The Guttenberg Arts studio on Jackson Street is planning a host of art exhibits and activities to keep residents busy. Right now, the studio is showcasing installations from three artists who created and finished their projects in Guttenberg. The studio will also host an ice cream social this coming week.
Exhibit
Three artists, Tai Hwa Goh, Jeffery Meris, and Austin Thomas, installed their projects in the studio on Wednesday, Aug. 3 and will exhibit them through Tuesday, Sept. 6. The exhibit is called Made Here.
“We want to keep practicing artists in the Tri-State area,” Director of Guttenberg Arts Matt Barteluce said in an interview last week. “Artists are getting priced out of their homes, because the rent is too high. We pay them $1,200 in total or $400 for three months to live in Guttenberg, or commute to the studio and create their work.” Artists in the installation have 24-hour access to the studio and its supplies to encourage painting, drawing, sculpting, and much more.
“We want the studio to be the lifeblood for artist to help them to continue their passion when they don’t have a day job,” Barteluce said. “Some do still keep their day job. But we offer these artists three months to focus on their body of work.”
Guttenberg Arts now has an open call for winter and summer residencies. Local artists and non-local artists are welcome to apply for free. The application process closes Sunday, Sept. 18.
The directors will hand applications to three or four jurors who are not affiliated with Guttenberg Arts but are art professionals like curators, directors, or artists, who will select eight finalists to be interviewed. Those interested can apply at https://guttenbergarts.submittable.com/submit.
Social events, classes, fundraisers
Adults and children can learn ceramics, wood block printing, and all the basics during workshop classes until December. Workshops are $40 for members and $50 for non-members. There are also nine free workshops given throughout the year.
“I think we fill an art void in Northern Hudson.” – Matt Barteluce
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Kids’ workshops are held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. until the end of November.
“It’s like an after school program. Parents can drop off their kids and we can teach the kids different art styles,” Barteluce said. Parents can pay $25 for a session, or pay for multiple sessions with a discount. Learn more about workshops or sign up at http://www.guttenbergarts.org/.
The Guttenberg Arts studio is also responsible for the Braddock Park Arts Festival each year. “We like to do that for the community,” Barteluce said. “We’re already planning for next year.”
The group will also hold a fundraiser on Nov. 29 during Giving Tuesday, which is a nationwide promotion for non-profits. Tickets will cost approximately $100 with all proceeds going toward the studio. There will be a silent auction to win paintings, drawings, or gift cards.
“We want to build different relationships with the community,” Barteluce said. “I think we fill an art void in Northern Hudson compared to Hoboken or Jersey City where art plays a daily role in their lives. We’re in everyone’s backyard.”
The group has arranged for an ice cream truck to be parked outside on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. where residents can purchase a treat. They are encouraged to come out, mingle, and talk about the art installations inside with Mayor Gerald Drasheff and other officials from Town Council.