The Jersey City Art and Studio Tour will kickoff tomorrow at Mana Contemporary for their 32nd annual event at their headquarters at 888 Newark Ave.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“For four days, JCAST brings the community together and welcomes visitors to not only explore our incredibly talented artists and arts organizations but also to highlight the great revival of Jersey City as the region’s most dynamic destination for arts and culture,” Mayor Steven Fulop, who will be at the kickoff tomorrow at 6 p.m., said in a statement.
In addition to JCAST, the city’s multi-faceted approach to supporting local artists and arts programming includes the recent distribution of critical Arts and Culture Trust Fund grants to help local artists and arts organizations.
Additionally the historic announcements of restoring the iconic Loew’s Theatre and the Centre Pompidou’s first and only North American partnership exclusively located in the heart of Journal Square.
This Thursday, the free inaugural event – hosted in partnership with Mana Contemporary – welcomes the public to explore brand new art spaces at Canco Lofts along Dey Street, featuring our JCAST Community Galleries extending from Dey Street to Newark Avenue, including Canco Park and surrounding storefronts.
Attendees can also enjoy live DJs and original artist merchandise for sale.
“Mana Contemporary has always had a firm belief that communities build the foundation on which creativity and innovation thrive. This is why we are proud to be a sponsor of JCAST 2022,” added Manan Director Kele McComsey.
“This event has always shown what happens when the arts bridge the gap between communities and exposes the immense talent and culture that exists right here in Jersey City. This year’s events are a continuation of Mana Contemporary’s commitment to supporting the City and the mayor’s efforts to make Jersey City a cultural destination.”
Working alongside the Canco Park Conservancy, Canco Lofts, Jersey City Free Public Library, and Community Awareness Series, Thursday’s event will feature :
· WK Interact Blade Runner Installation
· Interactive laser painting on Mana Contemporary
· Japanese War Drum performance by Taiko Masakla
· Female Punk bands performing live in the Mana Contemporary Basement courtyard
· Music in Canco Park by Rio the Messenger, Neo Soul World Music, June & the Pushas, and DJ Pastiche
· Screen printing canvas bags for kids with Gary Lichtenstein Limited Editions
· Community Art Galleries including Community Gallery East & West, Canco Loft Art Gallery
· Jersey City “Teachers as Artists” Exhibition in Mana Contemporary Basement
· Punk bands performing live in the Mana Contemporary Basement courtyard
· Ben Keating Live Plaster Casting
· Light installations by Artist Sunil Garg
· Pop-up theater performances
· Food and drink from Franklin Social, Ed and Mary’s, and ModCup Coffee
· Live painting and interactive painting for kids with local artists
· Jersey City Free Public Library pop-up
· JCAST poster and t-shirt giveaways
· Special emcee host
“The process of fine art printmaking is, by its nature, a collaborative one. It’s always a pleasure to demonstrate the technique of silk screen printing, and it’s even more rewarding when it can be a source of inspiration,” noted Gary Lichenstein, a local artist, master printmaker, and the founder of Gary Lichenstein Editions.
“Over the years, I’ve worked with numerous nonprofit organizations and community partners, and I’m delighted to be adding JCAST to the list!”
JCAST artists by medium (murals, photography, ceramics, etc.) can be found on the JCAST website.
