NIMBUS DANCE WORKS, Frank R. Conwell MS4 Auditorium, 107 Bright St, JC.  (201) 377-0718; www.nimbusdanceworks.org.  Dec. 13-18. Tix: $11 – $40 (early bird prices through 12/4; group discounts available) Nimbus Dance Works presents JERSEY CITY NUTCRACKER 2016. “Jersey Cityâ€s largest annual performing arts event. Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet re-imagined with Jersey City flavor.  Join Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey Cityâ€s acclaimed professional dance company for the 7th year of its annual holiday tradition: Jersey City Nutcracker. Jersey City Nutcracker tells the story of two childrenâ€s urban holiday adventure leading them through fantasy, adversity and celebration and, along the way, teaching them lessons about friendship and community. Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, this adaption of Tchaikovskyâ€s holiday classic is performed by a stand-out cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance Works joined by youth and adults from the community as they portray familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, the Arabian Princess and Drosselmeyer – all with a Jersey City twist!”  (Appropriate for all ages; barrier-free event.)

FILM  

LANDMARK LOEWâ€S JERSEY CITY, 54 Journal Sq, JC. (201) 798-6055; info@friendofloews.org. Sun, Dec. 4 at 2 pm The Classic Holiday Show – On stage & Screen. Live concert, including sing-along and ITâ€S A WONDERFUL LIFE” HOSTED BY Donna Reedâ€s daughter, Mary Owen. $12 adults/$8 students & seniors. See Jimmy Steward in one of his best roles as George Bailey who learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Sat, Dec. 3, 10, 17; Tix: $14.50 adults; $12.50 kids 2-12 and seniors 62+. THE POLAR EXPRESS: An IMAX Experience, rolls into the world’s largest IMAX Dome theater for a limited engagement, just in time for the holidays. “This heart-warming film tells of a boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on a journey of self-discovery. Based on the Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is directed by Oscar winner Robert Zemeckis and stars two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks.” NEW! Audiences also get to enjoy a brand new 15-minute holiday laser pre-show before each screening of the movie.

 VISUAL ARTS

RAVEN GALLERY & BOUTIQE, Newark Ave, JC, Curators, owners, artists Andrea McKenna and Javiera Rodriguez present through Jan 1: WEARABLE ART: Group Exhibition. (Pictured: “Sweet Dreams” collage by Luis Alves.) Featuring artists Andrea Brooke Dâ€Alessandro, Anthony Jr. Wills, Asha Ganpat, Carole Bailey, Chris Ernst, David Nicolato, Darya Warner, Eric Indin, Hailey Arango, John Kincaid, Kelly Heaton, Luca Cusolito, Luis Alves, Mollie Thonneson and Rafael Colon.

BARSKY GALLERY, 48 Harrison St, HOB. (888) 465-4949; barskyallery.com.

BARSKY GALLERYâ€S WINTER EXHIBITION AND SALE is on now. “The rotating collection is a showcase of recent works by gallery-represented artists, embodying an eclectic mix of contemporary original art priced for every budget.” Winter hours: Mon & Tues, by appointment; Wed-Sun, 11 am-6 pm. (Pictured: Aymar de Villele, “Planet Earth” Oil on Canvas.)

 MANA CONTEMPORARY, 818 Newark Ave, JC, (201) 604-2702, www.manacontemporary.com. Through Aug 1, 2017: JOHN CHAMBERLAIN: PHOTOGRAPHS. Mana Contemporary and Ayn Foundation present a kinetic series of photographs taken with a swing-lens Widelux camera from the legendary artist, curated by Tad Wiley. “This exhibition showcases 70 works, ranging between 1989 and 2002. Known primarily for his sculptures, Chamberlain actively experimented in all mediums, including painting, film, and photography. He once referred to these works as ‘self-portraits of the nervous system†using the camera more as an extension of his body than of his mindâ€s eye.”

 DEEP SPACE GALLERY, 77 Cornelison Ave, JC (201) 777-0166. Closing Night Dec. 3, 6-10 pm: GLOSSBLACK, solo exhibition. “Raised in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Jimmy is an American graffiti writer who began painting in the early 2000s. Today, with over a decade of work under his belt, he has solidified himself as a nationally recognized practitioner of the art. As graffiti culture rises in popularity, he manages to continually find new territory, creating pieces that are instantly recognizable. Working predominantly in aerosol and oil paint, his dynamic lettering styles, layering techniques, craftsmanship, and dedication to detail result in striking works of art.” For more info, www.glossblack.org.

