Art House Productions will offer up its final JC Fridays line-up for 2011 on Dec. 2 with timely programming for the holidays, in addition to the usual offering of art gallery showings and cultural events around town. This last installment of JC Fridays for the year will include a special screening of the timely environmental documentary “Gasland” by filmmaker Josh Fox at City Hall at 8 p.m.
The award-winning film takes a look at some of the potential dangers of natural gas drilling, including the controversial drilling practice known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. While New Jersey currently has a temporary ban on fracking, fears that the ban could be lifted — particularly in light of the planned natural gas pipeline that Spectra Energy wants to build through parts on northern New Jersey, including Jersey City — have led to periodic screenings of “Gasland” nationwide over the past year.
Woolpunk Studios will present a group show of works that explore the relationship between craft and fine art.
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“We’re at a very important moment in the history of energy development,” Fox said last week. “So the movie has attracted a lot of attention because it was made at a time when the country as a whole is trying to figure out what our future energy policy should look like.”
Other highlights
For those more interested in other visual media, JC Fridays will still offer up its more traditional line-up of gallery exhibits.
The Bauhaus-inspired Woolpunk Studios will present a group show of works that explore the relationship between traditional fine art and the more folk-inspired world of craft. Kristina Sescon will curate the show “Legada,” featuring paintings and drawing by Jesumar Legada at Port-O-Lounge. Bar Majestic will feature the abstract three-dimensional landscapes of Mark Finne. The Museum of Russian Art, recently featured in an article in the Jersey City Reporter, will showcase a group show, in addition to the exhibit “Cities of Dirt and Gold” by painter Elena Ab. A series of paintings overlooking Jersey City by Hoboken artist Tim Heins will be on display at the Majestic Theatre Condominiums.
The exhibit “Miniature Gifts” by artists Grigory Gurevich and Alexander W. Gurevich will feature small, reasonably-priced works of art that visitors are encouraged to purchase, either for themselves or to give as gifts. The exhibit, which will be displayed at 282 Barrow St., will include paintings in watercolor and acrylics.
Winter Fest with Art House, the ‘Not Yo Mama’s’ crew
Although not an official part of JC Fridays, Art House Productions will also host a two-day craft fair on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 as part of Hamilton Park’s Winter Fest. The holiday-themed affair will be organized by the folks from Not Yo Mama’s Craft Fair, known for their annual outdoor festival held each spring.
The shopping bonanza is sure to include many familiar faces from the Not Yo Mama’s family of craft artists who make and sell such handmade items as clothing, accessories, jewelry, toys, and bath and body products.
Naturally, no fest – winter or otherwise – would be complete without food and music, so expect both at the craft fair, in addition to goody bags for the first 150 shoppers and other cool giveaways.
Winter Fest fun kicks off Friday evening at 6 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. The festival resumes Saturday at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
And as an extra bonus for those who brave the chill on Saturday, there will be a tree lighting ceremony in Hamilton Square Park at 5 p.m. to close out Winter Fest’s final hour.
Admission to the craft fair is $5 and proceeds will benefit Art House Productions. For more information about exhibit times and venues related to JC Fridays, visit www.arthouseproductions.org or http://jcfridays.com.
The Hudson Reporter is a sponsor of JC Fridays.
Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.