The Times of Trenton, Mar. 4 by Janet Purcell Picture this: A pop-up ArtJam exhibition of 902 affordable works of art submitted by 91 artists. And all in a bright, cheerful and convenient venue right on Palmer Square in Princeton with curbside parking and two parking garages nearby. Not all the art is displayed at the same time, however. When works are sold, others are brought out and put in their places. Hence, it’s a show that is continually evolving. You can visit often and there will always be something new to see. Could it get any better? The answer to that is a resounding yes because 50 percent of the price of any work purchased is tax deductible. It goes to support the programs at HomeFront, whose mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey.
We weave untrained artists’ artwork in with the trained professionals.”
ArtSpace Director, Ruthann Traylor.
“We celebrate creativity, the arts, and most importantly, we work to bring people together, break barriers, and have compassion for our neighbors in need.” The show has attracted international artists and local professionals who are widely known — and this is an exhibition where you can purchase their works at reasonable prices because they care about the cause. You can find a handmade Kantha (embroidered textile) done by female artists of Bihar, India and distinctive handmade jewelry by Peruvian jeweler, Leonardo Requena. Turning close to home, you can find works by sculptors Rory Mahon and Maciek Danilewicz, photographs by Andrew Wilkinson, a large mixed-media painting by Leon Rainbow, a reverse glass painting by Colleen Atara and imaginative wall-hung constructions by Susan MacQueen. These are but a few of the artists who have dedicated collectors in this area. Rocky Hill potter John Shedd has 55 ceramics on display and one is more beautiful than the next. Jill Turndorf is showing 56 pieces of her jewelry ranging from low-priced colorful clay bracelets to fine art designs. And followers of Elina Lorenz will be delighted to know she has brought 61 paintings to the show. And there are the artists whose artworks and stories have not yet become so widely known, but surely will be. Take Family Preservation Center client Kim, for example. She began doing art when she was 9 to express herself when words were insufficient. When she arrived at ArtSpace she wanted to paint all the time. Being surrounded there by the works of other artists and with access to books about great artists, she broadened her horizons. Currently she is working on a series of twenty paintings depicting the Mona Lisa in different cultures and works of art for which she has been commissioned. And consider ArtSpace exhibiting artist, Samantha Kenyon who was graduated from Rider University with honors and is doing the graphic design work for another local newspaper. And ArtSpace client Kathy Bird who, at age 58, is now in her second semester in college studying art. She has a degree in English, worked for two New Jersey Governors and was a reporter at this newspaper. Emily Lewis Strange started painting in HomeFront’s ArtSpace in January 2008. In June 2009 she became an intern for HomeFront’s ArtSpace and has exhibited widely throughout the region. She has exhibited at Artworks, Trenton, and now is in her senior year at Parsons School of Design In New York on a full scholarship studying fine arts, photography and film and is working as a photographer in New York City. She has several works in this show. ArtSpace is an innovative art program at HomeFront which has been bringing hope to local families who are homeless or in danger of becoming so. While encouraging clients to tap into their creativity, ArtSpace helps them open doors to new ways of thinking, living and exploring. This exhibition is a seamless weaving of emerging and professional, highly successful artists. And it is even more than that; it is a huge celebration of community and creativity. Step in from the cold and let yourself be warmed by the exuberance you’ll find there. IF YOU GO Where: 19 Hulfish St., Palmer Square, Princeton When: Through March 15. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closing reception 6 to 9 p.m. March 13 Contact: 609-883-7500 or ruthannt@homefrontnj