Rustic Hip Sets the Tone at Gringoâ€s in Jersey City 

By Sally Deering

Photos by Fermin Mendoza

Gringo’s Jersey City,  Itâ€s the only restaurant in town with a sawed-off milk truck in the dining room. Gringoâ€s, the new Mexican eatery that just opened a few weeks ago in Downtown Jersey City features a sawed-in-half milk truck where Chef Rick Truocchio and his crew prepare dishes like Holy Mole tacos and Guac.

Darren Conway and his partners Rebecca Tarantino, James Ventola and Chef Rick Truocchio have transformed a greasy old mechanicâ€s garage on Coles Street into a cavernous casual Mexican bistro with picnic-table seating, cocktails on tap; and baskets of purple maracas to shake whenever the mood strikes.

“The idea came about when we were at Pier 13 and talked about opening a space together,” Conway says. “I always wanted to do a Mexican restaurant, but what do a bunch of gringos know about opening a Mexican restaurant? I sat on it for a bit and then came up with the idea of an old rustic-looking space, a Mexican place off the beaten path, old and beaten up. I kind of ran with the idea. I designed the space and came up with the concept.”

Nachos and Salsas

Gringoâ€s menu features Mexican staples like tacos and nachos with a twist. There are appetizers like Chips & Salsa, Guac, Grilled Corn Esquites, Avocado Bites, Toasted Cashew and ‘Peppa†Hummus and chorizo and cheese stuffed jalapenos called Poppin†Off ($6-$9). The Taco menu features the Buffalo Soldier with tempura jumbo shrimp and buffalo sauce, the Holy Mole taco with grilled organic chicken, and the We Found Nemo taco with crispy fish and mango-jicama slaw ($10-$15).

“Our chef and partner Rick designed the entire menu and everything is made in-house everyday,” Conway says. “We have no freezers. Whatever we get on a daily basis is what we serve. Everything is really fresh and most of the ingredients are organic. We are getting a high quality product for our customers; and, we have vegetarian and vegan options, too. Most of our dishes are gluten-free.”

Chef Rick Truocchio

Gringoâ€s extensive drink menu features Cocktails, Cerveza, Tequilas, Mezcal and Bebidas. The cocktails include the El Gringo Margarita, the Rubi Rosa, the Corner Bodega, Beat the Pinata, Talum Punch, Polaco, El Chapo, the Frozen Margarita (of course!) and Nacho Mamaâ€s Sangria ($9-$12; you can also buy them by the pitcher for $39-$41). The Mezcal “Age”, “Ultimo” and Tequila are $17-$25.

Cocktails on tap:  the Ruby Rosa,

Frozen Margarita, El Chapo and Poloco.

 The restaurant seats 60 inside, 70 outside, and 18 at the bar. Thatâ€s a lot of space to mix & mingle compared to some of the smaller bar/restaurants in town. Plans are underway for live entertainment: Conway says Gringoâ€s will serve a Mariachi Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall.

On a recent Friday afternoon, the waitstaff and crew were already serving customers at the bar and in the dining room when the doors opened at 5 pm. Tarantino and Ventola were seating guests and keeping things flowing. Partners Conway and Tarantino also own Pier 13 in Hoboken, an outdoor beer garden near 14^th street; and the crew is preparing for the Grand Opening of Gringoâ€s Staten Island.

“Darren and I have been friends a long time,” Ventola says, as he heads outside to talk to the waitstaff.

“We all have different strengths,” Tarantino adds.

If you go

Gringoâ€s Mexican restaurant/bar

12 Coles St, JC

(201) 389-4110

www.gringostaco.com

Hours:  Mon-Thurs, 5 pm-midnight

Fri & Sat, 5 pm-2 am

Sun, 5 pm-10 pm

The post GRINGO’s JERSEY CITY -FOUR ‘GRINGOS’ & A TACO first appeared on River View Observer.

 

By Sally Deering

 Photos by Fermín Mendoza

You can see it from Rt. 139 feeding into the Holland Tunnel or catch it from downtown Jersey City as you head into Hoboken. David Bowieâ€s image 18-stories high on the side of the Cast Iron Lofts in Jersey City, painted by international muralist Eduardo Kobra.  Bowie passed-away January 10^th of this year, but his music and artistry live on throughout the world; and Kobraâ€s mural is now part of the Jersey City landscape, an urban landmark and the latest addition to the Jersey City Mural Arts Program.

