Public Service Corporation began in 1903.  The original version of Public Service brought together an electric power business and four trolley companies.  The company added more enterprises to its holdings over the next two decades.  In 1928, the various Public Service operations were reorganized into two companies: the Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) and Public Service Coordinated Transport, which operated streetcars and buses.  Gradually, most of the streetcars were replaced by buses. The Newark Subway, which opened in 1935, was an exception.  It kept the streetcars until 2001, when they were replaced by modern light rail vehicles.  Today, the former Newark Subway is called the Newark Light Rail.

The 1970’s and 1980’s saw many changes in the transportation industry. In 1971, Public Service Coordinated Transport was renamed Transport of New Jersey.  At that time, many private railroads were going bankrupt.  In 1976, several rail companies combined into Conrail, which wanted to focus on the freight business.  In 1979, the New Jersey Department of Transportation formed New Jersey Transit, a government corporation, that began to buy out bus lines.  In 1980, New Jersey Transit acquired Transport of New Jersey from Public Service.  In 1983, New Jersey Transit took over Conrail’s commuter rail services in this state.

Long-time and retired commuters may remember that New Jersey Transit reorganized and renumbered the former Public Service bus routes in 1989.  For example, the #14 Bus in Bayonne and Jersey City became the #81 Bus, and the #9 Bus in Jersey City became the #80 Bus.

Today, New Jersey Transit owns and operates most commuter rail lines in the state, with some exceptions.  The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates the PATH trains.  Amtrak, a federal government corporation, runs trains through New Jersey along its Northeast Corridor.  SEPTA (the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), and PATCO (the Delaware River Port Authority Transit Corporation) have trains in Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

Although ownership and management have changed over the years, mass transportation remains vitally important in New Jersey. The City of Bayonne will continue working with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey Transit, and private transportation companies to keep transit on track in the years to come.         

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Hudson County Community College Will Hold Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for North Hudson Campus Courtyard Cafe’

 Hudson County Community College students will now be able to enjoy the College’s newly constructed North Hudson Campus Courtyard Café.

 Students, faculty, and staff at Hudson County Community College’s (HCCC) North Hudson Campus will have a new place to fuel up, relax, and enjoy one another. A ribbon-cutting/grand opening ceremony for the HCCC North Hudson Campus Courtyard Café will take place on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at 4800 Kennedy Boulevard in Union City, NJ.

HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber will be joined by Joseph Caniglia, Executive Director of HCCC’s North Hudson Campus, in welcoming guests. “The new Courtyard Café is a manifestation of our dedication to our students and promoting community,” Dr. Reber said. “The Café offers unique and healthy food options, a change from the vending machine fare, and serves as a gathering place for all. Here, you can have coffee between classes, enjoy a sit-down meal, or order something to go.”

Construction of the $1.2 million North Hudson Courtyard Café was recently completed. The 1,950 square-foot facility was designed by RSC Architects and built by MAST Construction. The Courtyard Café is well appointed and features state-of-the-art kitchen equipment to accommodate a wide selection of food choices.

The HCCC North Hudson Courtyard Café menu features breakfast bowls, bagels, burritos, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, flatbreads, and other favorites like chicken tenders and fries. To save time, patrons can order ahead by using the myQuickCharge app. The North Hudson Courtyard Café will be open Mondays and Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Hudson County Community College President Chris Reber to Receive Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s Most Prestigious Award

Dr. Christopher Reber will accept the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction
at the PTK Convention in Orlando.

 Dr. Christopher M. Reber, President of Hudson County Community College, recipient of Phi Theta Kappa’s prestigious Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the premier international community college honor society, announced that Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Dr. Christopher Reber will be recognized with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction. The award will be presented at PTK Catalyst 2024, the society’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida, April 4-6, 2024.

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Bayonne 5th Annual Chili -Cookoff February 23rd, 2024

The Bayonne Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The City of Bayonne and The Bayonne Urban Enterprise Zone (BUEZ) in hosting the much-anticipated 2024 CHILI-COOK OFF!
This is their 5th Chili-Cook Off and without a doubt, the most fun you’ll have this winter!  It’s a night of music,with the Jalapeno’ Trio, also mingling, dancing, laughter and tons of great food!
The public’s support is vital to the success of this event and will ultimately help enable the Chamber of Commerce to bring programs and resources to the business community of Bayonne.

The Jalapeno’ Trio

CHILI COOK-OFF
CONTESTANT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Set-up must be complete and ready to serve by 5:30 P.M.
Teardown and cleanup must be completed by 9:45 P.M.
 

  • This is a ticketed event, open to the public. It is FREE for contestants in the tasting competition!
  • This is a fun cook-off and there are no rules for the definition of “Chili” and its contents.  Anything goes!
  • You must maintain a core cooking temperature of 155 degrees and serving temperature of 135 degrees.
  • Any known, common allergens used in preparation must be noted (i.e. seafood or nuts)
  •  You must provide your own thermometer which will be checked throughout the evening.
  • Gloves must be worn by your team members and multiple serving utensils used to prevent cross contamination. All equipment, food, and supplies stored must be at least 6 inches off the floor.
  • USDA approved sources of meat required and no more than 4 team members. Each contestant must provide a minimum 5 GALLONS of chili (250 people are expected).
  • Please label the spice factor of your chili, i.e. Mild, Medium, Hot, or Atomic.
  • Your chili must be made prior to the event at a legal, commercial kitchen, establishment, or restaurant that day. No home cooking whatsoever, or you will be disqualified.  
  • Contestants are also responsible for supplying warming dishes, utensils, foods, spices, table decorations, etc. Electricity will not be available for crock-pots. A restaurant size table will be provided for each contestant to represent & serve their chili.
  • Themes, costumes, and decorations are encouraged. An award for Best Dressed Table Display!
  • Judging will take place by Culinary Expert(s). The provider of the best tasting chili, as determined by the judge(s), will be awarded first, second, and third prizes and FREE publicity, along with bragging rights!
  • As a trade-off for your efforts and delicious chili, the organizers will promote the event, along with each participating contestant via social and traditional media outlets.

