PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation Announces Milestone Mural By Renowned Muralist Mona Caron

Atlantic City Arts Foundation Announces Milestone Mural By Renowned Muralist Mona Caron

The organization’s 100th and city’s largest mural will commence in April 2024

Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ  – Feb. 26, 2024 – The Atlantic City Arts Foundation, along with presenting sponsor ThriveAC Fund and partner Create 48, today announced renowned Swiss-American artist Mona Caron will paint the largest mural in Atlantic City, commencing in April 2024. Located at The Atlantic, the 19-story mural will be the organization’s 100th mural, and become the largest mural in the city. Part of Caron’s WEEDS project, the mural will incorporate flora native to Atlantic City, narrating themes of resilience, renewal, and perseverance.

“My WEEDS project is a tribute to resilience against all odds. I paint spontaneously occurring wild plants, native or non-native, and paint them big, at a scale inversely proportional to the attention and regard they get. It’s a metaphoric salute to the struggle of authentic grassroots communities, and it’s a reminder that we need to shift Nature’s ranking in our priorities," said Caron.

The 2024 mural, set to be unveiled at the 48 Blocks Atlantic City festival in June, represents a significant milestone in Atlantic City’s cultural landscape. The installation, which is scheduled to commence at the end of April, will involve a six-week collaborative effort between Caron and four assistant muralists, including Charles Barbin and Randi Meekins-Barbin, co-owners of Dunes Gallery in Brigantine and creators of several notable murals in Atlantic City, Jenna Morello, a multi-disciplinary artist from Brooklyn, and Morello’s assistant, Baran Duzgan.

“This is a watershed moment for the arts in Atlantic City,” shared Monica Casiello, Board President of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. “What better city than Atlantic City to be graced with Mona Caron’s art? Her work proclaims resilience. Atlantic City is nothing if not resilient.”

As the leading public arts organization in Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation has played a pivotal role in transforming the city's landscape through public art. Their mural initiative began in 2017 with only enough funding for paint and supplies; the original artists donated their time. The program has since flourished, culminating in the installation of 96 impactful murals; 80 are still on view, transforming Atlantic City's 17.2 square miles into a vibrant outdoor gallery.

“This project is the result of years of work by our team, volunteers, community members, and artists to build a thriving arts community in Atlantic City,” said Kate O’Malley, Executive Director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. “We’ve seen firsthand that murals not only beautify our city, but also boost community pride, drive economic development, and attract tourism. Mona Caron’s mural will further highlight Atlantic City as a destination for arts and culture.”

The 100th mural project is made possible through the support of ThriveAC Fund, the Atlantic, Casiello Philanthropic Foundation and Inlet CDC. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact kate@acartsfoundation.org.

For more information about the Atlantic City Arts Foundation visit https://atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

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About the Atlantic City Arts Foundation

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s leading and largest mural arts program. The organization is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 public arts nonprofit organization. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/ 

Media Contact

Kate O’Malley
kate@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
(856) 217-1823

PRESS RELEASE: $248K Awarded to Atlantic City Arts Foundation for Mural Restoration, Public Arts Promotion in Atlantic City

$248K Awarded to Atlantic City Arts Foundation for Mural Restoration, Public Arts Promotion in Atlantic City

Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 30, 2024

“Close Encounters” by Charles Barbin, slated for restoration in 2024. Photo: Ray Nunzi, 2018.

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation has been the driving force behind mural art in Atlantic City since 2017. The public arts nonprofit has created 96 murals, with 80 still intact, throughout the 48 blocks of the city. In 2024, a $248,700 NJEDA grant awarded to the organization will support further promotion and restoration of these important cultural assets.

The Public Space Activation Grant is made possible through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Activation, Revitalization and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, designed to reactivate and revitalize Atlantic City and Newark in the wake of COVID-19.

“Atlantic City thrives on tourism, and the ART Program will ensure some of our most popular sites will be around for years to come for our millions of visitors annually to enjoy,” said City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr.