On Fri, Nov. 4, Mayor Steven M. Fulop, members of the City Council, local real estate developers, and local artists welcomed Kobra to Jersey City and thanked him for painting the dazzling, eye-catching image of David Bowie. Mayor Fulop held the press conference on the buildingâ€s 5^th floor deck where visitors could get an up-close look at the mural, and meet and take pictures with Kobra who spent the past few weeks painting from a scaffold hanging 180-feet off the side of the Cast Iron Lofts hi-rise on Jersey Avenue.  

The Mural Arts Program which links established and emerging local, national and international mural artists with property owners city-wide is part of a beautification project to reduce graffiti and engage local residents. Murals are painted on walls throughout Jersey City, turning Jersey City into a public art gallery. According to Mayor Fulop, public art is a shared experience.

“Iâ€m a believer in public art,” Mayor Fulop told the crowd. “If you look at every period of time, public art is a reflection of whatâ€s happening during that time. Itâ€s symbolic of the times we live in. Iâ€m proud of what weâ€re doing. Jersey City is a thriving art community, and a welcoming community.”

Real estate developer Paul Silverman of Silverman Properties in Jersey City, attended the event. Silverman, who owns several properties in Jersey City, said having artists paint murals on buildings enhances the aesthetics of Jersey Cityâ€s architecture and brightens up the vibes in the neighborhood.

“A mural brings attention and discussion,” Silverman said. “It improves the buildingâ€s value and it helps make people proud. It changes your feelings about a neighborhood.”

 “I think itâ€s awesome,” local muralist 4Sakn of Jersey City said. “The scale and the colors. The geometric shapes mixed with realism.”

4Sakn sees the mural of David Bowie as a tribute to Bowieâ€s influence on the music industry. He said, “Itâ€s a memorial to Bowie and all the music he created.”

Kobraâ€s fame as a mural artist is as international as his mural projects. He just earned entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for the “largest spray paint mural by a team” for his “Ethnicities” mural featuring five faces from five continents painted outside the Rio 2016 Olympic stadium. Working with a four-person crew, Kobraâ€s murals enhance the landscape of many major cities throughout the world including London, Athens, Lyon, Los Angeles and New York.

Kobra, who is Brazilian and spoke through an interpreter, was asked why he chose an image of David Bowie to paint on the Cast Iron Lofts.

“I wanted to paint David Bowie because he is an icon and I wanted to represent his life to all of his fans,” Kobra told the assembled guests. He mentioned how thrilled he was to be in Jersey City and how an early visit to New York City when he was a boy helped shape his love of art.

“When I was 12, I was inspired by New York artists,” Kobra said. “Thatâ€s what made me who I am today. I have enjoyed working on this project. Itâ€s been a privilege and honor to be here.”

Artists John Ruddy and John Falcon are the curators of the Jersey City Artist Studio Tourâ€s gallery on the first floor of the Cast Iron Lofts building. Ruddy said Kobraâ€s mural of David Bowie stretches the limits of identity and creativity.

“An icon like David Bowie is a local hero in the spiritual sense,” Ruddy said.

“Itâ€s timely,” Falcon said, “and to have someone on the level of Kobra is great. Heâ€s painted one of the biggest murals in the world.”

Falcon said the Murals Project has established Jersey City as an art city.

“Art helps maintain Jersey City as an art-centric city,” Falcon said. “I hope a lot of other developers finance and pay local and international artists to work.”

Anne Novado, who is soon opening the Novado Gallery on Morgan Street in Jersey City, compared the mural to one of the ancient wonders of the world.

 “Its great energy,” Novado said. “Itâ€s a wonderful interpretation of David Bowie. By the scale of the piece, I would compare it to the Pyramids of Egypt.”

For more info on the

Mural Arts Project, go to

www.jerseycityculture.org

 

For more info on Kobra, go to

www.eduardokobra.com

 

 

The post KOBRA & BOWIE Int’l Muralist KOBRA paints 18-story David Bowie in Jersey City first appeared on River View Observer.

Kobraâ€s Iconic Murals Include Portraits of

PHOTO CAPTION:  International mural artist, Eduardo Kobra, stands in front of his mural of Bob Dylan in downtown Minneapolis.

