Tris McCall Eye Level Post

“I Said What I Said”

Curator (and busy man) Jerome China cooks up an engaging sequel to his excellent 2023 show at Novado Gallery

Face forward: Mikel Elam’s Nocturnal Conversations

Jerome China breaks chains. That sounds like a metaphor, but it isn’t: China, a sculptor of brawny statues in iron and steel, often includes metal links in his work. Allusions to bondage, the middle passage, and resistance to oppression are hard to miss. Yet China is also drawn to the aesthetics of force. He likes applications of practical physics, and he’s sensitive to dramatic gestures. A shattered chain looks cool. It means something strong has met something stronger.

Signs of a titanic struggle were visible all over “Black’ity Black,” the emotional exhibition of abstract pieces by African American artists that Jerome China curated at Novado Gallery (110 Morgan St.) in winter 2023. That show was nonfigurative, but it sure wasn’t noncombative. Almost exactly two years later, China returns with “I Said What I Said,” another bruiser fitted into a room distinguished by its brick-faced beauty. The art that China has brought with him isn’t all abstract, and the creators of these pieces aren’t all African American. Nevertheless, in tone, theme, and attitude, this show feels like a sequel.

To what can we attribute this continuity? It’s mostly down to China himself, whose tastes reflect a few strong preferences. He appreciates muscular expression: bold colors and thick lines that simultaneously suggest spontaneity and decisiveness. He responds to bursts of energy, loops, tangles, and vectors of motion. An undercurrent of defiance runs through his own work and the work he showcases. That which was fettered has broken free. It’s bruised and square-shouldered against adversity. It might be exhausted. But it’s on the loose.

Click the link to read the entire article

https://www.eye-level.net/post/i-said-what-i-said

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 Lights! Camera! Action! Hudson County Community College Offers New Jersey Film Academy Industry Credentials 

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) participated in the launch of the New Jersey Film Academy at Brookdale College. HCCC will begin offering the course, “Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry,” on April 7, 2025.

New initiative addresses entertainment industry demand in the Garden State.

New Jersey is considered the birthplace of the silent film era that featured the work of director D.W. Griffith and stars Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, Lionel Barrymore, and the Marx Brothers along the Hudson River. In the serial “The Perils of Pauline,” damsel in distress Pearl White was seen clinging to the cliffs of the Fort Lee Palisades. Actors, studios, and production crews later relocated to Hollywood. A century later, the Garden State is reclaiming its status as a film and television production hub. Netflix and Lionsgate expansions into New Jersey, as well as Palisades Stages in Kearny, and Cinelease in Jersey City, signal the demand is growing for a skilled, homegrown workforce.

Are You Ready for the Cherry Blossoms?

Spring arrived on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, and with Spring comes cherry Blossom season, which will also arrive in a few weeks.

Typically, in New Jersey, the peak bloom happens between the second and third week of April. But with warmer winters and earlier springs, cherries have been blooming earlier in recent years in New Jersey.

There is nothing prettier than watching Cherry Blossoms pop up. with clusters of these trees in parks, and gardens and lining some streets.

In Hudson County, you can find Cherry Blossom Trees in Bayonne’s Stepehn Gregg Park on Kennedy Boulevard also in Jersey City’s; Liberty State Park off Audrey Zapp Drive, in Historic downtown Jersey City, Hamilton Park, and in Riverview-Fisk Park Palisade Avenue, Jersey City

Cherry Blossoms Bloom around the State of New Jersey

There are also plenty of parks where you can see the Cherry Blossoms bloom:

  • Branch Brook Park, Essex County.
  • New Jersey Botanical Gardens, Passaic County.
  • Chapel Avenue, Cherry Hill.
  • Deep Cut Gardens, Monmouth County.
  • David C. Shaw Arboretum, Monmouth County.
  • Verona Park, Essex County.
  • Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown
  • Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
  • Warinanco Park. Roselle
  • Holmdel Park & David C. Shaw Arboretum, Holmdel
  • Sayen House & Gardens, Hamilton

“Jersey City Cup” Kicks Off Countdown to the 2026 World Cup with Soccer Events to Engage andInspire Local Youth

Youth inspired program for Jersey City involving 2026 Wold Cup Soccer

Mayor Steven M. Fulop announces the “Jersey City Cup,” the city’s kickoff event as excitement builds toward the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Registration is now open for the free Memorial Day weekend soccer tournament.  The Jersey City Cup will host local soccer players, ages 7 to 14, for a one-of-a-kind soccer event as part of the community’s kickoff celebration.  

“Jersey City will play a major role before and during the World Cup, and getting our youth involved from the very beginning is a chance to inspire and motivate our youngest residents.” Mayor Fulop said.  “We also want to capitalize on the many opportunities and economic drivers the World Cup will bring to our businesses, community, and residents.”

The friendly tournament will celebrate the soccer community with the free two-day event.  Everyone is invited to enjoy food trucks and other activities that will be open to the public for family fun over the holiday weekend.

The Mercy House to Host Baby Showers for Expectant Mothers in Need

Celebrations Begin March 18 in Newark

he Mercy House, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, will host its first-ever baby showers for expectant mothers in need at its three locations. The events will take place in Newark on March 18, Jersey City on April 3 and Elizabeth on June 4, each beginning at 11 a.m.

