PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Ruthann Traylor, (609) 883-7500 ext. 316, RuthannT@homefrontnj.org
ArtJam & Holiday Market: Support Artists and Local Families Experiencing Homelessness
October 5, 2020 – LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – ArtJam for the Holidays is a re-imagined art event, supporting homeless families, and taking a creative approach while keeping visitors safe and socially distant.
Between November 14-December 12, ArtJam for the Holidays will display the art of professional artists and undiscovered artists who have experienced homelessness. In addition to an online gallery (www.artjamnj.org), the art can be viewed and purchased in HomeFront’s new Blue Garage Gallery at the Family Campus in Ewing, NJ.
ArtJam for the Holidays offers one-of-a-kind art for sale, including paintings, pottery, glasswork and hand-sewn items!
HomeFront’s new Blue Garage Gallery officially opens with ArtJam for the Holidays, its inaugural art event. Featuring more than fifty local and regional artists, ArtSpace artists and SewingSpace creators, it offers one-of-a-kind art for sale, including paintings, pottery, glasswork and hand-sewn items. With a variety of items, shoppers can find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts in time for the holidays.
As area art lovers know, ArtJam is a pop-up art exhibition typically held in Palmer Square in Princeton. Due to the COVID-19 situation, ArtJam was offered virtually in an online gallery this summer.
“We are very grateful for all of the community support for ArtJam, throughout the years, and especially during these uncertain times when we moved the display and sales online,” says Ruthann Traylor, Director of Artspace/SewingSpace at HomeFront. “We were so pleased with our success of ArtJam Online and our Holiday Market in 2019 that we are producing an exciting new event — ArtJam for the Holidays which combines both!”
ArtJam for the Holidays goes live on November 14, 2020 with a noble purpose—supporting ArtSpace, the therapeutic art program at HomeFront.
“Not only are these events fundraisers, they have a significant impact on encouraging the HomeFront artists and boosting their feelings of self-worth. Shoppers are supporting these budding entrepreneurs as they gain business skills and opportunities.”
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 15-23, coincides with the month long ArtJam for the Holidays event. During National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, programs are planned throughout the nation to raise awareness of the prevalence of struggling Americans, especially children.
“Families in the Mercer area should not have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. We have seen a real increase in the needs of many residents in these times of economic downturn,” says HomeFront founder and CEO Connie Mercer.
Visit the Blue Garage by appointment for a personal shopping experience or purchase items online.
“Bringing together the work of professional and aspiring artists makes ArtJam for the Holidays a different exhibit from a traditional art show,” says Traylor. “A dedicated team of volunteers and I have transformed a utilitarian outbuilding into a professional art venue. We are excited to have our inaugural event in the Blue Garage in time for the Holiday season.”
Located on the HomeFront Family Campus, the Blue Garage will offer art exhibitions throughout the year.
Bringing Art to the Community & Helping Others – #Feel Good Twice!
Traylor added, “Through transforming this former storage garage , we bring both awesome art and the important stories of HomeFront’s work to the community.”
The gallery will be available online between November 14 and December 12, 2020. Visiting the Blue Garage will be by appointment only with adherence to safety and social distancing. Appointments can be made Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm; Sundays, Noon-4 pm. For Online appointment sign up, visit our SignUpGenius.
For more information on ArtJam for the Holidays, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, contact Ruthann Traylor, (609) 883-7500 ext. 316, RuthannT@homefrontnj.org
For more information about ArtSpace, ArtJam and the Blue Garage visit: www.artjamnj.org
About HomeFront
Since its founding 29 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.
For more information about how you can help, visit www.homefrontnj.org or call (609) 989-9417.
ArtJam for the Holidays -At A Glance
Dates: Saturday November 14- Saturday December 12, 2020
Location: Online at www.artjamnj.org and in The Blue Garage
Homefront Family Campus, 101 Celia Way Ewing, NJ 08628.
By Appointment Only Gallery Hours:
Visiting the Blue Garage will be by appointment only with adherence to safety and social distancing. Appointments can be made Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm; Sundays, Noon-4 pm. Sign up online coming soo.
Hashtags: #ArtjamfortheHolidays2020 #FeelGoodTwice