JERSEY CITY – Fresh off setting the Guinness Book of World Records for the “largest spray paint mural by a team” with his Rio 2016 Olympic Games-inspired “Ethnicities,” internationally-renowned, Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra is bringing his unique vision and talent to Jersey City.

Widely known simply as Kobra, the sought-after artist has begun work on a 180-foot tall mural on the façade of 837 Jersey Avenue in downtown Jersey City. 

Kobra, whose murals of notable historical figures include Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Bob Dylan, Nelson Mandela, and John Lennon, are painted utilizing bright colors and bold lines while incorporating a kaleidoscope theme.  Much of Kobraâ€s work represents fraternity, respect for the other cultures and acceptance and love for differences, which was one of the reasons he was approached for the Jersey City Mural Art Program that is rooted in the cityâ€s diversity.

Kobra has worked in more than 20 countries and created more than 30 projects in the United States alone, with murals in London, Athens, Lyon, Los Angeles and New York.

“Jersey City has one of the most diverse and expansive mural arts programs in the country and we couldnâ€t be more excited to welcome Kobra to contribute to the artistic landscape of our city,” said Mayor Fulop.  “His work is recognized around the world and his Jersey City mural will not only be our largest to date, but will also be an iconic image that will draw people here to visit the mural and our entire collection of outdoor art.”

Expected to take approximately two weeks to complete, the new mural will be an exciting addition to the more than 86 other public works of art created throughout the city by local and international artists in the past three years as part of the cityâ€s flourishing Mural Arts Program.

“Itâ€s great to see that Jersey City has embraced street art through its mural program and Iâ€m very happy to be a part of it,” said Kobra.

Launched in 2013 by Mayor Steven Fulop to foster arts and cultural awareness, the Mural Arts Program has effectively transformed the City into an outdoor gallery through the creative works of local, national and international street artists, including Shepard Fairey, Pixel Pancho, Karski & Beyond, Fintan McGee, Faith47, and WK Interact, and local artists Mustart, Fermin Mendoza, Lissanne Lake and Catherine Hart.

The new installation is taking place during Jersey Cityâ€s Annual ARTober festivities that kicked off with the 26th Annual Jersey City Art and Studio Tour (JCAST), a city-wide showcase of the arts featuring nearly 1,000 participating artists in hundreds of venues that include private studios, galleries, local businesses, and pop-up and public spaces.

To further integrate the Kobra mural into the local Jersey City art celebration – which runs through the end of October, – a 10,000-square-foot pop-up gallery has opened in the 17^th Street retail space of the Cast Iron Lofts building that displays a collection of works from nearly half of the participating artists in Jersey Cityâ€s Mural Arts Program.   Entitled “OUTSIDE/in,” the gallery features more than 85 pieces of visual artwork from acclaimed mural artists such as Distort, Emilio Florentine, Hell Bent, John T. Ruddy, Pawn and many others. The exhibition also includes indoor murals and large-scale installations, and is open to the public every Saturday in October from 12pm to 4pm.

The Kobra mural and “OUTSIDE/in” exhibit reflect Jersey Cityâ€s emergence as an important art and cultural destination that attracts the creative class.  The Mural Arts Program has commissioned works that support local art and beautify neighborhoods by programming public spaces with outdoor paintings that deter graffiti and incorporate the cultural and historical aspects of different neighborhoods.  Jersey Cityâ€s Mural Arts program has been compared to those in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Detroit and Miamiâ€s Wynwood neighborhood.  The Kobra mural, and others like it in Jersey City, offer accessible, authentic artwork that can help enhance and re-energize neighborhoods through creativity and aesthetic beauty.

 

The post One of the Largest Names in the International Mural Scene, KOBRA, Begins Massive New Mural in Jersey City first appeared on River View Observer.

By By Sally Deering

Above a string of small shops along Central Avenue in Jersey City a dedicated group of volunteers who teach ESL and arts workshops, and advocate for people needing social services, prepares for its first art exhibition featuring works by local artists.

Running through April 30th, Action 21 of Jersey City presents an exhibition of paintings and folk art created by professional and amateur artists curated by art therapist and teacher Roxana Marroquion, a five-year Action 21 volunteer and Jersey City resident. The art exhibitâ€s recent opening reception held at the Community & Love in Action community center on Central Avenue featured music, dance, poetry, and a lively community gathering.

