Jersey City, NJ – Not everything that happened in 2020 has been bad. The Central Avenue SID Management Corporation believes artists are needed now more than ever to inspire shoppers, residents, and business owners alike. CASID is proud to announce five (5) new art installation are on schedule for installation on the Heights’ main thoroughfare, Central Avenue. Totaling to seven (7) art installations in 2020 which is the most in a single calendar year since the program began in 2009.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Central Avenue added two new traffic box designs. Artist Michael Cooper and his wife Diana added “Together Again and Again” located off of Central Avenue and Bower Street. A piece to signify unity between communities. “We painted a traffic box, but the people gave it the meaning we intended. That is, people being connected, sharing, and helping one another. Another observation was that the people were wearing their face masks – the caring for one another was evident” says Cooper. Artist Brianna McMaster added inspiring words of affirmation on her street art “I Am” located off Central Avenue and Thorne Street. The artwork is meant to bring positive energy to those walking on the Avenue.
More large murals are on the way continuing with artist John Guevara “Be Water” located on 318 Central Avenue (Dunkin Donuts). “Be Water” will be the twenty-first mural installation within the Central Avenue shopping district. Guevara says “painting “Be Water” is quite therapeutic… it‘s rewarding when passersby stop to show their appreciation and chat.” Other murals in the process is the playful piece “I Heart JC” by local artists Derek Tunia and Jeff Rose. The artwork will be located on 274 Central Avenue (Pizza Master). As well as “Vivid Flora” by artists Simone Bailey Campbell and Kyle Campbell. “Vivid Flora” will be located on 475 Central (Cocoa Bakery) filled with colorful flowers to add a garden to our urban neighborhood.
“Artists continue to transform our main street community into an outdoor art gallery,” says Sanford Fishman, CASID President and longtime pharmacist at Bond Drugs. “The artwork inspires, ignites though, and can be a temporary escape from 2020 for many of our residents, visitors, and shoppers alike. Our business community is happy to welcome new art for all to enjoy in our district.”
Earlier this year, Paws21 added “Heights” located on 421 Central Avenue, Jersey City (Oaxaca Food Mart) This mural is designed to highlight the importance of education and unlocking our potential to reach the greatest of heights. C. Cabrera’s traffic box design “Urban Totem” located off Franklin Street and Central Avenue. This piece is a fun, lighthearted work that is meant to attempt to remind people of the fact that life, although amazingly complicated at times, is meant to be enjoyed and played.
This mural program is managed by the CASID. It is made possible in partnership with the City of Jersey City and by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders. To learn more, visit our website: www.JCHeights.com.