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.
From Nov. 14 to Dec. 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.
HomeFront’s Blue Garage Gallery officially opens with ArtJam for the Holidays, its inaugural art event. Featuring more than 50 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, according to a statement from HomeFront.
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,” Ruthann Traylor, director of Artspace/SewingSpace at HomeFront, said in the statement. “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 Nov. 14 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,” Traylor said in the statement.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 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,” HomeFront Founder and CEO Connie Mercer said in the statement.
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,” Traylor said in the statement. “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.”
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 from Nov. 14 to Dec. 12. Visiting the Blue Garage will be by appointment only with adherence to safety and social distancing. Appointments can be made 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, or noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
To make an appointment, visit www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48acaf2aabf8c16-2020
For more information on ArtJam for the Holidays, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, Traylor 609-883-7500, ext. 316, RuthannT@homefrontnj.org
For more information about ArtSpace, ArtJam and the Blue Garage visit: www.artjamnj.org
Since its founding 29 years ago, HomeFront 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.