Artists displaying their works Ray Arcadio, Sidney Acosta, Ricardo Osmondo Francis, Maria Camila Gomez, Eric Cure, Rosa Huitzitzilin, Julia Lomba, Roxanna Marroquin, Angelica Kitty Martinez, Lilly Mojica Perez, Fermin Mendoza, Miquel Peralta, Herbert Valenzuela, The Dominican Folk Art of Los Andulleros de Santiago, and Michele Montanez  a budding artist who recently discovered her painting talents as a student at New Jersey City University.

“I took a course in oil painting,” Montanez says of her painting ‘Power†which pays homage to ‘Rosie, the Riveter†an image from WWII when women went to work in munitions factories while men fought the war. “My family is from Puerto Rico and I was born and raised here. You look a certain way, you go through a lot of issues.”

Dealing with issues of social injustice was—and is– Action 21â€s mission. Founded in 2002 by Narciso Castillo of Jersey City, the group continues to advocate for people in need of resources for housing, U.S. citizenship, domestic violence, and issues pertaining to social injustice. Its volunteers provide art classes for children; and ESL and wellness workshops for parents. Action 21 Director Monica Aguilar also taps the volunteers†talents who, in turn, teach dance, fitness, nutrition, meditation, and coach sports like soccer.

“This is about our love for our community,” Aguilar says at the art showâ€s opening reception, where she introduced the performers and volunteers. “Art is a way to educate and inform our community. The art classes we offer children are a way for them to express themselves.”

Artist Sidney Acosta, who has two paintings in the show moved to Jersey City from the Dominican Republic more than 10 years and now works toward a degree in art therapy at New Jersey City University. One painting in the show is of a face semi-submerged in water.

“A lot of my inspiration has to do with things happening to our environment,” Acosta says. “This piece is about islands that are drowning and the people who live on those islands.”

Visiting the States for two weeks to study dance, Isa Cordoba of Colombia is a professional Salsa dancer in her native country and also a social activist who runs the organization, “My Body is My Story,” which helps children who have lived through sexual violence express themselves through dance. Cordoba performed a Salsa for the audience and spoke about her non-profit organization.
“Our bodies are the memories of all the experiences we live,” Cordoba told the audience. “We work with children and teens who have had sexual violence, so they can express their stories in a healthy way. In Colombia there are many problems and much joy.”

Action 21 advocates for peopleâ€s rights through art, education and peaceful marches like the annual march to stop violence against women held in Jersey City in November. This year marks the 5^th year of the march, Aguilar told the crowd.

Whether marching against domestic violence or teaching meditation, Action 21 aims to serve the communityâ€s needs through education and arts programs.

“We are here to serve everyone,” Aguilar says.

If you go

Through April 30th

Action 21 Art Exhibit

Community & Love in Action community center

345 Central Ave, JC

(2^nd fl.)

 

Action 21

(Offices) 130 Central Ave, JC

(201) 420-9201

Facebook.com/njaction21

Njaction21@yahoo.com

 

 

The post Action 21 -Art, Social Justice & Community Wellness first appeared on River View Observer.

 By Sally Deering

More than 800 artists will exhibit their work in the upcoming 25^th annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour happening Sat & Sun, Oct 3 & 4, from noon to 6 pm.  More than a hundred studios, galleries, businesses, public spaces and art pop-ups will be exhibiting paintings, sculpture, mixed-media, and art installations..

The Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (formerly known as the Artists†Studio Tour) began 25 years ago when a local newspaper joined forces with several Jersey City artists. What started as a tour of 50 or so studios and public art exhibitions with opening night parties of Blimpie sandwiches and jugs of Gallo – has become a huge city-wide event sponsored by the city of Jersey City.

“This yearâ€s tour has grown to include 220 stops throughout Jersey City at galleries, exhibition spaces, and murals, showcasing the vibrant cultural landscape that is Jersey City,” Mayor Steven M. Fulop states on the official JCAST Tour Map. “Jersey Cityâ€s cultural scene continues to expand and diversify. Support our local artists by visiting their exhibits and purchasing their work, and engage with your neighbors during one of the biggest annual art events in the region.”

