“Untitled” (Bus, Crowds of People, and Buildings) by J. Clarke, 1982, Oil on Canvas, 19” x 28”

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) received a landmark gift to its Foundation Art Collection from collectors Benjamin Ortiz and Victor P. Torchia, Jr., who donated more than 200 works of art in honor of the College’s 50th anniversary. Much of the donated artwork focuses on work by women artists and artists from Latin America and the Caribbean. This major donation significantly expands the breadth and depth of the College’s already extensive permanent collection, bringing new paintings, prints, sculptures, antiquities, and a bevy of antique photographs to the College’s campuses, where students will encounter and enjoy the art as part of their daily lives at HCCC.

According to Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Torchia, “Our collection consists of works on paper across all media. We regard ourselves not as owners of these artworks, but as their stewards. For over four decades, we have approached the acquisition of art with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to preservation. It is our privilege, as collectors, to make these works accessible, ensuring they serve as enduring resources for education and scholarly inquiry by students, faculty, researchers, and the broader public. We are honored to have formalized this commitment through their inclusion in the 50th Anniversary gifts to the Hudson County Community College Foundation Art Collection.”

The post Hudson County Community College Foundation Art Collection Celebrates Major Art Donation from Benjamin Ortiz and Victor P. Torchia, Jr. first appeared on River View Observer.

Beth Achenbach-Peace

Curated by Catherine Hecht
Part of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST 2025)                                                     

October 4 & 5, 2025 — Alley Cat Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

Beth Achenbach Cancel Culture-Crushed

In what may be her final participation in the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour, artist Beth Achenbach presents One More for the Road, a two-day solo exhibition of her photographic and digital work in the intimate setting of Alley Cat Gallery. Unlike years past, when she shared exhibition walls, this year’s event is a full takeover: every wall, every image, every gaze is devoted to her creative vision.

One More for the Road-Group Image

For more than two decades, Achenbach has made JCAST weekend a homecoming of sorts — greeting friends and neighbors, meeting new art collectors, and sharing her evolving bodies of work. This October, she leans into both celebration and reflection: the show is a mark of gratitude, a moment of closure, and an invitation for viewers to journey with her through the images she has created and the stories she has told.

“For me, JCAST has always been about connection—welcoming people into the space, sharing stories, and finding beauty in unexpected places,” says Achenbach. “This show feels like a love letter to the community that has supported me since 2002. It’s both a celebration and a goodbye.”

Achenbach is also partnering with two special guest makers, who will host tables during the show:

• Saturday, Oct 4 — Vera Vixeness (www.veravixeness.com)
  
• Sunday, Oct 5 — Jaden Remy of Remy’s Studio (www.remysstudio.com)
  

Each guest artist brings their own creative energy, offering works that echo or contrast with Achenbach’s themes. Their presence is also a nod to the collaborative spirit of the arts community she’s been part of for so long.

About Beth Achenbach

Beth Achenbach has been an active voice in Jersey City’s arts community for more than 20 years, participating in JCAST since 2002. She was the first visual artist ever featured at Art House Productions, her art was included in “Vital Voices”, the first ever LGBTQ+ group show in JCAST, and she has been recognized as a Jersey City Cultural Leader by the city. Known for transforming everyday objects into striking compositions. Achenbach’s visual language hovers between fragility and resilience, which is seen in her ongoing exploration of discarded objects, still life, and textured surfaces. From her acclaimed Crushed series, in which discarded cans become poetic forms, to more recent explorations of still life and layered textures, Achenbach’s art is grounded in the act of seeing differently. Art House Productions, Inc.+1

Her exhibitions at Alley Cat Gallery have become annual touchpoints for visitors returning year after year, eager to see how her work evolves. Through her practice, Achenbach has not only shared images but also fostered dialogue—about art, community, and the stories embedded in the overlooked corners of life.

Join Beth Achenbach for One More for the Road—a singular exhibition that honors more than two decades of creativity, community, and connection in Jersey City.                                                                                                                                        

The post A Solo Exhibition by Beth Achenbach first appeared on River View Observer.

Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director, Meredith Burns; Director of JC Fridays, Sunjay Venkatraman) is thrilled to announce the lineup for JC Fridays, taking place on Friday, September 12th. Jersey City’s premier quarterly arts festival, which is free and open to the public, will feature a diverse array of events, including visual art exhibitions, music performances, studio tours, and more, hosted at local businesses, galleries, studios, and arts organizations. Attendees are encouraged to explore multiple venues to discover new art and engage with the local arts scene. Complete event listings and an interactive map are available at www.jcfridays.com.

The post JC Fridays on September 12, 2025 Features Free Art Events first appeared on River View Observer.

PAST PRESENT FUTURE 

Join Project Greenville this Friday (as part of JC Fridays!) and Saturday, September 12th & 13th [as well as October 4th & 5th as part of the JCAST] from 4pm-7pm for our PAST PRESENT FUTURE group art show exploring these themes and the way a variety of talented local artists interpret them! Featuring paintings, photography, collage, digital work, film and fiber arts as well as live music! 

