Mary Divock, executive director of the Bayonne Town Center Management Corporation, hopes by hosting local artists might reap benefits for local Bayonne businesses.
Town Center operates Bayonne’s Urban Enterprise Zone, and is hosting its first Outdoor Art Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the municipal parking lot at 22nd Street and Del Monte Drive.
“We would like this to be an annual event,” Divock said.
The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program was created to foster an economic climate that revitalizes designated urban communities and stimulates their growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private sector jobs through public and private investment. The UEZ Program offers participating businesses many incentives that encourage business growth and stimulate local economies.
Under the program, sales tax revenues generated by UEZ businesses are dedicated for use within the zone for economic development projects. Businesses participating in the UEZ Program can charge half the standard sales tax rate on certain purchases. In addition, UEZ businesses may enjoy tax exemptions on certain purchases, and manufacturers may qualify for sales tax exemption on their energy and utility consumption when they meet specified employment and other criteria.
Divock was once a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Farleigh Dickinson University, and a clothing purchaser for Lane Bryant in New York City. He also was the men’s department manager for Bamberger’s in Livingston, N.J. He has been seeking ways to attract people to the city’s business district with a variety of programs – such as with an art show featuring many members of The Hudson Artists of New Jersey, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Jersey City.
Artist Melissa Maiorano – who is among the 40 artists who will display artwork at the show – is already well known for the five-panel “Wall of Remembrance” in the Dorothy Harrington Council Chambers in City Hall, a powerful image of the New York Skyline prior to the terrorists attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Maiorano, who has lived in Bayonne since 1991, has done many other works over the years and has become a local favorite for painting scenes in and around Bayonne.
A board member of The Hudson Artists of New Jersey, Inc. and the Ocean County Artists Guild, Maiorano said many local scenes – as well as the seaside – have inspired her.
Another prominent artist who will be featured at the show is Marge Colavito, the chairperson of The Hudson Artists of New Jersey, Inc., as well as the artistic director of the Jersey City Upstairs Gallery. She is expected to display a variety of works, including a sunset photo taken along Route 440 in Jersey City.
Hudson Artists, Inc. is a confederation of about 200 area artists who get together to put on four shows a year. They even held a juried show last year at the Bayonne Public Library.
Founded in the 1950s, The Hudson Artists of New Jersey, Inc. organization encourages public participation through art exhibits, demonstrations, and general membership meetings. Its goal is to unite artists and art organizations throughout New Jersey to spark general interest in multimedia art.
But not all of the artists are from the group, Divock said.
“While most of the featured artists are, we also tried to pick some local artists,” she said.
“The one criterion for the show is that all the works be family appropriate,” Divock said. “There is no rain date for the show. If it rains, we have made arrangements to hold the show inside at St. Michael’s bingo hall.”