This year, the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour kicks off Fri, Oct. 2^nd at 6 pm with an opening reception at the Lackawanna Center on 16^th Street near the Holland Tunnel entrance in Jersey City. The Lackawanna Center will also be the site for two group shows: HISTORIC JERSEY CITY curated by Trix Rosen; and THREE SOULS IN THE CITY featuring works by artists Peter S. Bill, Gregory Stone and Fermin Mendoza. There are several other group shows on the tour including one at 150 Bay Street in Jersey City.

If youâ€re considering driving to Jersey City and parking your car, you might want to reconsider and take public transportation. City Hall in Jersey City has been designated the official take-off for free shuttle buses that will drive tour-goers on three separate routes throughout the city.

A bike tour to view the 50 murals in the Jersey City Mural project will also be leaving from City Hall. Visit the Studio Tourâ€s website for more information and to download a map of the Studio Tour.

 ARTISTS UNITE

HISTORIC JERSEY CITY, a group show will be on view at the Lackawanna Center curated by fine art photographer Trix Rosen, who also works as a historic preservation architectural photographer.

The exhibition features paintings, drawings, watercolors, photographs, historic maps, antique documents, mixed media collage and sculpture by artists Beth Bentley, Peter Delman, Ed Fausty, Sasha Greco & Garry Taylor, E. Jan Kounitz, Beatrice Mady, Andrea Rafael, Trix Rosen, Richard La Rovere, Steve Singer, Julie Sloane, Charlie Steiner and Leona Strassberg Steiner.

“As seen through the eyes of renowned local artists, the exhibition ‘HISTORIC JERSEY CITY†will feature historic sites, artifacts and relics that exist or have existed in Jersey City,” Rosen says. “Included are a selection of large photographic prints by Ed Fausty from ‘A Fragile Utopia: Studios and Spaces at 111 First Street†and watercolors by Steve Singer that address issues of gentrification, economic development and artists†housing.”

Photographs by local teenagers, Brandon Ambrossi, Nathan Balcos, Paloma Edgar and Nilay Vora, who documented the historic Jersey City Reservoir #3 for a digital storytelling workshop taught by Rosen in 2013 will also be on view.

“I put together this exhibition for the JC Art & Studio Tour to show my respect for the folks who cared enough to document and create art about the significance of where they live,” Rosen says. “I also want to reflect on endangered historic sites, the legacy of our builders and our cultural heritage,”

 (Photo of Brennan Court House Rotunda by Beatrice Mady in the Historic Jersey City group show)

BIKE TO THE ART

 (Mural at Ocean & Oak St. by Fermin Mendoza can be seen on the bike tour)

Ride your bike to see highlights of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour on free bike tours by community bike advocacy group Bike JC. All tours will include fly-by viewings of many of Jersey Cityâ€s growing collection of street-art murals by artists including Paws, Sue One, Joe Waks and Fermin Mendoza.

On Sat, Oct. 3, there will be one long tour hitting the biggest group shows, and two shorter tours covering the southern and northern halves of the tour. Bike JCâ€s focus will be on venues that are less accessible to casual strollers and better by bike. Tours will be led by experienced bike marshals. And if you donâ€t own a bike, Citi Bike JC has bike stations throughout Jersey City which can be rented by the day.

To join the bike tours, just show up on the plaza outside Grove Street PATH station at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour you want to ride: Long Route: 12 noon-5 pm; North Short Route: 1–3:30 pm. South Short Route: 3–5:30 pm. First come, first served—each tour will be capped at 30 riders! All tours will return riders to Grove PATH (or you can break away anywhere along the way). You must bring and wear a helmet.

DOWNLOAD THE MAP AND HAVE FUN

Get your official Jersey City Art & Studio Tour map in the City Hall vestibule at 280 Grove Street or stop by any of the participating venues for a free copy. You can also download a map at www.thejcast.com.

The Jersey City Art & Studio tour has become a beloved citywide tradition and a great way for local residents and visitors to support Hudsonâ€s art community

For more info

Sat & Sun, Oct. 3 & 4, 12 noon – 6 pm

Jersey City Art & Studio Tour

City of Jersey City

Office of Cultural Affairs

280 Grove Street, JC

www.thejcast.com

Email: jcast@jcnj.org

The post ART IN THE CITY-Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST) opens Doors Hundreds of Artists to present their Works first appeared on River View Observer.

