By Crystal Davis –
Imagine yourself swimming through mountains of inorganic visuals that would impact your life in brief flashes. After it was over, you would realize you’ve passed through something incredible: the Jersey City Artists Studio Tour. The studio tour is Jersey City’s biggest event, and this year it was held on October 5 and 6, giving viewers the opportunity to see exhibitions, meet artists and get hands on information about their pieces.
Taking place at galleries and various venues around the city, the studio tour included more than 500 diverse artists, with works ranging from photography to leatherwork, painting, and so much more.
“I wanted my work to be playful and fun; with so much darkness in the world, my work expresses intimacy between couples during the most sensual of times,” explained Joe Gilmore, 55, an undergraduate studying Sociology at NJCU. “During Super Storm Sandy, it came to me—‘give peace a chance’.”
Gilmore is as fan of the most simplistic type of medium—acrylic—and with this his paintings are allowed the chance to glow with an over contrasted tint.
His pieces are small, but it is the meaning behind the artwork that says it all. Viewers see couples at peace with one another, being able to gain a true sense of divinity and intimacy.
With his pieces neatly lined around the walls of City Hall, there was a sense of tranquility that came from both the artist and his work.
The interactive art piece Ribbons of Hope was created as a remembrance of 9/11. It was featured at 150 Bay Street, in downtown Jersey City. Sponsored by Intersections International, it was an inspirational piece.
Joe Palagreco, owner of business Promo House in downtown Jersey City, created this beautiful piece, which allows people both from the metropolitan area and around the world to “write ribbons of meaning” and attach them to the river of wishes and dreams.
If you were unable to attend the Studio Tour this year, I suggest you mark your calendars for next fall – it’s really something not to be missed.