Homefront’s ArtJam Pop-up Gallery on Palmer Square
HOMEFRONT’S ARTJAM: A Mix of Creativity Abounds in Pop-up Gallery on Palmer Square
This Event Helps Families Experiencing Homelessness
MARCH 11, 2020 – LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ –ArtJam 2020 will bring a different kind of art show to Palmer Square this spring, offering an ever- changing exhibit that combines the art of professional artists and undiscovered artists who have experienced homelessness.
This year’s edition of ArtJam opens on May 1 in a fun and beautiful pop-up gallery with a noble purpose – supporting ArtSpace, the therapeutic art program at HomeFront. The opening reception is May 1 from 5 pm- 9 pm., and the show continues through May 16, at 11 Hulfish Street, Palmer Square in Princeton.
When buyers pick up a painting, sculpture or other artwork, they experience a double win – buying artworks they love AND supporting a good cause. Recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, HomeFront dedicates 90% of every dollar raised to programs that directly help clients.
“The work of HomeFront is multi-dimensional. We do much more than provide shelter,” says founder and CEO Connie Mercer. “Our programs and activities are designed to help families experiencing homelessness gain skills for self-empowerment and develop a vision of a better future for themselves and their children.”
One of the ways HomeFront supports this transformation is through ArtSpace, HomeFront’s therapeutic art program, a special place where the creative process becomes a tool for self-expression, critical thinking and problem-solving that can change the lives of the artists.
ArtJam’s pop up gallery appears in Princeton once a year, including the work of more than 100 well-regarded national and local artists alongside aspiring artists. The exhibit has original, one-of-a-kind art for sale, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, glassworks and hand-sewn items from SewingSpace, a HomeFront sewing program.
“Bringing together professional and aspiring artists makes ArtJam a different exhibit from a traditional art show,” says Ruthann Traylor, director of HomeFront’s ArtSpace/SewingSpace. “A dedicated team of volunteers and I create a pop-up gallery that is curated daily and features the best and most engaging works. Everyone one can find something that they’d love to have in their home or office.”
The story of one ArtSpace artist, Megan S., describes her close connection to creativity. Growing up was difficult for Megan. She says she has always been an artist, even when she used “found” items in dumpsters to create her toys as a child. Her resilience and creativity led her to study at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Mass. Megan found herself in crisis and was referred to HomeFront. ArtSpace quickly became a refuge as she sewed, painted, upcycled, and re-purposed donated materials. She continues to create in the ArtSpace studio, which provides mentorship and guidance on her journey to becoming a professional artist.
Traylor added, “Through transforming this small corner of Palmer Square, we bring both awesome art and the important stories of HomeFront’s work to the Princeton community.”
Spanning 16 days, ArtJam 2020 will present more than art for sale. With live musical performances, a special Mother’s Day event, evening socials and private parties, entertainment and art are both featured in the exhibit space. The undertaking is supported by sponsors ranging from local corporations to small business owners.
The gallery hours have been extended this year and will be on Mondays, Noon-6 pm; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 am-6 pm; Thursdays and Fridays, 10 am-8:30 pm; Saturdays, 10 am-7:30 pm; and Sundays, Noon-6 pm.
For more information on ArtJam volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, contact Ruthann Traylor, (609) 883-7500 ext. 316, RuthannT@homefrontnj.org
For a listing of ArtJam events, visit: www.artjamnj.org
About HomeFront
Since its founding 27 years ago, HomeFront (www.homefrontnj.org) has worked to end family homelessness in Central New Jersey by breaking the cycle of poverty through the provision of shelter, skills for a self-sustaining life and hope. HomeFront has developed a sophisticated network of supportive housing and social services for very low-income households who are either homeless or at high risk of becoming so. Recognized as a four star charity by Charity Navigator, 90% of every dollar raised is dedicated to programs that directly help clients.
HomeFront has also transformed buildings – taking a decommissioned Navy training station, managing a $6 million makeover to become a Family Campus and creating an inviting haven for homeless families yearning for stability and success.
Contact: Ruthann Traylor, (609) 883-7500 ext. 316, RuthannT@homefrontnj.org
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ArtJam At A Glance
Dates: Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 16
Location: 11 Hulfish Street, Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ
Opening Reception: Friday, May 1, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Closing Reception: Saturday, May 16, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gallery Hours: Monday, Noon-6 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am-6 pm;
Thursday and Friday, 10 am-8:30 pm; Saturday 10 am-7:30 pm; and Sunday, Noon-6 pm.
Hashtags: #Artjam2020 #FeelGoodTwice
Cutline: ArtJam, May 1-16, will feature works of more than 100 artists. Proceeds will help support the artists and ArtSpace programs.
Website: www.artjamnj.org
SHORT DESCRIPTION /CALENDAR POST
ArtJam 2020 brings a different kind of art show to Palmer Square this spring, offering an ever- changing exhibit that combines the art of professional artists and undiscovered artists who have experienced homelessness.
The opening reception is Friday, May 1 from 5 pm- 9 pm., and the show continues through Saturday, May 16, at 11 Hulfish Street, Palmer Square in Princeton. The pop-up gallery has a noble purpose – supporting ArtSpace, the therapeutic art program at HomeFront.
When buyers pick up a painting, sculpture or other artwork, they experience a double win – buying artworks they love AND supporting a good cause. Recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, HomeFront dedicates 90% of every dollar raised to programs that directly help clients.
Spanning 16 days, ArtJam will present more than art for sale, with live music performances, special events including Mother’s Day Tea, private parties, and artist demos.
Gallery Hours: Monday, Noon-6 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am-6 pm;
Thursday and Friday, 10 am-8:30 pm; Saturday 10 am-7:30 pm; and Sunday, Noon-6 pm.
For information, details, artists and special events visit www.artjamnj.org
On Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/asphf/
https://twitter.com/artjamnj
https://www.instagram.com/artspacehomefront/
