Jersey City Art Studio Tour-River View Observer Best Bet First Weekend in October 4th & 5th

Jersey City Artists Studio 

Tour Enters 18th Year

Fastest Growing Art Scene Features:

 Hundreds of Artists

Dozens of Free Exhibitions, Galleries,

Museums, and Live Entertainment

 

 Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, the Municipal Council and the Division of Cultural Affairs, in conjunction with Pro Arts, will host the 18th Annual Jersey City Artists Studio Tour from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4th and Sunday, Oct. 5th, 2008 at locations throughout the city. The Annual

Jersey City Artists Studio Tour is a weekend celebration of the East Coast’s fastest growing art scene that features hundreds of artists, dozens of exhibitions, galleries, museums, live music and performances, food, drink and parties – all located just five minutes from Manhattan. The Studio Tour is widely considered New Jersey’s premier art and cultural event, and is free and open to the public. A kick-off party will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 at Canco Lofts, 50 Dey Street. The Jersey City Museum, at 350 Montgomery Street, will host the closing reception for artists and sponsors on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2008. “The annual studio art tour is a vital part of our city’s thriving arts market,” said Mayor Healy. “While visiting one of the many galleries and studios, one can take in the art scene while taking advantage of one of restaurants and boutiques we have here. The artists in our city increase the quality of life in our city and make Jersey City a greater place to live, work and do business. The Studio Tour increases the visibility of our city’s great artists and supports the work they do.” The event is accessible by public transportation via the PATH, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and NJ Transit bus or train. Tour maps are provided by the tour’s media sponsor, the Hudson Reporter, and are available at the Grove Street and Journal Square PATH stations. Most tour venues are located within walking distance of the Grove Street and Journal Square PATH stations, and all major Studio Tour sites will be accessible by shuttle bus service. Additionally, a handicap-accessible shuttle service will transport tour-goers who require assistance to select tour stops, visitors interested in using this service should call 201-736-7057 by September 26th to make advance reservations.

(more) (2) The Jersey City Artists Studio Tour continues to expand throughout the City, with the 2008 Tour showcasing over 600 artists exhibiting at over 80 art venues, as well as several exciting new galleries. This year’s tour will offer a tapestry of artists, musicians and venues that will embrace the arts-newcomer, as well as the seasoned arts enthusiasts who return every year to this much anticipated and well-attended event. A little of the tour’s history:

In the late 1980’s, Jersey City was just emerging as a center for the arts, the Downtown Historic Districts were being restored and the Waterfront was at the first stage of redevelopment. Artists by the hundreds began to relocate to Jersey City, attracted to it’s proximity to the Manhattan art scene and affordable studio space. The very first Jersey City Artists Studio Tour took place on October 6, 1990 and featured more than 70 artists, 18 exhibitions, and about 1500 visitors attending. This year’s tour features hundreds of artists and dozens of exhibitions, including the following highlighted exhibitions:

*** Hispanic Heritage Month Group Exhibition, City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ Features two floors of art created by over a dozen of Jersey City’s best known emerging and established Hispanic Artists.

An opening reception free to the public will take place October 4th and 5th during the 18th Annual Jersey City Artists Studio Tour, featuring authentic Hispanic cuisine and performances throughout the Studio Tour weekend. The exhibition includes paintings by Orlando Reyes – 58 Gallery director, photography by María Fernanda Hubeaut , story board drawing by Robert Castillo, and sculpture by Alfredo Cardenas. Participating artists include: Robert Castillo, Angel Cruz, Alfredo Cardenas, Juan Vasquez, María Fernanda Hubeaut, Susana Falconi, Andy Castillo, Felicia Zamora, Ricardo DeSoto, Carmen Gonzalez, Jose Rodeiro, Juan Serrano, Pablo Caviedes, Duda Penteado, Orlando Reyes, Maria Rubio, David Sanchez, and Christina Soto. *** Children’s Mural Art Project, City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ Curator: James Pustorino, Victory Arts Projects

Artists include: hundreds of Jersey City children who worked on a collaborative art project during the annual Mayor’s Block Parties held in May in each ward of the city. Led by professional artist James Pustorino – director of Victory Arts Projects, the children worked in the medium of their choice to create a bold and colorful multi-panel collaborative mural.

(more) (3) *** Curious Matter, “Between Worlds,” 272 Fifth Street, Jersey City, NJ Group exhibition featuring twenty six artists assembled to explore the strange and mysterious realms that inspire legends, rumors and fear. A special artist’s reception will be held on Sunday, October 5, from 3 to 6pm. *** Fourth Street Art & Music Festival, 4th Street at the corner of Newark Avenue A full day festival taking place Saturday, October 6th as part of the Jersey City Artists Studio Tour, the Fourth Street Art & Music Festival features artwork (with many open studios nearby), and live musical performances ranging from country & bluegrass to hard-edged rock & roll. There will also be spoken word and poetry readings. Concerts will be performed between noon and 10pm on the main stage at the corner of 4th street and Newark Avenue. Additionally, this year will feature a fashion show hosted by downtown vintage store Another Man’s Treasure.

*** 58 Gallery, “Fiction/Fidelity”, 58 Coles Street Artists include: Thomas John Carlson and Joe Velez

New Jersey’s best known independent gallery presents 15 powerfully rendered portraits by two of Jersey City’s most talented representational painters.

*** Lex Leonard Gallery, “Vital Voices”, 143 Christopher Columbus Drive JCLGO annual group exhibition.

Curator: by Miguel Cardenas

*** Canco Lofts, 50 Dey Street. Multiple large scale curated group exhibitions including “Pro Arts Members Show,” curated by the Pro Arts exhibition committee, ” Trading Places,” curated by Hugo Bastidas, “Prime Surreal Estate,” curated by Dylan Evans, “Community,” curated by the Jersey City Division of Cultural Affairs, and more.

*** The Beacon, “Lifecycles @ The Beacon,” 4 Beacon Way Jersey City’s Beacon condominium – formerly known as the Jersey City Medical Center, is hosting its first major art exhibition as part of the 2008 Jersey City Artists Studio Tour.

“Lifecycles @ The Beacon”, an exhibition curated by James Pustorino of Victory Arts Projects and organized by Greg Brickey of the Jersey City Division of Cultural Affairs, features sculpture by many of the tri-state areas’ best known artists displayed amongst the marble columns and Art Deco recreation areas of The Beacon, the nation’s largest historic residential restoration project.

For more information about the 18th Annual Jersey City Artists Studio, call the Division of Cultural Affairs at (201) 547-6921.

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699.///

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