During each celebration, expectant mothers will enjoy refreshments and receive gift bags filled with essential baby supplies, including diapers, wipes, ointment and toys. Mercy House staff and volunteers also will be available to discuss ongoing support services for mothers after childbirth.  Additionally, attendees will have a chance to win raffle prizes such as a stroller, a car seat and other new baby equipment.

“These baby showers are not only a joyful way to celebrate expectant mothers, but they also serve a critical purpose in providing much-needed supplies,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House. “Many women we serve can’t afford traditional baby showers, where gifts often overflow. These events ensure they receive essential items to help care for their newborns.”

The baby showers reflect The Mercy House’s origins as a resource and referral center specifically for pregnant women and mothers. While its mission has expanded to serve anyone in need, The Mercy House remains committed to assisting mothers by providing food, clothing and nursery necessities. In fact, diapers and children’s clothing continue to be among the most requested items at its locations. 

“When a woman learns she is expecting, it can feel overwhelming — especially if she doesn’t have the resources or a support system,” Riley said. “At The Mercy House, we want all mothers to know they are not alone. We are here to help ensure they have everything they need to help raise their children. These baby showers highlight that commitment.” 

Despite these new baby shower events, The Mercy House will continue its traditional spring celebrations, including its Easter Candy Giveaway on April 14 in Jersey City, April 15 in Newark and April 16 in Elizabeth. Additional gift giveaways will be held for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in May and June, respectively.

Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture and assistance finding employment and housing for anyone in need. Its three locations in Newark, Jersey City and Elizabeth serve approximately 300 people weekly.

To volunteer or donate, contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/mercy-house.

About the Archdiocese of Newark?

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. The Archdiocese has 211 parishes, 67 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.

Moderator Cheryl Mack andBridge Art Gallerpy presents Artist Talk

Expressive Creative SoulArt Exhibition + Artist TalkSunday, March 23rd3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Join us for an engaging artist talk featuring the talented participants of the Expressive Creative Soul Art Exhibition, curated by Bridge Art Gallery. This dynamic conversation will be led by Cheryl Mack from Bridge Art Gallery, who will sit down with artist Lana Abrahams Murawski to explore her artistic journey and creative inspirations. Additionally, Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams will engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with her brother, artist Stephen B. Ellis, delving into themes of artistic expression, identity, and personal storytelling. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into the creative process and the powerful narratives behind the artwork!
Nimbus Art Center – 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ 
? Sunday, March 23rd | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

FREE TO ATTEND
RSVP

MAYOR’S CORNER-Thnking About St. Patrick’s Day

Mayor Davis 2018 Inaugural
Bayonne Mayor James Davis

Bayonne Mayor James Davis

This month, much of the world will celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, the anniversary of the death of the patron saint of Ireland.  St. Patrick is credited with converting Ireland to Christianity in the fifth century after Christ.

Today, there are well over seventy million people around the world of Irish descent. For Irish-Americans, this feast day is a time for us to celebrate the contributions that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to this country.

There is scarcely an area of American life that has not been touched by Irish-Americans.  Just to take a recent example, a few weeks ago, the NBC television network celebrated the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live.  During its history, that show has featured such Irish-American cast members as Jane Curtin, Bill Murray, Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Farley, Colin Quinn, Molly Shannon, Julia Sweeney, and Nora Dunn, among others.  Martin Short, another former cast member, is Irish-Canadian.

Elsewhere in television, Irish-Americans have made their mark as great talk show hosts:  Stephen Colbert, Conan O’Brien, Steve Allen, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas (real name: Michael Delaney Dowd, Jr.), and Jimmy Fallon (after leaving Saturday Night Live).

The ancestors of many American presidents came from Ireland: John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama (on his mother’s side), Richard Nixon, James K. Polk, Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, Ulysses Grant, William McKinley, and others.

Here in Bayonne, the Irish began arriving in large numbers in the 1800’s. Most came here with very little money and a willingness to work hard. Many of the early Irish immigrants lived in the old Fourth Ward (now part of the First Ward) in the Bergen Point area. Bayonne’s Irish-American community has been noted for its large presence in the government sector.  Irish-American elected officials, police officers, firefighters, civil servants, school administrators, and teachers have played major roles in our city’s history.

Wherever the Irish have gone, they have brought their religious faith, great music, and gift for language with them.  The Irish also carry memories of suffering from religious persecution, poverty, foreign occupation, and the Great Hunger of 1845-51. 

Millions of Irish-Americans are grateful for the opportunities this country has provided.  Irish-Americans should be proud of our progress in this country and of our cultural heritage.

On Sunday, March 23, when Bayonne is having our annual St. Patrick’s Parade.  We begin marching at 1:00 p.m. at 5th Street and Broadway.  The parade will move up Broadway to 39th Street.  It will move westward on 39th Street to Avenue C, and then will march northward up Avenue C to the viewing stand between 40th and 41st Streets.  Finally, the parade will finish up in the front portion of Gregg-Bayonne County Park.  I look forward to seeing you at the parade!   

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To see more listings visit https://www.exitonthehudson.com

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