 THEATER

MILE SQUARE THEATRE, 1400 Clinton St, HOB. (201) 683-7014. www.milesquaretheatre.org; Through Sun, Dec. 18; Tix: $30/Students & Seniors, $18. ITâ€S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY by Joe Landry. Directed by Mark Cirnigliaro. “Mile Square Theatre brings back its popular telling of the classic holiday film. A holiday treat for the entire family!”

  FOR THE KIDS

 JCTC-KIDS at the Jersey City Theater Center, Merseles Studios, 339 Newark Ave, JC. www.jctcenter.org. Sundays through Dec 11 at 1 pm: Puppetworks presents Lewis Carrollâ€s ALICE IN WONDERLAND.  Tix: Children: $8; $11 at the door. Adult: $9; $12 at the door. School discounts available. Go to www.jctcenter.org for tix.

 LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Through Jan 8, 2017: CURIOUS GEORGE: LETâ€S GET CURIOUS! “Letting curiosity and inquiry be their guides, children explore familiar buildings and locales from the “Curious George” books and television series on PBS Kids in Curious George: Letâ€s Get Curious! The exhibit presents key concepts in science, math, and engineering, which are woven throughout the exhibit. Activities invite children to learn like Curious George does—through direct experience and problem solving! Kids can also meet Curious George in person at the Science Center. George will visit December 28 and December 29. He will be there from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm; visit the Welcome Desk for specific location and times. Come take photos with him and give a big, friendly hug. Curious George canâ€t wait to meet your family!”

 LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. BODIES REVEALED* “LSP presents real human figures and organs that reveal the wonder and beauty of the human form. The exhibition shows detailed views of human anatomy, from whole body displays to individual skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and circulatory systems. Unlike models that idealize the body through the eyes of an artist, this exhibition shows the body and its systems as they really exist, including natural variation.*Bodies Revealed is a premium exhibition, available with the Premium Pass or a Combination Ticket.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, JC. (201) 200-1000; www.lsc.org. Tues-Fri. 12:30, 2, & 3:30‌ pm; Sat. & Sun, 10 & 11:30 am & 4:30 pm. Earthflight 3D. “Fly wingtip to wingtip with some of the worldâ€s most charismatic birds. On their fantastic journeys, the birds visit some of the most spectacular animal events and locations on Earth. Our 300-seat Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater offers shorter running Real D 3D Digital Films are suitable for all ages. These movies pack lots of great action into 20 – 40 minutes.”

CLUBS

BRIGHTSIDE TAVERN, 141 Bright St, JC. Mon, JAZZ JAM; Tues & Wed: KARAOKE; Thurs: OPEN MIC NIGHT; Fri: COMEDY; Sat & Sun: Brunch, DANCE, KARAOKE, OPEN MIC

 HAPPENINGS & HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

 ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS presents JC FRIDAYS, a city-wide celebration of the arts in JC. This quarterly citywide celebration of the arts is free and open to the public. It features art, performances, music, film and educational workshops. For more info call (201) 915-9911 Visit the website jcfridays.com for listings.

 HOBOKEN CITY HALL, 94 Washington St, HOB. (201) 420-2207; www.hobokennj.gov. Sat & Sun, Dec. 3 & 4; 11 am-5 pm. Mayor Dawn Zimmer & the City of Hoboken present the CITY HALL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR featuring art, photography & unique handcrafted gift items. (Please use Newark St. entrance.)

OUT OF TOWN HAPPENINGS

 THE NEW VICTORY THEATER, 229 W. 42^nd St, NYC. www.newvictory.org. Fri, Dec. 2 – Sun, Jan. 1 – “This holiday season experience the joyous spirit abundant in MOTHER AFRICA: MY HOME, a circus spectacular set in Cape Townâ€s largest township, Khayelitsha. Daring acrobats, jubilant dancers and mind-bending contortionists fill the New Victory stage when the sensational Drama Desk-nominated Circus der Sinne returns to NYC with electrifying live music and feats of extraordinary strength and dazzling skill. With performers representing African nations from Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, to South Africa and Ivory Coast, this radiantly rhythmic production exudes a palpable zest for life that will have the whole family on the edge of their seats—or, better yet, dancing in the aisles.”

 NEWARK MUSEUM, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ. (973) 596-6550; www.newarkmuseum.org. Now on view LIFE, LOVE, DEATH: THE BALLANTINES. “Beer built this house.  One child found happiness here.  One child found tragedy here. A half-century before becoming part of the Newark Museum complex, this National Historic Landmark mansion was home to one of the country’s most important beer dynasties. Through new interactive galleries, discover what really happened here during the Gilded Age.”

 SEND US YOUR ARTS LISTINGS. 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 and weâ€ll list it in ARTScene.  

ALL ARTscene LISTINGS ARE FREE.