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation, set to surpass 100 murals created in 2024, will leverage the funding to maintain, expand, and promote the city’s cultural assets:

• Restoration of 5 murals, damaged by time and weather, by the original artists.

• Creation of 3 new murals to replace lost murals.

• Signage installed on Adirondack chairs and planter boxes and the addition of these assets to our public arts map.

• Building organizational capacity by hiring interns and additional contractors.

• Performing an independent audit of the organization’s financial records to demonstrate financial transparency and meet application requirements of federal grant funding.

• Refining the organization’s brand identity and marketing strategy to attract sustainable, long-term funding and tourism.

• Developing a new website and virtual public art map, creating a more intuitive, interactive, and informative experience for visitors.

• Purchasing a van and lift to ease mural facilitation.

“As the premier public arts organization in Atlantic City, it’s crucial to foster a culture of restoration, repair, and protection of our cultural assets alongside their expansion. The NJEDA grant allows our organization to lead this initiative while we build the capacity to broaden our reach, fundraising, and impact,” said Atlantic City Arts Foundation Executive Director Kate O’Malley.

Through a collaborative partnership with Stockton University, Ducktown CDC, Chelsea EDC, Midtown CDC, and Inlet CDC, funded by the university’s NJEDA grant, signage will be placed at the organization’s 80 murals.

“Fostering an appreciation for Atlantic City’s heritage, its murals and public space requires investment and collaboration. This grant program gives communities an opportunity to shine and share their stories. It also strengthens Atlantic City’s ability to succeed, because it recognizes the importance of all of the city’s unique assets and offerings,” said Assemblywoman Claire Swift (R-Atlantic).

The A.R.T. program utilizes American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the wake of the pandemic.

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s leading and largest mural arts program. The organization is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 public arts nonprofit organization. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

MEDIA ADVISORY: ARTeriors at The James, the 10th iteration of Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s pop-up art exhibit, opens Friday, November 10

ARTeriors at The James, the 10th iteration of Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s pop-up art exhibit, opens Friday, November 10

Media Advisory – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 7, 2023

(Atlantic City, NJ) – ARTeriors at The James opens Friday, November 10th with an Opening Night soirée from 6-9 pm. The James Taffy Building at 1519 Boardwalk, former home to the iconic James Candy Company, is now reborn as an immersive pop-up art installation, thanks to the creativity of 25 extraordinary artists. From the sweet origins of Salt Water Taffy in 1880 to the present, each installation lovingly weaves in the rich tapestry of this historic site.

Since its start, ARTeriors has highlighted the potential of Atlantic City and brought the impact of the arts to the forefront. In 2015, four local artists transformed 121 S. Tennessee Avenue, when the Orange Loop neighborhood was on the cusp of redevelopment and renewal. The inaugural location became MADE Atlantic City Chocolate and is currently Bar 32.

“Returning to the Orange Loop for the 10th iteration of ARTeriors, 8 years after our initial program, is incredibly powerful. The neighborhood has transformed into a hub for arts and culture while Atlantic City has become a place that uplifts and expands the arts. Surrounded by new businesses, a thriving arts scene, and an eager, supportive community I’ve never felt more is possible for ARTeriors, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, and Atlantic City,” shared Kate O’Malley, ACAF executive director.

Tickets for the opening are $30 and include admission, food by Cardinal, and two drink tickets for beverages from The Seed and Little Water Distillery. The event will feature music by DJ Lousy and free parking is available in Cardinal’s lot, located on New York Avenue next to the restaurant. Visit acartsfoundation.org/arteriorsthejames for tickets; purchases will also be available at the door.­­

WHEN: Friday, November 10, 2023, from 6-9 pm

WHERE:

The James
1519 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors. ACAF is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

MEDIA ADVISORY: Atlantic City Arts Foundation & Atlantic Cape Community College to Dedicate Jacob Lawrence Tribute Mural, “In Memory Of…”

Atlantic City Arts Foundation & Atlantic Cape Community College to Dedicate Jacob Lawrence Tribute Mural, “In Memory Of…”

Media Advisory – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 3, 2023

(Atlantic City, NJ) – On Friday, October 27, at 5 pm the Atlantic City Arts Foundation & Atlantic Cape Community College will dedicate “In Memory Of…”, a Jacob Lawrence tribute mural, located at Atlantic Cape’s Worthington Campus.

