PRESS RELEASE: 101st Mural “Beneath the Waves” unveiled by Atlantic City Arts Foundation at Hot Bagels

PRESS RELEASE: 101st Mural “Beneath the Waves” unveiled by Atlantic City Arts Foundation at Hot Bagels

Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is proud to announce the completion of its 101st mural in the city. “Beneath the Waves” by artist Susan Daly now adorns Hot Bagels and More at 212 Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City. A public mural unveiling was held at 11am on October 31, 2024.

Lead artist Susan Daly’s artistic journey is defined by a rich legacy of crafting bespoke artwork for diverse clientele, including casinos, restaurants, and private commissions. She was born in Trenton and holds a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC for Illustration. Daly has transformed numerous walls with her masterpieces over the years; her extensive portfolio showcases a myriad of artistic expressions, revealing a deep passion for her craft. Her roots in South Jersey anchor her work, with prominent locations in Atlantic City, where she installed the blue skies in The Quarter at Tropicana and at Caesar’s. For the 101st mural, Daly’s design was selected by a review committee of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and Inlet Community Development Corporation representatives in consultation with the Hot Bagels owners. Daly, who lives in nearby Northfield, was assisted in installing this mural by exceptional local artist Marcos Monteiro, who is himself an aquarium enthusiast.

“Beneath the Waves” illustrates the local fish we catch and consume, and the marine giants we protect and avoid. The mural’s electric style uses natural and unnatural colors in a loose painting style. This produces a fun, vibrant, eye-catching, whimsical illustration with blue swirls representing ocean currents and breezes that anchor the large elements together. Each image was outlined in deep red to complement the vibrant logo colors of the bagel shop logo. Included in the local marine life mural are fish (stripers, flounder, cod, and tog), blue claw crabs, oysters, clams, scallops, mussels, jellyfish, stingrays, a seal, a hammerhead shark and a humpback whale. The utility meter behind the building has been transformed into a bright octopus. Seagulls greet customers on the building facade, eager for a scrap of pork roll, egg, and cheese. 

​This project is a partnership between the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and the Inlet CDC to support small businesses and bring art to the vibrant Inlet neighborhood, situated at the north end of Absecon Island. Inlet CDC coordinated support for the business to beautify its facade, install new windows, and sponsor the artwork. 

Susan Daly, lead artist, shared:

I paint for the people and design for the location. When I saw the call for proposal and visited Hot Bagels the first thing I saw was the electric utility meter as an octopus. From there I drew on my childhood love of crabbing, fishing, and the fresh fish we enjoy. I also wanted to include the dolphins and whales that swim in our waters and tragically wash up on our beaches. The best part of painting this mural was meeting such great people and experiencing the excitement of the community for my creation. Thank you to everyone who stopped to say hello and for allowing me to contribute my mural art to the Inlet neighborhood of Atlantic City. 

Michael Atkins, Executive Director, commented: 

I absolutely love the design and artistry Sue has brought to an iconic Atlantic City business. Her attention to the wonderful diversity of local marine life invites a mindfulness that we are one with the ocean even when we enjoy a breakfast sandwich. I am grateful that Sue lent her creative talents to the city at a location that I know will attract many admirers. 

Atlantic City Art Foundation’s 101st Mural is made possible through the generous support of Inlet Community Development Corporation, with additional support from New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. 

About the Atlantic City Arts Foundation

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs and partnerships activate community pride and civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation 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 non-profit organization. Learn more at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/.

Media Contact

Michael Atkins
michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
(609) 217-5569

PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation Prepares for Milestone 100th Mural by artist Manuela Guillén

Atlantic City Arts Foundation Prepares for Milestone 100th Mural by artist Manuela Guillén

Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is preparing its 100th mural installation in Atlantic City since 2017. This milestone mural represents the resilience of Atlantic City’s arts ecosystem and the accomplishment of artists and supporters to uplift civic self-esteem through the vibrancy of arts. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation will host a public unveiling on October 14, 2024, and invites the community to join them in celebration. 

Lead artist Manuela Guillén is a freelance painter, muralist, and digital illustrator currently living in Philadelphia, PA whose murals can be found in both the U.S. and Mexico. Born in Miami to Cuban and Salvadorian immigrant parents, Guillén grew up in Atlantic City, where she worked in a casino while pursuing a career in the arts. Guillen began her mural career in 2015 in Atlantic City with the AC Arts Commission, creating “Protectors,” located on S Georgia Ave. In 2016, she created “Bright Skies” for ACAF’s inaugural 48 Blocks Atlantic City. She returned in 2018 with “Viva Campensina” at the 2nd Ward Firehouse, and this summer she completed the organization's 99th mural, “Green Voices,” teaching and working with youth artists from Mighty Writers. She has nurtured her lifelong love for arts into collaborating with local, national, and global art organizations such as PangeaSeed, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Gender Justice Fund, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and more. 

Recently, Guillén installed “Hands of Nourishment”, which encourages viewers to reflect on the many hands that touch our food chain, in the cafeteria at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This major commission and achievement demonstrates the critical importance of her art and its social justice themes. Inspired by plants, tropical colors, and her cultural upbringing, Guillén aims to bring awareness to art education, mental health, sociopolitical, and environmental issues. As a teaching artist, Guillen hopes to inspire the next generation of artists to be creative as she continues to bring communities closer together through art.