Grace Church Van Vorst celebrates Art and Community

 By Sally Deering

Back in the late 1980s and early 90s, many considered downtown Jersey City a tough and gritty place for off-the-grid artists and blue-collar workers. It was during that time Grace Church Van Vorst, an Episcopalian parish in downtown Jersey City opened its big red doors on Erie Street, and welcomed local residents, many of them artists, to participate in the Cathedral Arts Festival.

On Sat, April 18, Grace Churchâ€s big red

doors will open once again, this time for the 25^th anniversary of the Cathedral Arts Festival beckoning local residents and friends to once again enjoy a gala of art, entertainment, food and drink. Under the leadership of Reverend Laurie Jean Wurm and congregants Bayla Kallstrom as chairwoman, Amy Elise as head art curator and other dedicated artists and residents, the Cathedral Arts Festival will once again bridge art and community in this neighborhood parish.

“The artist community has a long relationship with Grace Church Van Vorst, a lot of parishioners are artists, one gentleman has his own reggae band,” Rev. Wurm says. “Art is essential to how Grace Church is known in downtown Jersey City. Thatâ€s one thing Grace has always embraced.”

The April 18^th gala will feature refreshments from area restaurants, an open champagne bar, music, dancing, a silent auction and a special performance by members of Nimbus Dance Works of Jersey City. Sixty-five artists will be exhibiting and selling their works with a percentage of each sale going to Grace Churchâ€s special programs like the Grace Senior Center for Healthy Living, and Graceâ€s Breakfast Plus program which provides weekend meals to hungry and homeless people in Jersey City.

“Art is vital to the life of the church,” Reverend Wurm says. “It can be beautiful and unifying. One of the things I love is when the paintings are hung up in the church. For me itâ€s a way to see whatâ€s going on around the world.  Bringing struggles, triumphs and joys that come with paintings and objects of art, and putting them in a sacred setting allows us to see the world in a sacred way.”

COMMUNITY & ART

Chairwoman of the curating committee, Amy Elise, has been a Grace Church congregant since 2008 right after she moved to Jersey City.

“The first time I walked through the doors, I saw art on the walls,” Elise says. “The sanctuary was an incredible space and the service was beautiful. Thereâ€s this creative energy in the church that immediately embraced me. I wanted to be involved.”

Artists from Jersey City and other towns like Newark, Morristown and New York City will be exhibiting their works chosen by Elise and four area curators – Farah Nuradeen (Greenville); Meghan McKee (the Heights); Andrea Artemis Morin (downtown); and Joe Velez (Union City). They picked artists whose work reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Jersey City.

“Jersey City is gentrifying, especially downtown, and that has to be represented because thatâ€s part of our reality,” Elise says. “We also wanted the gritty aspects of Jersey City to be represented in the art. The neighborhood that Grace Church is in currently used to have a different feel. We wanted to respect the artists who are in the downtown neighborhood now and the artists and arts that would have been in the neighborhood 25 years ago.”

 Artists exhibiting at the  25^th Cathedral Arts Festival are Beth Achenbach, Seth Alexander, Paul Andress, Ray Arcadio, Howard Berelson, Miguel Cardenas, Thomas John Carlson, Miroslaw Chelchowski, Jerome China, stephen cimini, Lisa Collodoro, Liz Defrain, Peter Delman, Martin Ramone Delossantos, Dave Dziemian, Dylan Egon, Thomas Egan, Ben Faresich, Eileen Ferara, Mark Finne, Julia Forrest, Geraldine Anderson Gaines, David Gazzo, Jamaila Hernandez, Miguel Hernández, Kayt Hester, Ann Hjelle, Lina Hsiao, Christine Johanns, Norman Kirby, Kortez, Lex Leonard, Béatrice Lebreton, Tatiana Lopez, Beatrice Mady, Julie McHargue, Meghan McKee, Andrea McKenna, Michael F. McKenna, Kathryn Mecca, Rajendra Mehta, Fermin Mendoza, Volha Mikhnevich, Andrea Artemis Morin, Ibou Ndoye, Amy Neufeld, JoanMarie Palmer, Diane Revels, Orlando Reyes, Vira Rublevska, Angelo Rusciano, Monique Sarfity, Lucille Scurti, Anthony Sienkiewicz, Elsie Sienkiewicz, Panda Suwann, Marianne Trent, Janna Maria Vallee, Herman Velez, Joe Velez, Diane Whitebay, M. H. Yaghooti, William Zbylut, and O_O.

