“For me, the highlight of this year’s Snow Ball was to see so many of Art House’s supporters come out to our new location in Journal Square,” said Christine Goodman, executive director of Art House Productions, Jersey City’s non-profit arts organization. “Change is always scary, and I have heard such wonderful, supportive feedback about our professional new space.”
This winter, the group picked up where it left off, leaving behind its old location near Hamilton Park and throwing its ninth annual Snow Ball on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the new headquarters near Journal Square.
The charity arts gala has become one of the major social events each winter in Jersey City, drawing artists and other creative people from throughout Hudson County and from New York City.
This year’s event – for which most of the participant’s costuming often goes well beyond the “creative black tie” called for on their invitation – was held at Art House Productions’ new digs at 136 Magnolia Ave., near the Summit Avenue entrance to Journal Square bus and train terminal.
Started in 2007, the annual party is an opportunity for people to have fun and help raise funds for activities offered by Art House Productions. Goodman said the event is the principal fundraiser for the company’s upcoming season of theater, music, visual art, JC Fridays festivals, dance, comedy, and poetry events.
“The money we’ve raised from our glamorous Snow Ball will be put toward all the decidedly un-glamorous stuff.” – Christine Goodman
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This year the Snow Ball honored KRE Group, developers of the new high-rise buildings currently under construction that are transforming Journal Square. The company sponsors Art House’s new space.
The ball lived up to its name, coming between the year’s first two snowstorms. The close proximity of public transportation allowed the partygoers alternatives to driving and searching for parking space, a significant improvement over the previous location on McWilliams Place.
A long and glorious history
Art House has humble roots. Starting out in the somewhat drafty loft of Victory Hall on Grand Street in early 2001, it has evolved into one of the leading venues for the arts in the city.
After launching an open mic series, Art House began hosting special events and doing performances around town, such as Words Against War, which was performed on the steps of City Hall. A one-woman play written by Goodman was the first theatrical piece the organization produced.
In 2003, Art House began to tape and broadcast its readings via Comcast public access channels, featuring local talent that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Over the years, Art House has gone on to host theatrical performances, dance shows, visual art exhibits, and JC Fridays, held at the beginning of each calendar season.
The Snow Ball is special
Unlike other events hosted by Art House, at the Snow Ball celebrants become the artwork, as they dress to stand out in some way, making a fashion statement or rebelling against existing fashion.
Guests are encouraged to compete for the annual best-dressed or couple award by donning their favorite formal attire, including vintage, wedding and costume-wear. This year, the Snow Ball featured live music by the Rebecca Vallejo Trio.
“The money we’ve raised from our glamorous Snow Ball will be put toward all the decidedly un-glamorous stuff,” Goodman said. “This fundraiser helps us keep the lights on and the doors open for our 14th season. It helps us with vital equipment we need for our new theater. It helps stock the bathroom and the copy machine. That’s why the Snow Ball is our most important fundraiser of the year. I am so grateful for this year’s fantastic turnout, for all of our tireless volunteers, and for our sponsors and donors. I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Upcoming events at Art House
Some of the events scheduled for the near future include “Optic Nerve: A Tribute to the Residents,” in which attendees will be transported to the weird world of America’s foremost anonymous avant-garde music group on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.
Art House’s open mic will feature Rich Villar, a writer, editor, activist and educator on Feb. 5 from 8 to 10 p.m. This is a monthly event that is usually held on the first Thursday of every month.
“Muses for Freedom,” a benefit show for LifeWay Network, will feature Buddy Wakefield and The Fractal Ensemble on Friday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m.
Art House will be the host venue for The Black Maria Film Festival’s opening weekend with reception and film screenings on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Art House will launch its Spring Stages Youth Theater Company on Tuesday, Feb. 10 for a presentation of the “Wizard of Oz” in May.
No Peeking Theater will present “The Shapeshifter,” a blindfolded theater event running from Feb. 12 to the 22.
The new art gallery space at Art House will present an exhibit by Duda Penteado, called “Constructive Interference,” which will open on Thursday, Feb. 26
The next installment of JC Fridays will take place on March 6. For more about the group’s activities, go online to www.arthouseproductions.org.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.