The 3-panel mural was brought to life by local artists Kenneth Lazan Faulk, Jr., John Morris, and Chanelle René, in collaboration with young Atlantic City artists from the Leaders in Training program: Yah’Sir Bell, Dwayne Carter, J’Nai Crouch, Jacob Flores, Quamira Hardy, and Kayani Lin.

Lawrence, hailed as a master storyteller, was born on September 7, 1917, in Atlantic City's Ward 3, across the street from the campus where the Save-A-Lot now stands. His work continues to resonate deeply with the community, and we are honored to celebrate his life and legacy through art.

WHO:

• Kate O’Malley, Executive Director, Atlantic City Arts Foundation

• Lizbeth Castro James, Director, Worthington Campus and Community Outreach, Atlantic Cape Community College

• Kaleem Shabazz, Atlantic City Councilman, 3rd Ward, City of Atlantic City

• Valeria Marcus, Artist & Atlantic City Resident

• Kenneth Lazan Faulk, Jr., Muralist

• John Morris, Muralist

• Chanelle René, Muralist

WHEN: Friday, October 27, 2023 at 5 pm; reception to follow

 WHERE:

Atlantic Cape Community College in the back parking lot
1535 Bacharach Blvd
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

“In Memory Of…” is funded by Atlantic Cape Community College, Midtown CDC, Thriv, ThriveAC Fund, Stockton University, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The project was initially conceived and researched by Valeria Marcus.

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors. ACAF is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

PRESS RELEASE: Globally Renowned Muralist BK Foxx Returns to Atlantic City to Reimagine “Not For Sale” Mural

Globally Renowned Muralist BK Foxx Returns to Atlantic City to Reimagine “Not For Sale” Mural

6 Fellow Artists to Create Murals in The Orange Loop between October 10-20, 2023

Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 3, 2023

In 2019, New York-based muralist BK Foxx was the first artist to agree to participate in Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s launch of “48 Blocks AC Mural Week.” She raised the bar for mural art in Atlantic City, creating a 3-part mural that resulted in a GIF of a ripping check. In the past years, the wall has fallen into disrepair—BK is returning to reimagine the wall into a fresh mural and she’s bringing along 6 fellow artists to create new murals throughout the Orange Loop!

“When you spend some time in AC, you realize under all the grit and madness there are some of the most authentic, full souls you'll ever meet. I felt the spirit of the place and people when I first visited in 2019—it’s like few other places I've been. I've developed a deep love and appreciation for the 48 blocks of AC and the weird wild city that lives around the casinos. I’m excited to return for the 4th time, along with some other incredible artists, to create public art around the city that has been designed for AC,” shares Foxx.

The program, conceived by Foxx and billed as “Foxx & Friends”, is the largest concurrent mural project in Atlantic City–7 artists will create 6 murals in 10 days. The murals will be concentrated in the Orange Loop, furthering the vision of investors and developers Evan Sanchez & Zenith Shah of Authentic City Partners and Pat Fasano to transform the loop into a hub for arts and culture, leveraging the arts as an economic driver of further revitalization throughout the city.

“With the launch of Cardinal in the spring, Zenith and I have accelerated efforts and investments towards bringing more public art to the Orange Loop–expanding an already burgeoning arts zone and furthering our vision to build community through partnerships with organizations like ACAF and Create 48,” shares Sanchez.

