March 7, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Joyce Hagen

joyce@acartsfoundation.org

609 705-9079

Elizabeth Terenik

eterenik@acdevco.org

609-425-9207

CHELSEA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

LAUNCHES A “STREET GALLERY’ PROJECT

FEATURING THE WORK OF REGIONAL ARTISTS

The Chelsea neighborhood has a vision – and it includes beautification through public art.

With the support of ACDEVCO, and grants from the State of New Jersey, the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation (Chelsea EDC) is working hard to fulfill the overall vision as a neighborhood that includes educational opportunities for youth, a vibrant business district, quality housing, and public art that is beautiful, inspirational and enlightening.

Recognizing that all great communities prioritize art and culture, Chelsea EDC entered a partnership with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation to support regional artists by displaying their work in the storefront windows of vacant and available properties in Chelsea. An added goal is that these displays would catch the eye of an entrepreneur looking for a quality location in Atlantic City.

Joyce Hagen, executive director of the AC Arts Foundation states, “It is so fulfilling for the AC Arts Foundation to design and implement projects in partnership with city entities that fully align with our mission to provide opportunities for regional artists, to create appealing streetscapes in Atlantic City, and to foster and support economic development initiatives.”

The work of six Atlantic City artists – Miko Beach, Val Feo, Michelle Franzoni, Kristian Gonyea, Bernie McCabe, and Rusty Silverman – are represented in the windows. Beach says, “I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my photos of Atlantic City with my community.” Forty-four artists submitted images of artworks that were reviewed by a community committee comprised of CEDC board members and neighborhood leaders. The committee chose artwork from six artists that aligned with the five pillars of the strategic plan of the CEDC - Strengthening Community, Safety and Resident Wellness, Youth and Recreation, Housing, and Economic Development – were selected for reproduction. The CEDC contacted building owners of currently unoccupied buildings within the district to get their permission to put the art into the windows.

By printing the artwork on vinyl and installing in windows, the low cost allows for a greater impact throughout the highly visible and well-traveled business districts of Chelsea. Chelsea sign company Big Lights Graphics, is completing the work, furthering the goal of supporting Atlantic City businesses.

The current “Street Gallery” windows are located at the

corner of Chelsea and Atlantic Avenues

corner of California and Pacific Avenues

3711 Ventnor Avenue, between Albany and Trenton Avenues.

More information about the program is available here - https://atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/windows. Building owners who would like to be considered for the program should contact Elizabeth Terenik at ETerenik@ACDevco.org or 609 425-9207.