A group of artists who left Hoboken and Jersey City several years ago have found a home in Union City. Renowned award-winning sculptors, photographers and painters have toiled and endured obscurity (with minor exceptions) at the Silk Factory at 540 39th St., also known as the Union Hill Arts Building. This version of Jersey City’s 111 First St. is a haven for indy artists with a purpose.
Within the urban landscape and depressed parts of the city, more than two dozen brave artists will open their studio doors on Oct. 25-26 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for an open tour. It will be a week after Hoboken’s annual artists tour.
“Our small art scene is grown. It is not publicized so much but we’ve had tremendous shows recently in the building,” said event coordinator Katharina Castiblanco Grammer. She, like many of her peers, had a studio in the mile-square city and even took part in the Hoboken studio tour for several years.
“The cost of living went up too high and I was forced out,” she said.
But don’t feel bad for Grammer or the rest of the artists. Despite their location, they works have been seen by many people.
Last year, Dahlia Elsayed showcased her paintings and poetry at the Jersey City Museum. The show received outstanding media coverage, and Elsayed eclipsed her competitors with her talents.
Other people at the Union Hill Arts Building are William Vaseles Charas, Emanuele Cacciotore, Marcus Williamson, German Rodriguez, Francisco Garcia, Pixie Alexander, Santiago Cohen, Nelson Alvarez, Irwin Goldman, Keith White, Adam Bateman, Geandy Pavon and Wendy Setzer.
“We’d like to think we’d see a tour in this city. It can happen if our shows are successful,” Grammer said.
The delicate art scene in Union City is in the very early stages. Residents are slowly finding out about them. Grammer hopes more artists move in to the city so they can begin an urban renaissance, much like Jersey City’s. There’s an open reception Oct. 24 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the studios will be open Oct. 25-26 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For information call (201) 902-9690 or visit www.union-management.com.