They come from many parts of the globe and share studio space at a former warehouse in the downtown area of Jersey City. For more than a decade, artists from every discipline have gathered at 111 First St., and from Oct. 13 to Nov. 11 they will exhibit their work at the community gallery on the fourth floor of the building as part of the show titled "Working Here: Art at 111," curated by William Rodwell, a longtime 111 First St. resident artist.
"We’re doing this to show the diversity of products here at the studio," Rodwell said during an interview in his studio last week. "Many of our artists have won national acclaim."
That show will coincide with the Jersey City Art Tour scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21. In 1990, a group of the artists at 111 First St. came up with the idea of an open studio tour
This year, the artists will exhibit paintings, computer art, sculptures, photographs, videos and performance art. Artists in the show include Barbara Stork, Amy Vogel, Shandor Hassan, Andrzej Jerzy Lech, Joseph Grigely, Alexander Brodsky, Robert Lobe, Gordon Moore, Sandy Skoglund, Kay Kenny, Nancy Cohen, and Bill Barrell.
Jersey City artist Nancy Wells will exhibit a computer-animated collage piece titled "Lament of the Spirit," a black and white representation of the intricate complex emotions of the soul.
"While enjoying the fine work being displayed in this exhibition, one is reminded of the value and necessity of an art community in an urban center," Rodwell said.
The majority of the artists with studios at 111 First St. live in New York City. They came to Jersey City for the affordable rent and to be a part of the growing art scene, according to Rodwell.
"’Working Here’ is an exhibition featuring the work of a unique group of artists who have survived under unusual circumstances and grown into one of America’s most vital art centers," said Rodwell, smiling. "This will show artists in their element, and will document the history of 111 and the building of a genuine arts community dedicated to making good art."
The show will also feature a tribute to the World Trade Center and the events that occurred on Sept. 11. Artists will bring photographs and paintings of the Twin Towers in addition to other work related to the tragedy.
"Our perceptions of life as we knew it are being radically re-examined," Rodwell said. "As much as one attempts to ‘get back to normal,’ the deeply penetrating psychological shock waves of that unforgettable moment will not permit us to do so. As we struggle toward what it will mean to live in a post-Sept. 11 world, we need to restructure the damaged foundations of what was, in order to construct a tangible, meaningful present, simply because we must."
As for the Jersey City Art Tour scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21, the self-guided walking tour will start at the Grove Street PATH station, and exhibitions will be held throughout the downtown area. Over 200 artists take part in the event that is expected to attract more than 8,000 visitors this year.
"We’ll be one of the main stops in the tour. This year it looks to be very successful," Rodwell said.
The show’s opening reception will be held Friday, Oct. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the community gallery. For more information contact Rodwell at 963-3392.