The bubbly will abound when Grace Church Van Vorst (39 Erie St. Jersey City) kicks off its celebrated 13th annual Cathedral Arts Festival on Saturday, March 2 with an Art Sale and Champagne Gala. The party begins at 8 p.m. and runs until midnight. Along with free-flowing champagne, the evening will feature hors d’oeuvres provided by Hamilton Park Ale House, a fully catered dinner by Pronto Cena, and desserts provided by Café Brand. The Bryan Beninghove Quartet will perform live music throughout the evening.
The gala will also feature an art auction and surprise dance-theater vignettes choreographed by Jersey City resident Anahi Galante.
The Champagne Gala marks the opening of the Festival’s Art Gallery. Curated by Pro-Arts, the gallery will feature 100 pieces of artwork from more than 60 visual artists, and includes paintings, sculpture, photography and collage. Digital prints by Gail Buono, watercolors by Nan Carey, interactive sculptures by Joseph Chirchirillo, photographs by Deborah Guvman and mixed media collages by Lawry Romani are just some of the works included.
All proceeds from the auction, as well as a portion of the art sales, will directly support Grace Church Van Vorst.
"It’s a yearly event that pulls together not only professional artists in the area, but also the up-and-coming artists," said Stacey Royce, the Festival’s public relations director. "You would be amazed at how many artists are actually in the neighborhood. Of course, it’s a benefit for the church, but the artist can really benefit from it too. Because hundreds of people come out to see it."
Royce, a dancer who has helped produce the festival for the past four years, fortuitously stumbled into Grace Church Van Vorst several years ago.
"I live downtown and I just wandered in one day," she said. "And the priest was up front, playing the guitar. He had an earring and was singing some Beatles songs. It’s just a great place. And they really help support the arts."
The Performing Arts Showcase
On Sunday, March 3, the Church will host a free Performing Arts Showcase from 1 to 5 p.m.
A variety of musicians, dancers, choreographers, theater professionals and poets will perform an assortment of performance disciplines, from ethnic and modern dance to instrumental folk music to spoken world and poetry. Specifically, Grigory Gurevich will perform pantomime, Emma Palzere-Rae will perform a theatrical reading, and Karen Davis will perform music.
The Church will also host a Children’s Art Workshop throughout the day. Activities include creative movement, puppetry, mask-making, storytelling and a singalong.
Grace Church Van Vorst is located at 39 Erie St. in Jersey City. Tickets for the Gala and Art Sale are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Senior citizen discounted tickets are available. The Performance Arts Showcase is free. For more information call (201) 659-2211.