HomeFront’s ArtJam 2021 launches on Oct. 15 in Palmer Square, Princeton, bringing life and color to an empty storefront by creating a pop-up gallery that combines undiscovered artists who have experienced homelessness, professional artists and the community in a celebration of creativity, inclusiveness and empowerment.
ArtJam 2021 benefits ArtSpace, HomeFront’s therapeutic art program for those experiencing homelessness, according to information provided by HomeFront. HomeFront is a nationally recognized program that supports Mercer County’s families that experience or are at risk of homelessness by providing housing and resources.
“This event is a labor of love by many supporters: our volunteers, artists who contribute their works, and local businesses. We deeply appreciate that the community comes together to produce and support this artistic, fundraising event,” Ruthann Traylor, director of Artspace, and its sister program, SewingSpace, at HomeFront, said in the statement. “We have learned to navigate uncertain times, and we have proven over and over the arts can lift spirits, empower our artists and enhance their self-esteem.”
The pop-up gallery will feature more than 75 artists, and includes paintings, sculpture, pottery, and other original works.
SewingSpace participants will be selling hand-sewn creations.
“HomeFront is a holistic program, which supports those experiencing homelessness, and the arts have been part of helping many individuals overcome poverty and achieve a stable lifestyle over the years. Now more than ever, we are immensely grateful for so much community support through donations, fundraisers and volunteer efforts,” Connie Mercer, founder and CEO of HomeFront, said in the statement.
Ninety-two cents of every dollar donated goes directly to HomeFront’s programs and services, according to the statement. In light of the economic strain imposed by the pandemic, HomeFront is serving more and more families under financial hardship.
Clients can use ArtSpace’s studio located at their safe haven for homeless families to participate in art programs that help them work through trauma, find new entrepreneurial skills, and discover themselves as artists, according to the statement.
ArtJam 2021 will also use a satellite location at the HomeFront Family Campus in Ewing (the Blue Garage Gallery) to house a special collection of oversized artworks too large to display in the Palmer Square location. Visit www.artjamnj.org for details on the artists and pieces available for sale there.
The main gallery, located at 19 Hulfish St., Princeton, will open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 15.
The show runs through Oct. 30. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
For more information on ArtJam, ArtSpace, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, contact Traylor at 609-883-7500, ext. 316, or RuthannT@homefrontnj.org
Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans may need to be revised. Visit www.artjamnj.org for the most updated information.
HomeFront is headquartered in Lawrence Township.
