Last week, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy presented Christine Goodman, founder and artistic director of Art House Productions, with a key to the city and a proclamation honoring her work in Jersey City.
Since 2001, Goodman has worked towards expanding the thriving arts scene. She helped spearhead the now seasonal event that is “JC Fridays,” which is now expanding due to a new partnership with the city and sponsorship with the Division of Cultural Affairs, the Division of Economic Development, and the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation.
A key to the city
During the awards ceremony, Mayor Healy said that he doesn’t usually read proclamations, but made an exception in Goodman’s case.
“Art House Productions is an exemplary arts organization that has managed to creatively link Jersey City artists and businesses,” said Healy.
Mayor Healy also presented Goodman with a key to the city “in case she ever leaves and needs to get back home.” In addition to the mayor, several artists, sponsors, businesses and others spoke about Goodman and the flourishing arts scene in Jersey City.
Jose Arango, Department of Housing, Economic Development, and Commerce, also congratulated Goodman. “A city without art is like a garden without flowers,” said Arango.
Goodman said, she was ‘humbled and honored” to receive such thanks.
“It is such an honor and a privilege to be recognized by the mayor and the city of Jersey City with this proclamation and key,” said Goodman. “In a way, I wish there were a stack of duplicates I could pass around to everyone who has contributed their time, effort, and belief in us. Without our amazing sponsors and volunteers, we wouldn’t be here today!”
A seasonal event
“JC Fridays” is a seasonal free event in Jersey City that takes place on the first Friday of the month around the change of every season. The free all-day event at area businesses and galleries includes photography, spoken word, music, performance and more.
At its inception in June of 2005, the event included only a dozen venues located primarily in the downtown Jersey City area. The first event drew several hundred people and has steadily risen. At the last “Fridays,” over 1,000 people came out to celebrate the art scene.
Now nearing its third anniversary, the event includes over two dozen venues, many artist collaborations, and innovative explorations of the arts including fashion shows, contests, and others making “Fridays” an interactive experience for artists and art lovers alike.
Last Friday, the winter event included three new venues outside the downtown area including: The Lincoln Inn, Renato’s, and The Point.
With the help of the new sponsors, “JC Fridays” plans to expand to further corners of the city.
Goodman also thanked her Board of Directors, Exter Property Company, and other major sponsors including: Historic Downtown SID, The Jersey City Reporter, The Jersey City Magazine, The Jersey City Museum, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The spring “Fridays” is scheduled for March 7. For more information about upcoming “Fridays,” call the Division of Cultural Affairs at (201) 547-6921 or visit: www.jcfridays.com.
About Art House
Art House Productions began in the fall of 2001 in response to the events of Sept. 11. Artistic Director Goodman wanted to reach out to the community and find a way to unite the art world.
In addition to the seasonal “Fridays,” Art House Productions hosts a monthly open mic night. They have continued to provide opportunities in performance and publication for artists in many genres.
Last spring, Art House engaged audiences with a stunning multi-media production of “Camino Real” by Tennessee Williams. For more information, visit: www.arthouseproductions.org.
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