Glocally Newark

There is a local curator that I have not shown enough love to. She is responsible for many exhibitions that have not only taken place in Newark, but have glorified the city of Newark and all of it’s artistic contributors. She recently curated an exhibition in 744 Broad called FreeStyle. This occurred during Open Doors 2009 and displayed work from Jamie Allen, John Avelluto, Shannon Bellum, Gianluca Bianchino, Mona Brody, Anne Dushanko Dobek, J.G.S., Jose Camacho, Pasquale Cuppari, Reanna Fisher, Maya Gatewood, Sarah Granett, Tracy Heneberger, Ryan Higgins, Bill Hudders, Darren Jones, Nadine La Fond, GJ Lee, Yen-Hua Lee, Rachel Leibman, Greg Leshé, Katherine Mangiardi, Rodina Mikhail, Ivan Petrovsky, Sarah Petruziello, Evan Reehl Ryer, Ryan Roa, Mars Robinson, Steve Rossi, Paula Jean Smith, Charlee Swanson, Amy Tomayo, Katie Truk, Josh Willis, Deborah Ugoretz, and Polina Zaitseva.

Katie Truk "Into Your Blood", part of the exhibition "Freestyle" @ 744 Broad-

This very talented lady is Jeanne Brasile.

Last night, Jeanne Brasile opened her newest exhibition UNCOMMON THREADS, which was co-curated by Howard Hurst. Uncommon Threads is an exhibition compiled of artists that work with fiber, fabric and thread.

Artist included Karen Ciamamella, Doris Cacoilo, Nick DeFord, Julie Floersch, Colleen Gutwein, Ryan Higgins, Einat Imber, Darren Jones, Michelle Loughlin, Travis Martin, Megan Piontkowski, Courtney Puckett, Claudia Sbrissa, Katie Truk and Katherine M. Webb.

I had never been to the Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall. Why? Nothing personal Jeanne, I am a serious Newark gal, with no vehicle who walks every where. I am not walking all the way to South Orange. Hahaha. However, last night I caught a ride with the Index Art Center crew and headed over.

As I walked in I saw an assortment of Newark, artsy regulars and a few new faces that I assumed were Seton Hall students. The gallery was a rectangular vanilla box, as most contemporary gallery’s are. The box was just a box… no exposed brick, super high ceilings or cement floors. While, the space wasn’t anything to rave about.. The art was fantastic. Jeanne has a real way of transforming a space with an exhibition. She always uses good, quality art.

The exhibition in whole was extremely organic. Threads stretched from podium to podium. Wires wrapped in cloth stood stationary in the corner of the room, or hung from the ceiling. One of my favorite works was “Spaghetti” by Courtney Puckett.  Enormous, colorful woven forks, knife and spoons hung from the ceiling limp, near the entrance.

Check out some of the pics below:

Two happy Newarkians: Abby Brace & Lowell Craig enjoyed the show!

Other links:

http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/get-out-weaving-art-with-craft/

http://jeannecurates.com/

http://www.artcat.com/exhibits/10241

Good Job Jeanne!

South Orange, NJ

On view through Friday, December 11, 2009

Hours – Mon through Fri, 10:30am to 4:30pm