Celebrate Jersey City’s fall art events, which kick off with the next “JC Fridays,” a free all-day event of art, music, dance, photography, theater, film, performances, and more at locations throughout Jersey City on Friday, Sept. 7.
This is the 10th “Friday,” which has just passed its two-year anniversary in June. From its rather modest start of less than a dozen events, “JC Fridays” has tripled in size and is held four times a year at the change of every season.
This “Friday” includes over 27 free events to choose from, including many contests at some of the events to make it an interactive experience for visitors. In addition to the great art presented at many of the venues, there will be live music and performances throughout the day. Many of the vendors are offering light refreshments and drinks for guests to enjoy.
If you build it, they will come
At a networking meeting in 2005, local art leaders discussed ways to bring art lovers, residents, and business owners together. Those leaders – Art House Productions, Jersey City Museum, Pro Arts, Victory Hall, Grace Church, Gallery 58, Mana Fine Arts and more – discussed ways to make Jersey City a vibrant community for the arts.
In just over two years, local major art leaders have turned Jersey City into an art destination. From a tentative beginning to the anticipated seasonal event it has become, “JC Fridays” has made its mark.
According to Christine Goodman, director of Art House Productions, the event has gained the notice of people outside Hudson County, even getting attention from Manhattanites looking for the latest cultural activity.
Goodman said that people come from parts of Northern New Jersey, not just Hudson County.
“One woman said to me that she took off work and planned out her day to take in as many places as she could throughout the day,” said Goodman.
This Friday features a whirlwind of activities including: fashion, theater, several contests, and more! According to Goodman, the last event was a big hit. At the last “Friday” on June 1 over 1,000 people came to the event, with the next scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7.
“It was tremendous,” said Goodman about the two-year anniversary event in June. “It was a wonderful season. There were a lot of new events, and even more new events this time.”
She added, “There are a lot of new businesses who are offering their support, which is invaluable. I’m so glad to see new businesses involved.”
Goodman said that in addition to the new venues, there are new artist collaborations. Some of the events and activities are making their debut this fall with never seen before art or shows.
“It is so exciting to see what people dream up,” said Goodman. “Now that we know how it works and we have the identity of ‘JC Fridays,’ people are using this to showcase interesting art at each event.”
Citywide events all day
On Friday, the activities start at 6:30 a.m. and go past midnight, with many of the events and performances taking place after 7 p.m. With the handy walking guide at the participating businesses, people can map out their own tour of Jersey City’s galleries and businesses.
There are several family-friendly events, plus information on venues that have handicap access. Visit: www.jcfridays.com for details. For complete list of times and events, see sidebar.
Even if you’ve been to past “Fridays,” this season has brand new art, performances and activities.
Fashion, films, cocktails, and more
World of Style Vintage and Balance Hair Salon will present their annual fall fashion show for men and women. Models will dance their way down the catwalk in vintage fashions. Music lovers have plenty of options to choose from including: an outdoor concert in Van Vorst Park, family friendly music at A Sound Start, Reggae music at Rolon’s Bar and more.
Film buffs can get their fill at CANCO Lofts, which will present three film shorts by director Miroslaw Dembinski, about the fight for democracy in Poland. This event is a collaborative effort that includes members of the Jersey City Theater Center.
Those feeling nostalgic for old Hollywood glamour can stop by Another Man’s Treasure for a cocktail party featuring Hollywood style photography. Guests are invited to dress up in vintage black tie attire. Unleash your inner thespian at Art House Productions’ premiere presentation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” The play features performances by students from the Rudesby Algorithm Theater Company.
For a multi-media experience of spoken word and music, check out “Jersey Shorts” at the Brennan Court House, which will include readings by local celebrities and community figures. Light refreshment will also be available at this event.
In addition, there are many contests throughout the night including a sidewalk art contest at Waldo Lofts. A prize will be awarded to the winner. But those are just a few of the highlights of the day, there is much more to see and do at the citywide event. See sidebar for a complete list.
The sponsors
The free events presented throughout the city were made possible by support from the following: Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, The Jersey City Municipal Council and Division of Cultural Affairs, The Jersey City Reporter, Jersey City Magazine, Historic Downtown SID, The Jersey City Museum, Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and Art House Productions.
This program was made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, which was administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Local business supporters include: LITM, NEW, Skin Organix, Waldo Lofts, and Walker’s Apothecary.
Friends include: 919 Gallery, Another Man’s Treasure, A Sound Start, BaGua Juice, Body & Soul Tattoo, CANCO Lofts, Canis Minor Dog & Cat Boutique, Dash Interiors, Hudson Camera, Sam Pesin in honor of Liberty State Park, Sawadee Thai Cuisine, Willar Furniture and Cover Company, and World of Style Vintage. For more information, visit: www.jcfridays.com. – DS
JC FRIDAYS (by time frame)
Art House Productions, at Cosi Café, 545 Washington Blvd., art, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
City Hall, John Meagher Rotunda Gallery, 280 Grove St., art, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A Sound Start, 85 Wayne St., music & demo, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sawadee Thai Cuisine, 137 Newark Ave., art, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Waldo Lofts 159 Second St., art contest, food, music, 3 to 8 p.m.
The JC Theater Center and Canco Lofts, 50 Dey St., film, 4 to 9 p.m.
Duck Duck Goose, 16 Erie St., music, art, 5 to 7 p.m.
Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery St., art, music, 5 to 8 p.m.
LITM, 140 Newark Ave., photography, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Grigory Gurevich Studio Gallery, 282 Barrow St., art, performance, 5 to ? p.m.
BaGua Juice, 364 Grove St., art, 6 to 8 p.m.
Lex Leonard Gallery, 143 Christopher Columbus Drive, art, 6 to 9 p.m.
Walter’s Apothecary, 68 Mercer St., art, 6 to 9 p.m.
Skin Organix, 297 Grove St., performance, contest, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
JC Division of Cultural Affairs, Van Vorst Park, music, 7 to 9 p.m.
Abaton Annex, 530 Jersey Ave., photography, 7 to 9 p.m.
World of Style Vintage & Balance Salon, 18 Erie St., fashion show, performance, 7 to 9 p.m.
J City Theater at Brennan Court House, 583 Newark Ave., short story readings, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Moses, 140 Bay St., art, bingo, drinks, 7 to 10 p.m.
Dash Interiors, 140 Bay St. (Suite 2), art, food, 7 to 10 p.m.
Another Man’s Treasure, 109 Brunswick St., art, photography, cocktails, 7 to 11 p.m.
Rolon’s Bar, 242 Bay St., (basement), music, art, 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Railroad, 150 Newark Ave. (#4R), music, video, 7 p.m. to ? p.m.
Body & Soul Tattoo, 286 First St., music, 7 p.m. to ? p.m.
Art House Productions, 1 McWilliams Place, (roof), theater performance, 8 to 9:30 p.m.
58 Gallery, 58 Coles St., art, 10 to 11 p.m.
Brunswick Window, 158 Brunswick St., outdoor art, 24 hours