Turning a vacant storefront into a colorful art-filled pop-up gallery each spring, HomeFront’s ArtJam invites art lovers to experience unique artwork while supporting a good cause.
ArtSpace is HomeFront’s therapeutic art program, a 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 happens in Princeton once a year, combining the work of more than 125 professional international, national and local artists with undiscovered artists who have experienced homelessness. Accomplished artists including Judith Brodsky, Bill Jersey and Kenneth Lewis will have their work available for purchase.
“Through transforming this small corner of Palmer Square, we are bringing art and the story of HomeFront to the Princeton community,” Ruthann Traylor, director of HomeFront’s ArtSpace/SewingSpace, said in a statement.
One of this year’s returning artists is Emily “estrange” Lewis. She was homeless when she participated in the first ArtJam, according to Traylor. Now, she has a degree from Parsons School of Design.
One Artspace artist, Aileen O. describes her journey: “After living in Southern California and New Mexico for several years, I came back home to East Windsor. I left working as a Registered Nurse in a Level 1 Trauma Burn Surgical Intensive Care Unit and was broken; I took care of others with intensity and passion but neglected myself.
Through Homefront’s WorkFirst program I came to ArtSpace. It’s been the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual boost I needed so intensely. Since preschool age, I have always loved creating art. ArtSpace can be seen as a luxury, yet what it offers is essential for the soul. To be given permission to stop the daily bustle and rush, to be allowed, encouraged, supported in the pursuit of creativity – priceless.”
Spanning 19 days, ArtJam will also feature live music, private parties and artist demos.
The gallery includes a rotating display of art for sale, including paintings, pottery, glassworks and hand-sewn items from SewingSpace, another HomeFront art program. Visitors can shop for original pieces while helping HomeFront as well as community artists with each purchase.
The ArtJam opening reception will be held on Friday, March 29 and it is open to the public from 5 to 9 p.m. at 19 Hulfish Street, Palmer Square in Princeton.
Gallery hours are Monday through Wednesday, 12 noon to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is open from Friday, March 29 to Monday, April 16.
For a full listing of ArtJam events, visit homefrontnj.org/artjam.