Artists include: 

Jay Bautista 

@titojaydraws10

Azzie Contreras 

@azzieartborn

Max Delgado 

@maxdelgado

Isabelle Duverger 

@isabelleduverger

Frank Hanavan 

@fhanavan

Danielle Haskins 

@danielleh1219

Jason Logan 

@jmtphotographymedia

Maria Lupianez 

@marilu.francis

Christian Moran 

@cmoran29

Amy Neufeld

@etherealforestphotography

Pat Olsen 

Randhier Ramlachan

Bethe Schwartz 

@betheschwa

Ray Schwartz 

@schwartzrays

Athena Toledo 

@flora.athens

with live music by Tara Stafford Ocansey at 6:15pm Friday Sept 12th (@tarapeuticmusic) 

and Gary Van Miert at 5pm on Saturday Sept 13th( @sensationalcountryblueswonders )

and screening the Oral History Documentary Series by Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy ( @jc.landmarks ) 

We’ll see you in Greenville for art, music, refreshments from local Greenville businesses, community and connection!

Please help us spread the word and share this info on your social media and/or with friends, family and neighbors <3 

If You Go: PAST PRESENT FUTURE 

128 Winfield Avenue 

Jersey City NJ 07305 

(between Old Bergen and Ocean) 

Sept 12th/13 & October 4th/5th 4pm-7pm 

(646)361-1858

projectgreenville@gmail.com 

@projectgreenvillejerseycity

The post Project Greenville Presents:  first appeared on River View Observer.

Open Call:

Project Greenville is having an open call for participants for their upcoming PAST PRESENT FUTURE show, a group art show featuring work that explores how memories, moments, and hopes are interpreted, depicted, and reckoned with by our local artists!

  So far, from their social media mentions on the open call, they have received some great entries that feature everything from the sentimental to the humorous to the dreamlike.  Project Greenville looks forward for to artists taking on this theme and encourages all to reach out with any questions and share this info with those you think would be interested

Work is due by Sept 6th, or ideally sooner if possible. The shows will be September 12th & 13th (part of Arthouse Productions JC Fridays) and then again in October on the 4th & 5th as part of JCAST (the Jersey City Art and Studio Tour, under new management with a focus on inclusion and shining a spotlight on artists in less highlighted parts of the city).  To participate with us as an artist, musician, or volunteer, please get in touch at projectgreenville@gmail.com or (646)361-1858…

The post Project Greenville Call to Artists to Participate in Past, Present Future Exhibit first appeared on River View Observer.

Art House Productions is proud to announce the launch of the Javiera Rodriguez Legacy Art Fund, a new microgrant program honoring the life and spirit of beloved artist and social worker Javiera “Javi” Rodriguez.

Javi was a dedicated social worker at Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford, NJ, known for her fierce advocacy, compassion, and commitment to the students and families she served. She was also a gifted artist, jewelry designer, and maker under the name Javiera Magaly. A cherished member of the Art House community, Javi volunteered at the annual Snow Ball Gala year after year. Her sudden passing in April 2020, during the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, left an immeasurable void in her community and in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

The post Art House Productions Launches Javiera Rodriguez Legacy Art Fund to Support Artists and Teachers first appeared on River View Observer.

June 6th, 2025

Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director, Meredith Burns; Director of JC Fridays, Sunjay Venkatraman) is thrilled to announce the lineup for ACCESS JC Fridays, taking place on Friday, June 6th. Jersey City’s premier quarterly arts festival, which is free and open to the public, will feature a diverse array of events, including visual art exhibitions, music performances, studio tours, and more, hosted at local businesses, galleries, studios, and arts organizations. Attendees are encouraged to explore multiple venues to discover new art and engage with the local arts scene. Complete event listings and an interactive map are available at www.jcfridays.com.

The post ACCESS JC Fridays on June 6th, 2025 Features Free Arts Events with a Focus on Accessibility first appeared on River View Observer.

Project Greenville (128 Winfield Avenue)!  Friday and Saturday, June 6th & 7th (as a special part of Arthouse JC Fridays, link below full of FREE local arts events) from 4 pm-7 pm, we will be celebrating all things PARK! 

Art, photography, and more inspired by parks, from local to national! Plus a bonus musical performance by Gary (the Psychedelic Cowboy) Van Miert at 5 pm Saturday!!!

Let their beautiful work start conversations about your fond memories of parks, big and small, and what can be done to protect them for future memories and generations. 

Participants include: 

Deidre Callahan 

@deecallhn

Christine 

@christinewasawesome

Frank Hanavan 

@fhanavan

Danielle Haskins 

@danielleh1219

Erik Jacobsen 

@erikspaperroute

Joe Larkins

Mary Kate McCrary

Pat Olsen

Ray Schwartz 

@schwartzrays

Tara Stafford Ocansey 

@tarapeuticmusic

Sharon Stinton

@sharon_tony

Shirin Vazir MacCormack

@sweet._.shirin / @the_official_mscb 

Andy Velwest

@andyvelwest

And our musical guest, Gary Van Miert the Psychedelic Cowboy, playing Saturday at 5 pm (@sensationalcountryblueswonders )!

wboy, playing Saturday at 5 pm (@sensationalcountryblueswonders )!

The post Project Greenville Newest Exhibit first appeared on River View Observer.