Local Jersey City businesses have always been big supporters of the Cathedral Arts Festival and this yearâ€s sponsors include Shoprite – Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., JPMorgan Chase, Capital One Bank and PNC Bank. Some of Jersey Cityâ€s most popular restaurants are participating like GPâ€s Restaurant in Hamilton Square, The Hamilton Inn, The Bistro at Grove Square, Rustique Pizzeria, Gypsy Grill and Tommy2Scoops. The Festival will also have Le Bouquiniste, a mobile art kiosk from Curious Matter, and a live interactive weaving skill-share by relational artist Janna Maria Vallee.

The Cathedral Arts Festival is meant to bring new people into the Grace Church community, Elise says. And with Bayla Kallstrom as chairwoman, everyone is benefiting from her wisdom of what things were like 25 years ago when she and then curator artist Charles Kessler knocked on doors inviting artists to participate.

“Our theme from the very beginning was community, creativity and diversity,” Kallstrom says. “We feel artistry is a universal language. Itâ€s very spiritual. Itâ€s like religion, it floats above. It contains many voices, viewpoints and can pull people together in a spiritual way. A lot of people who came to Grace Church werenâ€t Christians but wanted to be a part of our community and every human being is better when they are part of a community; where people gather to help people become the best they can be. Thatâ€s a committed community and thatâ€s always our goal.”

If you go:

Sat, Apr. 18, 7:30 pm-12 midnight

The 25^th Annual Cathedral Arts Festival Champagne Gala

39 Erie St. (Downtown) JC

Admission:  $40 in advance; $50 at the door.

For tix:  www.gracevanvorst.org

For more info:  (201) 659-2211

 

The post 25th Cathedral Arts Festival to be held Apr. 18th in Downtown Jersey City first appeared on River View Observer.

Throughout the year, Jersey City and other Hudson locales snap, crackle and pop with cultural events – art shows, plays, and dance performances – put on by the diverse and richly-talented artists who live in our local neighborhoods. Art is a huge part of Hudsonâ€s community and quality-of-life; so, from now on, in every issue of River View Observer, weâ€ll list this go-to guide to whatâ€s happening on the local ArtSCENE.

 313 Gallery at JC Art School

 

313 GALLERY, 313 –3^rd Street, JC, (732) 877-9116, www.jcartist.org.

Now through Feb 21: GENTRIFICATION, The Changing Landscape of Jersey City – A documentary art exhibition featuring Narciso Espiritu, Fabricio Suarez, Sam Pullin; curated by Allison Hall.

ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS, 136 Magnolia Ave, JC, (201) 915-9911, www.arthouseproductions.org. A non-profit organization bringing multi-media arts programs to Jersey City including original theater, music events, visual arts, experimental performance, classes, video/new media and the citywide arts festival, JC Fridays. Feb. 12-14, 19-21 at 8 pm; Feb 15 and 22 at 7 pm: THE SHAPESHIFTER, A sensory play by Meg Merriet.

THE BRUNSWICK WINDOW, 158 Brunswick St, JC, (201) 978-8939, Artistic window displays 24/7.
EVENING STAR STUDIOS, 11 Monitor St, JC, (201) 388-7323, Handcrafted art pieces; pottery throwing demonstrations.

 

GAIA STUDIO 315 3rd St, JC, www.gaiastudio.org. Each month Gaia gallery exhibits the work of a Gaia member and colleagues. Openings are on the first Friday of the month, 6-9 pm.

 ”Wonder Woman” by Teresa Garcia at Grassroots Community Space

 

GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY SPACE, 54 Coles St, JC, (201) 500-5483, www.grassrootscommunityspace.com. Classes held in Bollywood Funk, Martial Arts, Drum Circles; the work of local artists exhibited throughout the space.

 

LITM (Love is the Message), 140 Newark Ave, JC, (201) 536-5557, www.litm.com. In February: SHIFTING REALITIES, works by Liz Defrain, Mumbot, Lau Gallico, Gail Boykewich and Andrea Morin. “These five artists, while having different aesthetic styles, create works that delve into the otherworldly. Some are subtle, leaving the viewer with an inexplicable eerie feeling or strange sense of wonder. Others take you straight into a realm of the fantastic. Come and step into their worlds.”