For the 100th mural, Guillén has developed a design titled, “Always Dreaming, Always Growing” for Cardinal. This design pushes further into Guillén’s floral motifs and will be a vibrant, colorful panel that augments the welcoming open-air garden space at the restaurant. Work will commence on an exterior wall at Cardinal on October 1st with an expected completion date of October 15. Guillén will also work with a roster of local artists of exceptional talent in their own right to assist her in completion. 

October 14, 2024 the Atlantic City Arts Foundation will host an unveiling event at Cardinal between 4pm-7pm. This free event open to the public falls on Indigenous People’s Day and celebrates the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month. For the first hour, ACAF will welcome Atlantic City youth to engage with the art, and provide blank coloring pages of Guillén’s design so that they can imagine their own vibrant colors in this floral design. A short program will commence with speakers, before a brief mixer to allow for the public to connect with both the artist and the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. ACAF is partnering with El Pueblo Unido Atlantic City to provide bilingual materials and assist in event outreach. 

Manuela Guillén, lead artist, shared:

Painting a mural in Atlantic City holds deep personal significance for me. My journey as an artist began here in 2014 with my very first mural, and it was in this shore city that I discovered my unique style and honed my craft. Attending the local college to study fine art painting not only nurtured my artistic abilities but also taught me the invaluable lesson of building a community wherever I go. Over the years, I have witnessed Atlantic City's growth, which has paralleled my own evolution as an artist. Creating this mural would be my heartfelt way of saying thank you to a city that has been instrumental in shaping my artistic journey. It would be an honor and a profound gesture of gratitude to give back to the community that has given me so much.

Michael Atkins, Executive Director, commented: 

The 100th mural installation is a major achievement for both the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and for Atlantic City. Due to the dedication and talents of many before me, we are celebrating this milestone and the whole arts community of Atlantic City. I am thrilled that Manuela Guillén is our lead artist for this milestone; her story as a native child of Atlantic City who found her visual identity in art through opportunities provided by the Atlantic City Arts Foundation is something for which we are extremely proud. We look forward to celebrating with our neighbors on October 14th!

Atlantic City Art Foundation’s 100th Mural is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor ThriveAC Fund, with additional support from New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Midtown Community Development Corporation, the Casiello Philanthropic Foundation, and Kitten & Puff. The 100th Mural event celebration is held in partnership with Cardinal and promotional support from El Pueblo Unido Atlantic City.

Manuela Guillén, Lead Artist for the 100th Mural

The Garden at Cardinal, 201 S. New York Avenue, site of the 100th Mural

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About the Atlantic City Arts Foundation

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs and partnerships activate community pride and civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation 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 non-profit organization. Learn more at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/.

Media Contact

Michael Atkins
michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
(609) 217-5569

PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation Appoints New Executive Director Michael Atkins

Atlantic City Arts Foundation Appoints New Executive Director Michael Atkins

Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Arts Foundation has appointed Michael Atkins as its new Executive Director, effective Sept 1, 2024. Atkins is native to South Jersey and leverages extensive experience in multimedia production and nonprofit communications into the crucial role of executive director. He is a proud Atlantic City resident with a lifelong passion for literature, visual arts, and performing arts. 

Monica Casiello, Board President, shared, “The Board conducted a thorough search, with applicants from far and wide, yet found Michael’s unique set of qualifications and incredible dedication right here in Atlantic City. The Board and I are thrilled to bring Michael’s talents and experience to the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. This will be a perfect fit for our organization, and will lead to great things for the arts in Atlantic City. This is a pivotal moment for the organization, as we will unveil our 100th public mural this fall. Michael will lead this organization to expand and enhance our arts programming and presentation.” 

Michael Atkins, Executive Director, commented: “I draw inspiration from the rich history and vibrant culture of Atlantic City, a place where the arts and social progress have long gone hand in hand. It is my intention to expand the offerings of arts in the city, for the benefit of its residents, to exhibit local artists, and to invite artists to draw their own inspiration from this historic city. I want to thank the Board for this opportunity, and look forward to connecting with my neighbors in the weeks to come.” 

For the past two years, Atkins worked as the communications director for New Jersey Future, a statewide policy nonprofit that advocates for equitable investment in infrastructure, and a fair balance between development and preservation. Prior to relocating to New Jersey in 2021, Michael served as the communications director for Friends of the Los Angeles River, an environmental humanities nonprofit that utilizes art, poetry, and ecological education to advocate for equitable access to a rewilded river. Atkins worked in broadcast film television before entering nonprofits, whose production credits spanned independent film and documentary to reality television, during which he interviewed hundreds of subjects including congresspersons, indigenous tribal leaders, architects, authors, and artists. 

This fall the Atlantic City Arts Foundation will celebrate its 100th public mural at Cardinal Restaurant in the Orange Loop at a free public event. Throughout Fall 2024, the organization under Atkins’s leadership will conduct listening sessions and develop a strategic plan to set a direction moving forward, with sustained emphasis on community engagement, artists' opportunity, expanded programmatic offerings, and economic development. As such, they welcome the suggestions, reflections, and imaginations of residents and artists who also love Atlantic City by emailing michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org. 

Michael Atkins, Executive Director, Atlantic City Arts Foundation

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About the Atlantic City Arts Foundation

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs and partnerships activate community pride and civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation 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 non-profit organization. Learn more at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/.

Media Contact

Michael Atkins
michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
(609) 217-5569

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