Luring Artists to Lend Life to Empty Storefronts

On October 12th, the New York Times published an article about artists using empty storefronts in New York City  to display their artwork. Due to the increase in empty commercial spaces, landlords are now more willing to lend their spaces for artistic pursuits. A few a years ago, as the Public Relations Chair of hob'art cooperative gallery (Hoboken, NJ) I had approached Real Estate brokers with that idea. The gallery President, Liz Cohen, contacted store owners. Neither of us received encouragement.

With the Times article in hand, I decided to tackle the idea again. After two weeks and over 90 e-mails contacting Hoboken Council Members, our local County Freeholder, our Cultural Director, the Mayor, etc., I was able to set up a meeting. Two Council members promised to put a resolution before the City to encourage such a program, riders will be added to the City's liability insurance policy to cover our displays, and real estate brokers will be encouraged to look for spaces and/or window display areas. It was exhausting and exhilarating. 

Artistic Month

"Family Play, Act 1" is the first print of a new portfolio of three Photographic Montages.

In between working on new prints, this has been a month of delivering art, attending receptions, participating in forums, and promoting new ideas for the hob'art gallery mission of outreach to the community.

The Hoboken Annual Art Tour was a success in spite of the rain and cold. Over 100 people visited the hob'art members exhibit at the Eureka Gallery, 259 First Street, which is open to the public through October 29th. The cooperative gallery will be holding their next meeting on the evening of the 29th at the Eureka Gallery, which is open to all interested artists. The discussions will include upcoming exhibitions open to all members. This is an exciting year of exposure for the group's members.

Hoboken Open Studio Art Tour

President Obama has proclaimed October as National Arts Month. Do your part, support the arts and the artists.

My art work will be on display with the members of hob'art cooperative gallery in the upcoming Artists Open Studio Tour - Sunday Oct 18th 12-6pm - We are exhibiting at Eureka Gallery, 259 First Street, Hoboken, NJ. Come to see the art and to say hello to the artists. The exhibit will continue until the end of the month.

I have photographic montages on exhibit during the entire month at the "Magic Window" exhibition, 545 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City and the "Metropolitan Memories" show at Brennan Court House Gallery, 583 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ.

Ineffable Woman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYL8To0Vc4gYouTube is now showing the exhibition, "Ineffable Woman," which includes one of my Polaroid Montages, "Woman's Work."

Jersey City, NJ Annual Art Tour

My art work will be on display throughout the Annual Jersey City, NJ, Art Tour during the month of October. Opening Day is October 4th, 1-6 pm, with artist's studios also open to the public.
Pro Arts organization will display members artwork at Grace Church, Erie and 2nd Streets. The official opening reception will be held there on Friday, 6-10 pm. This is always a great happening with the addition of music, food, and drink.
My Photographic Montages will also be on display at Brennan Courthouse Gallery at 583 Newark Avenue. The Victory Hall exhibit at 545 Washington Blvd., Newport section of the City includes my artwork, which is displayed on their website and invitation.

Exciting Week

I attended the I.S.E.A. exhibit reception at the Banana Factory on Friday, Sept. 1st, accepted my award graciously, and met a group of talented fellow artists from all over the country.

My Assemblage Workshop on Saturday went really well. The participants were a delight to work with and my workshop materials were appreciated. Sunday was a pleasant, uneventful drive home from Bethlehem PA.

After a restful day on Monday, Tuesday was a bit hectic with getting 5 pieces of artwork to the exhibit at Nohu Cultural Arts Center, Union City, NJ, and attending the first meeting of the Hoboken Arts and Industry Council Board. I got talked into two jobs: Press Relations and contacting the Jersey City Pro Arts group on their experience with forming an Arts District.

Ceres Gallery meeting on Wednesday evening, working with my Mac Guru on Thursday afternoon, and the champagne reception for the "Turning Point" exhibit at the Nohu Center finished the week that was!

"Turning Point"
Celebrate Art 2009
Nohu Cultural Arts Center
16th and Palisades Avenue
Union city, NJ 07087
201-348-3966

Invitations to Boards

Within one week, I was invited to join two art boards in New Jersey: the new Advisory Board of the ProArts Association of Jersey City and the new Hoboken Arts Council.

ProArts, a 20 year old cooperative, wants to envision future directions for the group in their connections to the artistic community and the Jersey City Cultural Department.

Hoboken artists and craftsmen want to develop a more welcoming atmosphere for artists, including affordable living and working spaces. They are hoping to offer the City a plan for local arts districts. In the 1970's and 1980's artists arrived in Hoboken because of available inexpensive spaces. After helping to revive the City, the artists were pushed out. I know that is the usual policy; but some of us stayed. We now want to encourage Hoboken to show support for all the arts and artists of the community.