Re: Need a cultural fix?: A guide to Jersey City's public art
Jersey City has experienced an arts explosion, as more and more artists flee the escalating costs associated with living and creating in NYC. As a result there are a plethora of new galleries, theaters, dance troupes, and public art to explore.
Art:
Stop by the Museum of Russian Art (MoRA), they strive to engage diverse audiences with ongoing offerings like their film series, literary and poetic events, and concerts; in addition to their grand collection of Russian contemporary art. Check out what's going on at Mana Contemporary - a brand new 125,000 square foot Center bringing together artist studios, performance and exhibition spaces, brringing cutting edge art to Jersey City.
Check out what’s happening in one of our many art galleries.
A Self Guided Tour of contemporary Public Art:
1. Gregg LeFevre: Borges Place-
Exchange Place Light Rail Station (Exchange Place- at the Exchange Place Light Rail Station)
A surreal map set into the platform of the Exchange Place Light Rail Station that is based on a concept by writer Jorge Luis Borges.
2. Ron English, Bigfoot & Jason Maloney: Mural- 2009
303 First Street- Hudson County Art Supply (Grove Street- 7 blocks from the Grove Street Path Station)
Collaborative Contemporary Mural that sure to dazzle.
3. Melvin Edwards: Holder of the Light- 1985
463 Pacific Avenue- (20 minute walk from the Grove Street PATH station)
Created by American Sculptor Melvin Edwards, this creation stands 12 feet in stainless steel- now featured in front of Lafayette Senior Living Center. Edwards is known for creating sculpture that fuses the political with the abstract as it addresses his African American heritage.
4. Grace Graupe-Pillard: Garfield Railings – 2000
NJ Transit/ Garfield Light Rail Station (Greenville- at the Garfield Light Rail Station)
Life sized porcelain and steel portraits taken from photographs of Jersey City residents.
5. Melvin Edwards, Ben Jones, Jonathan Shahn, Roy Cross & Vivian McDuffie: Sculptural Works
NJ Transit/ Martin Luther King – Light Rail Station (Greenville- at the Martin Luther King Light Rail Stop)
Several Outdoor Sculptures.
6. Maya Lin: By Definition- 2007
New Jersey City University, Visual Arts Building, 100 Culver Avenue (Greenville). Catch the Harborside Light Rail (direction- Hoboken/West Side/22ND) exit at West Side Avenue Light Rail Stop- walk 6 blocks). Created by Artist Maya Lin, best known for designing the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., “The artwork exists in two parts- a concrete or metal ring set into the garden and etched with the work art -translated into all languages of all the ethnic groups that have been or are currently enrolled at NJCU.”- Maya Lin.
7. Chakaia Booker: Wave - 2008
Washington Park, Corner of Central and Paterson Plank Road (The Heights- Congress Street Lightrail Station)
Created by noted artist Chakaia Booker the brushed stainless steel sculpture stands 14 feet high and 35 feet wide.
Monument Highlights :
1. Korean War Memorial
Located at the foot of Washington Street and the Hudson River in the Exchange Place District.
2. The Katyn Monument
By well-known Polish-American artist Andrzej Pitynski, located on Exchange Place, is the first memorial of its kind to be raised on American soil to honor the dead of the Katyń Forest Massacre.
3. 9/11 Memorial
In 2002, Jersey City dedicated a memorial to the victims of 9/11: a steel girder from the World Trade Center and a black granite plaque listing all those from Jersey City who died in the terrorist attacks. Located on Grand Street and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
4. Dauntless Efforts
A sculpture by artist Matt Johnson in dedicated to the memory of the victims of 9/11 honoring construction workers working on the Harborside Financial Center in Jersey City who rushed to assist victims of the tragedy.
5. The Colgate Clock
Promoted by Colgate-Palmolive as the largest in the world, sits in Jersey City and facing NYC. The clock, which is 50 feet (15 m) in diameter with a minute hand weighing 2,200 pounds, was erected in 1924.
6. Oviedo Cathedral
The sculpture of the Oviedo Cathedral sits in the park in front of City Hall on Grove Street. The sculpture is a gift from the city of Oviedo, a sister city of Jersey City.
7. Soldiers and Sailors
A monument honoring the Soldiers and Sailors of the Civil war also located in front of City Hall.
6. Liberation sculpture
Created by Holocaust survivor Nathan Rapoport. Cast in bronze, this over-life size figural group is located in Liberty State Park, Jersey City
7. Plaque commemorating the Black Tom Explosion
Plaque commemorating the Black Tom Explosion in Liberty State Park. On July 30, 1916, the Black Tom munitions depot exploded, the noise was heard as far away as Maryland and Connecticut. Shrapnel pierced the Statue of Liberty, deemed sabotage by the Germans. This was one of the worst acts of terrorism in American history.
8. President Abraham Lincoln
The sculpture of President Abraham Lincoln, at the entrance to Lincoln Park is the work of James Earle Fraser, who also designed the Indian head/buffalo nickel.
9. Jackie Robinson
Visit Journal Square PATH station to see the statue commemorating Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking first major league game at nearby Roosevelt Field in Jersey City. With that game, played on April 18, 1946, he became the first black player in the modern era of organized professional baseball Square.
10. Buffalo and Bears
At Gordon Park in the city’s Heights you will find whimsical sculptures of “Buffalo and Bears” by artist Solon Hannibal Borglum, the younger brother of Gutzon Borglum, who created Mount. Rushmore.
14. America Triumphant
America Triumphant statue at the Vietnam Veterans Community Center in Pershing Field, located between Manhattan and Summit Avenues. Created by sculptor James Novelli and unveiled on July 4, 1922.
Culture:
Jersey City is a true American melting pot, rich culture and traditions from every part of the globe. Explore the Little India or the Filipino community in Journal Square, or taste the intricate flavors of Latin or Vietnamese cuisine. In every part of Jersey City you will find unique things to explore.
The Afro-American Historical Museum concentrates on the lives of prominent African American residents of New Jersey and contains an exhibit showing a typical African American household of the 1920s.
Family:
For a family friendly outing try the Liberty Science Center where everyone can explore, imagine and celebrate science. Here learning’s made fun for all ages. Visit after hours for movies on the Nation’s largest IMAX screen.
Theaters:
Jersey City is home to two of the best preserved movie palaces. The historic Landmark Loew's Theatre, in Journal Square, is a 3100 seat theatre built in 1929, and is the only one that still shows movies. Catch a classic film, accompanied by the newly restored Morton Wonder Organ, or stop by for a live music performance. Across the street you will find the old Stanley Theater, which opened back in 1928, and offers daily tours of the facilities. At the time it was the second largest theater on the east coast, and is now the Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.
New Jersey City University presents dance, musical, and dramatic productions at its Margaret Williams Theatre.
Both J City Theater and The Attic Ensemble put on wonderful performances all year long.
Dance:
We have many wonderful dance troupes including The Kennedy Dancers, Anahi Galante Dance Company, the Carol Hayes Dance Studio, The Hudson Repertory Dance Company, and the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company; check out our calendar for their latest performances.
Festivals and Holidays:
Given Jersey City’s diverse population, there are numerous festivals and parades celebrated throughout the year. Each spring, New Jersey City University hosts a four-day Jazz festival featuring artists of national acclaim. For festivities on the Fourth of July, head to Liberty State Park, the perfect place to watch the Macy’s fireworks extravaganza over the Hudson River. Summertime concerts take place throughout the city, so check out our calendar for the latest listings.