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Neighborhood Watch: Art Scene in Jersey City

“Jersey City is what Chelsea was in 2005,” Jonathan Levine said in an interview with NJ Advance Media. “I wanted to be in a place where I could feel the liveliness and rawness of how Chelsea was when I first moved there.\"

The 27th Annual Jersey City Art & Studio Tour

JCAST brought the spotlight to Jersey City on October 14th & 15th with a weekend with good friends and great art. The tour included private studios, galleries, local businesses, public art and pop-up spaces. Over 150 vendors are participating with art demos, music, talks and more, so there is something for everyone. Beauty is therefore in the eye of the beholder.  Guests came out to meet  the artists and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes that Jersey City has to offer.

The Jersey City Mural Arts Program


The Jersey City Mural Arts Program – which is part of the City’s Keep America Beautiful initiative – is coordinated through the Mayor’s Office. It was started in 2013 and funded by a Clean Communities Grant. It links established and emerging local, national and even internal with property owners city wide as part of a beautification program that reduces graffiti and is transforming the city into an outdoor art gallery. The goal is to reflect the history and culture of the neighborhoods that make up Jersey City. There are over 90 murals for you to see.  It will be difficult to pick a favorite. Looking is free, and also makes for a great Instagram backdrop!

Green Villain Featuring Local Artist Distort

 Speaking of must-see murals, Green Villain is the largest mural to be found in Jersey City. The local artist, Distort, brings modern beauty and energy to his work. Make sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win a copy of Green Villain Press’ latest books about Jersey City street art.

Lighter Side of Darkness Metal Sculpture Garden 


After all – art isn’t just for galleries or the home walls – it comes in all shapes and sizes and textures.  This backyard garden is located at 180 Belmont Avenue. The collection will welcome you with open arms. It will give you ideas on how to show you ways to introduce art to your outdoor living space.

The Mana Contemporary


It is one of the largest and most innovative contemporary art organizations in the United States.  Mana is home for a wide variety of artists specializing in painting, sculpture, photography, dance, film, sound, and performance. Inspiration awaits!  It is a two million square-foot contemporary art center wonderland!

Gary Lichtenstein


Gary recently relocated his studio to the second floor of Mana Contemporary.  He is a publisher and printer of fine art silkscreen editions with plenty of room to share his 40 year portfolio.  From coast to coast, his work has adorned the walls of our greatest galleries and even the Smithsonian. He even fostered friendships with Asia’s YuYu Yang, which resulted in a collaboration that became part of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. This exhibit was heralded as a “symbolic bridge between the East and West.”

That’s the thing about art – it is to be viewed and talked about and enjoyed.  It is to be thought provoking and peaceful.  It can mean one thing to me and another to you.  Thank you for joining us at the JCAST Artist’s Closing Reception – There is no better place to be than Jersey City.