ACAF has partnered with Create 48, led by Zach Katzen, to host the muralists and organize community events during their stay. “Foxx & Friends” is meant to be a celebration of Atlantic City, representing ACAF & Create 48’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and to welcoming artists from around the world into our community, creating ambassadors for our city around the globe.

The participating mural artists and their mural locations are: BK Foxx of Long Island, NY at 2309 Pacific Ave., Hiero Veiga of Brockton, MA & Vizsla Bacon of Toronto, Canada at 190 S Kentucky Ave., CPWon of Chile, currently based in Miami, FL at 26 S Kentucky Ave, Golden 305 of Venezuela, currently based in Miami, FL at 137 S New York Ave, Ruben Ubiera of the Dominican Republic, currently based in Miami, FL at 139 Westminster Ave, and Jenna Morello of Brooklyn, NY at 153 S New York Ave.

The community is encouraged to visit the mural sites to witness the transformation throughout the 10-day installations, October 10-20, 2023. We will also be hosting community events:

• Thursday, October 12, 6-9 pm – Meet & Greet with the Artists The Seed, featuring live music by Luke Witherspoon (Suggested Donation: $10)

• Thursday, October 12, 10 pm – Dance Party at Boogie Nights (Cover Charge)

• Wednesday, October 18, 8 pm – Screening of “Portrait of Etika”, a short film by BK Foxx at The Garden at Cardinal (Suggested Donation: $10)

For further information about “Foxx & Friends”, visit acartsfoundation.org/foxxandfriends.

“Foxx & Friends” is made possible by funding and partnership of CRDA, Authentic City Partners, Pat Fasano, Bar 32, Rhythm and Spirits, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Cardinal, Hayday Coffee, ACBNB, Dorsey Construction, Tony’s Baltimore Grill, Tony Baloneys, The Hook, Hard Rock Atlantic City, Little Water Distillery, The Seed, Sea Suite Capital II LLC, Side Pony Print Shop, Midtown in Motion, Atlantic City Community Fund, Community Development Block Grant, and Pena Productions.

Ongoing support is provided by Atlantic Cape Community College and NJSCA.

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors. ACAF is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation Appoints New Executive Director Kate O’Malley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 10, 2023

Atlantic City, N.J. –The Atlantic City Arts Foundation appointed Kate O’Malley as its new Executive Director on July 7, 2023. O’Malley joined the organization in 2020, moving quickly from an administrative role to an operations and project management lead. She brings her extensive experience within the organization, strong relationships in the Atlantic City artist, business, and non-profit communities, and a tireless commitment to ACAF’s mission to foster arts and culture in Atlantic City.

Monica Casiello, ACAF Board President, shared, “The Board and I are thrilled to promote Kate to the Executive Director position. Her passion for the arts, the community, and Atlantic City is palpable, and she has an innate understanding of the organization’s mission and potential. Appointing her to lead the organization will ensure ACAF continues to create meaningful opportunities for artists, engage the Atlantic City community through free arts & cultural programming, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in the arts.”

O’Malley has been fundamental to the ACAF’s recent growth and impact, stepping up to sustain the organization following Joyce Hagen’s 2022 departure from the role. During her tenure with ACAF, she has galvanized community support and secured significant funding to maintain organizational stability and ensure living wages for artists. As an Atlantic City resident and graduate of Stockton University, O’Malley leverages her lived experience to develop strategy and deliver maximum community impact.

“I am so proud to be named Executive Director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. The City of Atlantic City and its incredible arts community mean so much to me. I'm eager to lead the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and continue to grow Atlantic City into a place where arts and culture thrive. We envision an Atlantic City where local artists' careers can flourish, where our residents and the city’s rich history are elevated by and celebrated through art, and where tourists visit us to experience our thriving and unique arts scene,” O’Malley shared.