 
To be a contestant, please send an email to info@bayonnechamber.org, or call 551-263-7503. A member of our committee will gladly assist you with your application.
It is FREE to sign up! DEADLINE to submit applications is February 17th.  SPACE IS LIMITED!
 

Date/Time
February 23, 2024
6:00 pm – 10:00pm

Fees/Admission

$40.00 per person
Please register online at www.bayonnechamber.org

General

Research Reveals 1 out of 3 Americans think Aliens Live Among Us.

What do you think?

Photo Leo_Visons Upsplash

Talker.com

One in three Americans thinks aliens are living among us in disguise – and many suspect their boss, according to a new survey.

The research of 1,000 Americans saw 37 percent say they feel aliens may already be present here on Earth.

From sightings of 10-foot tall ‘aliens’ in Brazil to the recently refuted ‘extraterrestrial’ corpses found in Peru or the tourist board of Kentucky beaming messages to space to invite aliens to visit- the interest and debate around alien existence continues to fascinate.

However, many remain unconvinced. Forty-one percent of those polled disagree with the notion that extraterrestrial life may be walking and talking among us, with the remainder unsure (22%).

The out-of-this-world findings emerged from a survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Wealth of Geeks.com.

When asked who they feel may currently be an alien, 39% stated their current boss as a definite possibility while a third said they feel a certain celebrity may not originally be from this planet.

More than half of the 1,000 polled believe in the existence of aliens (53%) while a third do not (34%).

Men are slightly more likely than women to feel aliens exist, according to results (56% vs. 49%).

Michael Dinich, founder of WealthofGeeks.com, said: “The results show that, when it comes to believing in extraterrestrial life, many Americans are open to the possibility.

“And it seems a sizable number of people have reason to question whether their boss may be of this planet or not.

“No matter a person’s beliefs on aliens, it’s great to see many people enjoying the possibility of what could be, whether that’s by embracing extraterrestrial life or a love of all things sci-fi.”

Were an alien race to officially make contact, 43% of the 1,000 surveyed feel our current world leaders are the right people to represent Earth.

But should Earth need new heroes, a confident four in ten (42%) said they believe they would be able to secure peace if personally chosen to represent Earth in talks with extraterrestrial life.


Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 1,000 general population Americans was carried out between Dec. 1st and Dec. 4th 2023. It was conducted by Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

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“Warriors” presented by The Art House Gallery

– Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns, Gallery Director Andrea McKenna) is thrilled to present “Warriors” in celebration of Black History Month. This exhibition features the remarkable works of Myeisha Miller, Theda Sandiford, Danielle Scott, and Armisey Smith, skillfully curated by Andrea McKenna. “Warriors” will be open to the public from February 3rd to February 25th, with an opening reception on Saturday, February 3rd, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Additionally, there will be an insightful artist talk on Sunday, February 18th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Regular gallery hours are every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For those who prefer a personalized experience, appointments can be requested by reaching out to gallery@arthouseproductions.org. Join us in honoring Black History Month through this captivating exploration of artistic expression.

“In the vibrant creations of these four artists, the concept of ‘warrior’ unfolds with profound and nuanced meanings. Each piece intricately weaves a narrative, sharing the truths embedded in their history and ancestry. This compelling exhibition resonates with strength, wisdom, and resilience, conveying a powerful message,” says Gallery Director Andrea McKenna.

All exhibited works will be available for purchase at the Art House Gallery located at The Hendrix, 345 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Art House Gallery exhibitions are always free and open to the public. Large print versions of all literature related to our exhibitions and tactile, descriptive tours are available upon request. For more information, email Andrea McKenna at gallery@arthouseproductions.org

. For questions related to the gallery and this exhibition, please email gallery@arthouseproductions.org. inquiries can be sent to sunjay@arthouseproductions.org.

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JERSEY CITY FILMAKER ANTHONY CUPO SELECTED FOR GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL

HOLLYWOOD NEW JERSEY TO BE PRESENTED

 New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival is celebrating its 22nd Anniversary March 21 – 24.  The internationally recognized Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) celebrates the independent film genre by bringing a carefully curated and enriching selection of original works from locally produced filmmakers as well as from around the world. “The upcoming 2024 Festival returns to experience 200 films from over 14 countries over four days in 8 venues hosting parties, professional panels, events, special honors and more,” says Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s Executive Director.

The Garden State Film Festival offers several categories for films and filmmakers of all kinds.  Among the selection include feature length and short films, documentaries, comedies, children’s, thrillers, pilots, student films and “Home-Grown” films shot in NJ. The Garden State Film Festival is pleased to announce that the film Hollywood New Jersey produced by Jersey City resident, Anthony Cupo, will screen at this year’s festival.  We hope you come out to cheer on our hometown heroes who have put so much time and talent into these productions. ?

“We are extremely proud to present DP as a part of our 22nd Annual Film Festival, and to share this work with our global audience,” says Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s Executive Director.

Hollywood New Jersey will screen on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 12:00pm at Cranford Theater, Cranford , NJ

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