  

    Costumes from the Armitage at MANA now through March 13

MANA CONTEMPORARY, 818 Newark Ave, JC, (201) 604-2702, www.manacontemporary.com. Large art complex with exhibitions, artist studios, framing and restoration. Through March 13: MAKING ART DANCE: Backdrops and Costumes from the Armitage Foundation. “Curated by Jeffrey Deitch, the exhibit features sets and costumes created in the past 30 years by Armitage in collaboration with artists and designers including Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeff Koons, Christian Lacroix, David Salle, Peter Speliopoulos, and Philip Taaffe.” Now through April 24: John Newsomâ€s ROGUE ARENA, “Each of John Newsomâ€s arresting, kaleidoscopic paintings is a visual adventure. The New York-based artistâ€s super-sized canvases display a dense depiction of life-like animals and vegetation, which sit atop layers of abstract backgrounds comprised of impastoed textures, schizophrenic brushstrokes, and hard-edged, monochrome shapes.” Thereâ€s more to see; visit the website.

  Mary Benson Gallery, Jersey City

 

MARY BENSON GALLERY, 369 Third St, JC. For more info, visit their Facebook page.

PANEPINTO GALLERIES, 371 Warren Street, www.panepintogalleries.com; art@panepintogalleries.com. “Panepinto Galleries was founded by Stefania Panepinto in 2011 as a collective space to host gallery viewings, film screenings, theatrical performances, photo shoots, art exhibitions and events of all kinds, as well as build a vibrant community of artists. Located in the heart of the Powerhouse Arts District in Jersey City.”

  Local artists†work fills the walls at Port-O-Lounge, JC

 PORT-O LOUNGE, 286 1st St, JC. www.portolounge.com.

 

PRO ARTS, 135 Greene St, JC; 201-736-7057; www.proartsjerseycity.org; proarts@gmail.com.

Now through April 27: GESTURES IN ART, New Paintings and the Gimme Shelter Project, featuring works by Michele Vitale and Gail Winbury; curated by Eileen Ferara, and on view at Windows On Columbus on Columbus Drive between Washington and Greene Streets, and at the Lobby on Greene St, at 135 Greene Street off Columbus Drive. The exhibit is free and open to the public 24/7. “Pro Arts Jersey City is an organization of professionals in the visual arts, mainly from Jersey City and the surrounding metropolitan area, who are working to promote the arts and to better communicate Jersey Cityâ€s identity as a growing arts center.” Visit their website www.proartsjerseycity.org or call 201-736-7057 for more information.

 

RAVEN GALLERY AND BOUTIQUE, 304 Newark Ave, JC; (201) 565-3046; www.theravengalleryandboutique.com. Fri, Feb. 13, 6-10 pm: EAT YOUR HEART OUT! “Come to The Raven Gallery & Boutique to mend your broken heart, celebrate yourself, look at some great art from our Industrial NJ show, engage in some interactive anti-Valentine’s activities, check out our broken hearts curtain, drink some Cupid’s blood (hehe!), or just hang out! We will be open special hours for that special person- YOU!” Thereâ€s more to see; visit their website. Artists†works curated by Javiera Rodriguez and Andrea McKenna.

Sno-Balls by Pamela Talese at the Village West Gallery, downtown.

VILLAGE WEST GALLERY, 331 Newark Ave, JC. www.villagewestgallery.com; robinsonholloway@gmail.com. Opening Feb. 18 and running through March 8: BREAD AND CIRCUSES. “The term dates back to ancient Rome (‘panem et circensesâ€), when “bread and circuses” were deemed enough to keep the population distracted and undemanding – our modern day equivalent might be ‘corn syrup and Kardashians.†Twenty eight artists have tackled the theme, both literally and politically. Village West Gallery is located in the Village neighborhood of Historic Downtown Jersey City.  Aside from receptions and special events, it is open by appointment only.

If you have an art opening or performances coming up including visual arts, performing arts and street arts, send an email to:  Riverviewobserver@gmail.com or call 201-776-9222 and weâ€ll list it in ArtSCENE.

Compiled by Sally Deering and Fermin Mendoza.

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