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors. ACAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  

Learn more: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org | IG: @acartsfoundation | facebook.com/acartsfoundation

48 Blocks Atlantic City: From The Boardwalk to the Bay Kicks Off on Memorial Day Weekend at The Garden at Cardinal

For Immediate Release: May 17, 2023

48 Blocks Atlantic City: From The Boardwalk to the Bay Kicks Off on Memorial Day Weekend at The Garden at Cardinal

Celebrate the Arts, Community, and Atlantic City at a Weekend-Long Garden Party

(Atlantic City, NJ) 48 Blocks Atlantic City, the flagship program of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, will kick off on Friday, May 26 at noon with an outdoor party at The Garden at Cardinal, located at 201 S. New York Avenue. The weekend-long event will feature live music throughout the day and into the evenings, caricature drawings by Maria Biebel, face painting by Heather Deegan-Hires, and the joyful bubble-stylings of Tina Notaro. Christian Correa, local artist and server at Cardinal, was selected to create the restaurant’s first mural and will be live-painting between noon–3 pm daily, on the standalone shipping container in The Garden.

48 Blocks AC spans the city’s 48 blocks from the Boardwalk to the Bay with arts and cultural events and a robust mural arts program, running from May 26–June 30, 2023. In addition to the kick-off party, Cardinal will host a four-course fundraising dinner with a cocktail pairing on June 20, with each course inspired by a 48 Blocks AC muralist. Mural Week will return June 19–23 with 3 muralists creating concurrently throughout the city and community projects will be hosted at four locations during the event weekend, June 24 & 25. Jitney mural tours will be available throughout the event weekend.

“We are excited for the programming this year, especially the partnerships we’ve fostered with local businesses. We’ve built out something special that will support local artists, celebrate the city, and engage our community. We can’t wait for you to experience all 48 Blocks AC 2023 has in store!” shared Kate O’Malley, interim executive director of ACAF.

Celebrate the diversity, creativity, and culture of Atlantic City with 48 Blocks AC this summer. Events are free unless otherwise noted.

·      48 Blocks AC Garden Party – May 26–29, noon–10 pm – The Garden at Cardinal

Enjoy live music & entertainment; live mural painting noon–3 pm

·      Hayday Coffee Community Canvas with North2Shore – June 5–11, 11 am­–4 pm, Hayday Coffee

Participate in an interactive mural led by Christian Correa and Heather Deegan-Hires, presented in partnership with North2Shore and Hayday Coffee

·      48 Blocks AC Mural Week – June 19–23

Watch as two murals are created in Bungalow Park and one in Ducktown

·      Dinner at Cardinal – June 20, 6 pm – Cardinal – $125

Enjoy a four-course meal with cocktail pairings, inspired by 48 Blocks AC mural artists

·      Rock the 48 Blocks – June 22, 6 pm – Anchor Rock Club ­– $15

DJ Samwas and Red Meat Conspiracy back-to-back all night long

·      48 Blocks AC Event Weekend – June 24 & 25

Free interactive community programming; Saturday 11 am–2 pm, Dover Avenue Park, 2 pm–5 pm, Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University; Sunday 11 am–3 pm, Browns Park, 4–7 pm, Gardner’s Basin

·      Chelsea Club Mural – Kicks off June 26 – Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Chelsea Club

·      Ocean Casino Resort Birthday Mural ­– June 30 – Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall

Artists Randi Meekins & Shari Tobias will create a mural featuring the ocean and native sea life

ACAF has partnered with five local businesses to offer specials throughout the month of June. Visit Bar32 for the 48 Blocks AC signature chocolate bar–a 60% dark chocolate bar with rainbow nonpareils. Hayday Coffee is featuring “The Palette Refresher,” a color-changing butterfly pea lemonade and Little Water Distillery will serve “The 48,” 48 Blocks Vodka, lemon, lime, and mint. Cardinal and Good Dog Bar will also offer special cocktails. A portion of the proceeds will be donated in support of 48 Blocks AC.