The post DECEMBER ARTScene   Cultural Happenings in & around Hudson   first appeared on River View Observer.

By Sally Deering

Photo By Steve A. Mack

 Relatively unknown before he took office as the Mayor of Jersey City on July 1, 2013, Steven M. Fulop now has his own page on Wikipedia. Gaining in popularity, a local paper put him 4^th on a list of Hudsonâ€s 50 most influential people.

 Mayor Fulop, 36, seems to have a vision for Jersey Cityâ€s cultural scene with plans to bring the city to greater heights that reflect its stature as the second largest city in New Jersey. By raising the standards of the arts scene, Fulop envisions Jersey City as an arts mecca similar to New York City that will attract visitors in huge numbers and big name acts to its performance venues while providing public spaces for resident artists, filmmakers, dancers, actors and musicians.

 Moving forward, in the short time heâ€s been in office, Mayor Fulop has already been in meetings with Cordish Companies of Baltimore, the prospective developers of the Powerhouse building in downtown Jersey City. He has supported legislation to reinstate the tax credits to filmmakers who want to shoot on location in Jersey City; and, he has approved projects by mural artists to paint designated buildings in Jersey City. Mayor Fulop also has plans to turn the old movie palace, the Loewâ€s Jersey City in Journal Square into a performing arts center like NJPAC.

 On a recent November morning, Mayor Fulop took time out of his busy schedule to speak with Riverview Observer about some of his plans and projects for Jersey Cityâ€s cultural scene.

 RVO: Mayor Fulop do you have any personal association with the arts – did you play the trumpet in high school, that sort of thing?

MSF: I have a great appreciation for music and I have friends in the arts community, thus Iâ€ve been engaged in it. I took piano lessons during my childhood and up until last year. I play classical music and I started studying Jazz. Classical is straight-forward, youâ€re reading notes and I could do that very well, but I couldnâ€t improvise. Itâ€s a totally different skillset. My piano teacher moved, though, and now Iâ€m looking for a new one, so if you know anybody,..

 RVO: Do you have any interest in a specific area of the arts in Jersey City?

MSF: Iâ€ve realized in order to make Jersey City really shine it needs a thriving arts community. Thatâ€s what attracts people here. Transportation wonâ€t just do it, you need culture and art.  Weâ€re working with Senator (Steve) Lesniak to reinstate the film tax credit; legislation will be introduced next week. Weâ€re looking to see how to put more money into the Loewâ€s and bring in professional management. Youâ€ll see that on the Council agenda coming forward. Thatâ€s a big step. From a city standpoint, I canâ€t put $10-$15 million dollars into something that has the “potential” for success. The Loewâ€s is the size of NJPAC and across from the Journal Square PATH. You could get big names, and people coming from all over for art, music, restaurants.  The Loewâ€s is really a key component of what weâ€re trying to do.

  

RVO: Over the years, funding for Jersey City Cultural Affairs has dropped from $700,000 to $100,000. Will this be turned around during your administration?

MSF: Weâ€re working with Cultural Affairs to revisit how it functions in the city. A cultural affairs group that is just hanging art work or doing flag-raising is not how I envision Cultural Affairs. Weâ€re looking for things that are going to have thousands of people there. We had 2000 people at our Halloween fair. There was a petting zoo, rides; it was a safe and festive place. Cultural Affairs needs to be thinking like that.  Twenty people for a flag-raising; I donâ€t need seven employees administering flag-raising – telling people ‘go here to get permitsâ€. What are you doing for 2014 and where are the new plans for things that are going to be substantially large? To me, itâ€s more than just an art show in a rotunda for a few artists. Cultural Affairs has to be good branding for Jersey City. We havenâ€t increased (the budget) until we have a plan.

 

RVO: According to the Jersey City Redevelopment Authority, proposals by the Cordish Companies of Baltimore will transform the Powerhouse building into an “art and entertainment mixed use center with multi-floor retail and commercial space.”Can you elaborate?

MSF: Weâ€d like to see progress here. The developer submitted two proposals: one was more elaborate; one less elaborate. Both proposals are from a cultural perspective. One has a type of performance space; one is more marketing-retail oriented. They are both different and both have different costs with some public and private partnership. I feel comfortable with either of them.

 

RVO:  You mentioned the art gallery Mana Contemporary on Newark Avenue in Jersey City as a good representation of how the arts can attract people. Can you elaborate?

MSF: If you go to their art openings, there are 10,000 people from all over New Jersey. They have some of the worldâ€s best artists from the performing arts, visual arts. There are paintings by Andy Warhol. Mana is going to be the major arts institution for Jersey City.

 

RVO: Can you tell our readers if and when the Jersey City Museum will re-open?

