Within the privacy of their studios, artists endeavor to bring to life ideas forged in the flames of their unique imaginations. This weekend, Jersey City’s creative people will open their doors for the annual Jersey City Art Tour.
Vincent DeMarti is among the artists who will exhibit art during the tour. DeMarti moved to Jersey City this year and has become a part of the close-knit network of artists who have studios at 111 First St.
"I guess because I have a studio here I’ll have more exposure within Jersey City," DeMarti said during an interview last week. "I think the tour will help me be a part of the community."
Artist Maggie Ens will also be a part of the tour. Her studio on the second floor of 111 First St. will feature a wall installation of removable, reusable materials. She employs used water bottles and other containers in her designs. For almost two decades she has been exhibiting her work in New York City and nationally.
"The tour is wonderful. We have a good community of artists who are dedicated to their work," Ens said. "I invite a lot of people and hope for a strong show."
Like DeMarti and Ens, Wei Jane Chir has a studio at 111 First St. Chir has been in Jersey City since 1993 and this will be her first time on the tour. Chir wants to showcase to the community her award-winning photographs and paintings because she feels a greater connection to the neighborhood.
"I would like people to know the beauty and hard work we do," Chir said.
The highly anticipated tour will feature more than 200 artists and as many as 10,000 visitors throughout 32 locations in the city’s busy downtown area on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Now in its 11th year, the tour has become Jersey City’s defining cultural event, bringing artists together from around the New York metropolitan area, according to tour organizer Robert Costa. The tour features a diverse selection of styles, including avant-garde video sculpture; figurative, conceptual, abstract, representational and non-objective art; traditional oil, watercolor, and pastel paintings; and multimedia graphics.
"The Jersey City Art Tour is New Jersey’s premier showcase of emerging talent and established professionals," Costa said. "Nearly 300 area artists participated in last year’s tour. This year we anticipate 10,000 visitors."
Eleven years ago, a loose band of artists got together at 111 First St. to exhibit their work. With self-promotion and the proper permits from the city, they began the tour, which at first attracted local artists, friends and neighbors.
But as the years went by, the tour grew larger. More artists joined the shows, and eventually more visitors came to check out the artists.
A tour map is available in this issue of the Current. They may also be picked up at the Grove Street PATH station and at key tour sites. A free shuttle service along the tour route will also be available for visitors.
For more information contact Costa at (212) 547-5691.