In July, 47 Adirondack chairs & planter boxes will be created and installed throughout Atlantic City as part of the ongoing beautification project in partnership with the Special Improvement Division of the CRDA, reinvigorating the Boardwalk and public parks with functional public art.

48 Blocks AC 2023 is supported by grants from the CRDA and TD Bank Foundation, a donation from Phish’s WaterWheel Foundation, program sponsors Ducktown CDC, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, Chelsea EDC, Midtown in Motion, Everest Dispensary, Boardwalk Resorts, Cindy Owen, David & Hallie Satz, and partners Cardinal and Noyes Museum.

Applications to create projects for the event weekend are open through May 26: acartsfoundation.org/apply.

Learn more about 48 Blocks AC 2023 at acartsfoundation.org/celebrate.

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors. ACAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  

Learn more: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org

Press Release: AC Arts Foundation and Chelsea EDC to Host Dedication of “Community in Bloom” Mural April 28th

Lead Artist De’von Downes with their completed mural, “Community in Bloom”, Photo by Nastassia Davis, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 14, 2023

Atlantic City, N.J. – On Friday, April 28 at 5 pm, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and Chelsea EDC will host a dedication of “Community in Bloom” by De’von Downes and Chanelle René, located at 3119 Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City.

Located in Chelsea, the mural’s theme was driven by community input. The neighborhood, described as “a community in bloom,” is home to diverse cultures residing in harmony and celebrating their varied traditions. Residents sought a mural incorporating the music, food, flags, and flowers of their home countries. They also wanted to incorporate the neighborhood’s vibrant home gardens and their beloved cat colonies.

“Community in Bloom” Detail, Photo by Nastassia Davis, 2023

Lead artist De’von Downes was inspired by the community’s gardens, which foster cross-generational relationships and respect for your home and nature. They incorporated several countries' symbols into the motif - national fruits, flowers, and birds - creating a striking, colorful mural celebrating Chelsea’s diversity. The mural centers on two figures, an elderly Latinx woman and a young boy, planting a seedling below Thurgood Marshall’s words: “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” Downes shared, “‘Community in Bloom’ honors our connection to nature and the importance of carrying our traditions and culture with us wherever we go. I hope it inspires all generations to honor where they’re from and the communities they live in now.”

Join us to dedicate “Community in Bloom”:

Friday, April 28, 2023 at 5 pm

3119 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Refreshments will be provided by Chelsea EDC. Street parking is available.

De’von at work, Photo by Nastassia Davis, 2023

Chanelle & De’von, Photo by Nastassia Davis, 2023

Finishing touches, Photo by Nastassia Davis, 2023

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors. ACAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  

Learn more: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org | IG: @acartsfoundation | facebook.com/acartsfoundation

“Community in Bloom” was sponsored by Chelsea EDC. Chelsea EDC, an independent nonprofit organization, partners with residents, businesses, and community organizations to expand economic opportunity and to improve the quality of life in the Chelsea neighborhood. The EDC’s focus area is a 0.75 square mile area from Annapolis Avenue to Texas Avenue and from the Beach to the Bay, and includes Stockton University, South Jersey Gas Headquarters, and the Tropicana, as well as 10,000 residents and 150 small businesses. Chelsea’s greatest assets are its diversity of people and amenities, as well as its pristine beach, expansive bay access, and beautiful green spaces.

For more information, visit www.ChelseaEDC.org

Artist housing was provided by ACBNB. acbnb.com

Press Release: Cardinal’s Massive 5,000 Square Foot Exterior Set to Become Atlantic City’s Latest Mural Canvas, in partnership with Atlantic City Arts Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 6, 2023

Atlantic City, N.J. – Cardinal follows a simple rule: Make Memories. The soon-to-open Contemporary American restaurant in the Orange Loop aims to create a memorable impact on everyone who passes by, transforming the once gray exterior into a vibrant, dynamic, organic mural. The commissioned piece will be one of the largest murals in Atlantic City. Positioned to become an anchor mural for the Orange Loop, the work will be visible from the Boardwalk and surrounding properties including Resorts Casino Hotel, Bally’s Hotel & Casino, and the Claridge Hotel.