MSF: Itâ€s still a problem. We donâ€t have clarity around the inventory. In fairness to (former mayor) Jerry Healy, he inherited a very tough situation on the museum. Where they built that museum, thereâ€s no parking, itâ€s a tough location to attract visitors and attract global artists on a large scale. To compete with the New York City market you have to have something special. There are a lot of things special about this place. We should be thinking big. If itâ€s not big, itâ€s not interesting to me. 

 

RVO: The arts in Jersey City seem to exist despite a lack of space. A good example is the Grassroots Community Art Space on Newark Ave, a public art space run by artists. In the future, will the city provide more venues for artists?

MSF: The market dictates that. Some things happen organically. We have a black-box theater, a 400-seat theater opening up on Bay Street. Itâ€s going to be given to the city and will be a city asset. (But) itâ€s hard to have government in that role. Government is not good at owning assets. Itâ€s not our skillset. What we do is create a cultural environment.  Itâ€s about creating a brand in Jersey City that goes beyond Jersey City.

 

To learn more about Jersey Cityâ€s

cultural arts scene, go to: www.cityofjerseycity.com.

The post Jersey City’s New Mayor Steven M. Fulop Envisions the City’s Cultural Future first appeared on River View Observer.

Historic Condominium Conversion to be Honored During May 27 Ceremony

 

Given to outstanding examples of restoration or adaptive reuse of a historic building, the Excellence in Preservation award is being bestowed upon The Residences at Dixon Mills for Elmsford, NY-based developer Robert Martin Company’s restoration of the former Dixon Ticonderoga furnace houses into luxury condominiums and a comprehensive lifestyle amenities facility.

“More than 150 years ago, entrepreneur Joseph Dixon moved his growing business to downtown Jersey City, where he manufactured several products, the most famous of which is the yellow Dixon Ticonderoga pencil. Today, with their original architectural details, period brickwork and wrought-iron railings restored, those same Romanesque Revival-style buildings continue to be a fixture of downtown Jersey City,” stated Tim Jones, principal of Robert Martin Company. “We are extremely honored to receive this award from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, and to be acknowledged for the work we have done in breathing new life into this important Landmark of New Jersey’s industrial past.”

The Conservancy will hold its ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 27 at the Landmark Loews Theater at 54 Journal Square in Jersey City. Tours of the theatre will be provided following the awards ceremony.

The five buildings that comprise Dixon Mills were converted from a factory into rental apartments in the 1980’s. Robert Martin Company subsequently purchased the property in 2007 and developed the community into 467 luxury condominiums and a lifestyle center converted from the development’s historic Powerhouse building.

“The unique historic charm of this community is one of the primary reasons we have been so successful in our sales efforts, having sold and closed more residences over the past year than any other condominium community in Jersey City,” stated Jones.

Surrounded by cobblestone-style streets and landscaped courtyards adorned with rows of turn-of-the-century streetlamps and flowerboxes, The Residences at Dixon Mills combines bygone-era charm with a sense of urban sophistication.

The community is located just three blocks from the nearby Grove Street PATH station, offering direct access to Wall Street or Midtown, as well as the neighborhood’s many retailers, restaurants and cultural and entertainment venues. As part of the community’s amenities package, Dixon Mills offers residents a shuttle bus that takes them from their door to the PATH station.

Last year, the community opened The Club at Dixon Mills, a premier amenities space exclusive to Dixon Mills’ residents and featuring a state-of-the-art fitness center, screening room, spacious locker rooms, a yoga/movement room, community lounge with large projection television, WiFi area, media room and indoor multi-purpose recreational court.

Studios, as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium residences are available from the low $200,000s. Duplexes and triplexes are also available, as are over 100 penthouses. Many of the residences feature oversized windows and ceilings that range in height from nine feet to 12 feet.

For more information about The Residences at Dixon Mills, please call the Sales Office at 201-309-1004 or visit www.dixonmillsjc.com.

About Robert Martin Company
Founded in 1957, Robert Martin Co. has a long, distinguished history in real estate. The company and its partners have developed and acquired over 20 million square feet of property and its holdings presently include over two million square feet of office space and hundreds of acres of developable land. Widely regarded as a pioneer in office park development and mixed-use urban renewal projects, the real estate and investment firm has expanded from its home base in the New York metropolitan region into California and Florida, where it has recently partnered to buy over 600 hundred acres of land, approximately 2,500 apartments and a large mixed-use project in Miami, Florida. For more information on Robert Martin Co. visit www.robertmartincompany.com

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The post The Residences at Dixon Mills Receives ‘Excellence in Preservation’ Award From Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy first appeared on River View Observer.