Chef Michael Brennan, executive chef and co-owner of Cardinal, shared, “We envision a mural that fuses art, nature, and industry, evoking qualities of an urban garden, seasonality, and a sustainable presence juxtaposed with the city’s concrete surroundings.”

The 5,000 square foot building wrap will reflect the progression of the seasons throughout the year with each face of the building dedicated to a season. As the first touchpoint for guests, the mural must be distinct and eye-catching, expressing and showcasing Cardinal’s vision while flowing seamlessly with the interior of the restaurant.

"Over the past several years ACAF has facilitated over 70 murals in Atlantic City and the mural at Cardinal will be one of our most significant projects to date. Investments in the arts and community by businesses like Cardinal further our vision of sustainable and thriving public art opportunities in our city," shared Kate O'Malley, interim executive director of ACAF.

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is now accepting proposals for the forthcoming project – muralists from near and far are encouraged to apply. Visit acartsfoundation.org/cardinal to learn more. Applications will close on April 5, 2023, at 5 pm EST.

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The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors. ACAF is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  

Learn more: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org | IG: @acartsfoundation | facebook.com/acartsfoundation

Cardinal is a Contemporary American restaurant serving globally influenced cuisine in a welcoming environment. Located in Atlantic City’s Orange Loop District and led by the family trio of Chef Michael and Thomas Brennan and Carl Fleck, Cardinal focuses on seasonal, sustainable, and responsibly sourced ingredients from New Jersey and surrounding areas with a commitment to elevated hospitality and community. Cardinal is located at 201 S. New York Avenue in Atlantic City, NJ.

Learn more: cardinal-ac.com | IG: @cardinal-restaurant | facebook.com/cardinalacnj

Press Release: AC Arts Foundation Launches Fundraising Campaign for Mural Honoring the Life and Legacy of Atlantic City-born Artist Jacob Lawrence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 1, 2023

Atlantic City, N.J. – In honor of Black History Month, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation is working to bring Valeria Marcus' proposed Jacob Lawrence mural to life. Lawrence, hailed as a master storyteller, was born on September 7, 1917, in Atlantic City's Ward 3, where the Save-A-Lot now stands. Marcus, artist and Atlantic City resident, has also been working with the city to install a historical marker at Lawrence’s birth site.

In 2017, the City of Atlantic City passed Resolution 54 in recognition of Jacob Lawrence and his contribution to the art world. Honoring his legacy is meaningful to the Black community—Marcus shared “Jacob Lawrence was a genius and the first American artist to paint history. He grew up experiencing the struggles of racism and oppression among his people. And through his art, he was able to depict the daily struggles of African Americans.”

Lawrence created a body of work that comprehensively spoke about the African American experience. His esteemed 60-panel series, ‘Migration of the Negro,’ using tempera paints in an abstract storytelling style, depicted the millions of African Americans that migrated to the north from the Jim Crow era south for a better life. Atlantic City artist Kelley Prevard incorporated Lawrence’s motifs in her mural “Memory”, located at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Worthington Campus.

Fundraising for the mural project will continue throughout the month of February, alongside social content highlighting local Black artists and art in Atlantic City that represents Black history. The organization is aiming to raise $20,000 for the project, ensuring muralists and other contributors are paid equitably. The mural, if funded, will be included in the 2023 48 Blocks AC Mural Week in June, with artists selected through a juried application process.

Visit acartsfoundation.org/JLMural to contribute to the fundraiser. You may also contribute offline, checks payable to “Atlantic City Arts Foundation” may be mailed to PO Box 3, Atlantic City, NJ 08404.

For further information about Jacob Lawrence, visit jacobandgwenlawrence.org.