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.                                                                                                 

Media Advisory: Atlantic City Arts Foundation to unveil the city’s first Augmented Reality Mural

“A Story of Floods” Mural Highlights Partnership with NJ Coastal Resiliency Art Program to Educate Community on Coastal Hazard Impacts 

For immediate release:
November 22, 2022 

(Atlantic City, NJ) – On Wednesday, December 7 at 11 am the Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF) will unveil “A Story of Floods,” the city’s first augmented reality mural, developed for the NJ Coastal Resiliency Art Program to bring awareness to coastal climate risk and resilience.

WHO:

Kate O’Malley, Interim Executive Director, ACAF
Jill Fermonte, Community Engagement Coordinator, ACAF
Elizabeth Terenik, Board Secretary, ACAF & President, Chelsea EDC
Kaira Villanueva, Lead Artist
Dr. Aigner Holmes, COO, Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City (BGCAC)
Sydney Perkins, Director of Resource Development, BGCAC
Devon Blair, Bureau of Climate Resilience Planning, NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Danielle Bursk, Director of Artist Services, NJ State Council on the Arts

WHEN:

Wednesday, December 7, 11 am

WHERE:

Chelsea Club, Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City
215 N. Sovereign Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art education in Atlantic City, NJ. ACAF develops programs that promote arts-based tourism and economic development initiatives while increasing community pride and civic self-esteem. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

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Chelsea Street Gallery Press Release

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.

Courtesy Media Advisory for "Water Table" Press Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2021

Atlantic City Arts Foundation to Host Demonstrations of Interactive In-Ground Art Installation “Water Table”

Installation Highlights Partnership with NJ Coastal Resiliency Art Program to Educate Community on Coastal Hazard Impacts

(ATLANTIC CITY) – On Friday, August 20, the Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF) will unveil “Water Table,” an interactive in-ground art installation, developed as part of the NJ Coastal Resiliency Art Program, to bring awareness to coastal climate risk and resilience.

WHO:

Kate O’Malley, Operations Manager, Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF)

Elizabeth Terenik, ACAF Board Secretary

Nancy Agati, Visual Artist for Water Table Installation

Rebecca Schultz, Visual Artist for Water Table Installation

Mayor Marty Small, Sr., City of Atlantic City

Dave Rosenblatt, Chief Resilience Officer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Chris Brown, Senior Advisor for Atlantic City, Division of Local Government Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

WHEN

Friday, August 20, at 1 p.m.

WHERE:

Absecon Lighthouse Park

31 S Rhode Island Avenue

To view the event online, visit www.facebook.com/ACArtsFoundation 

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Social Media:

Instagram: ACAF: acartsfoundation; Nancy: @nagati12; Rebecca: @rschultzartist

Twitter:  ACAF: @acartsfound

Facebook: @ACArtsFoundation

Website: ACAF: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org; Nancy: nancyagati.com; Rebecca: rebeccaschultzprojects.com

Press Release: ‘48 Blocks Atlantic City’ Unites Community Virtually on August 7 - 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 3, 2020

Atlantic City, N.J. – Celebrate the diversity and culture of Atlantic City from the comfort of home this weekend as the fourth annual “48 Blocks Atlantic City” celebration goes live online Aug. 7-9

“48 Blocks Atlantic City,” so named because Atlantic City is 48 blocks long, is a 48-hour celebration of the arts & cultural community of Atlantic City.  A central goal of the event is to engage the regional community in the celebration of public art in Atlantic City as well as to enjoy and learn from the creative talents of its residents.

Joyce Hagen, executive director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF), says, “In the spring we made the decision to take 48 Blocks AC to an online format.  I knew that many of the members our creative community would rise to the occasion and create program ideas to engage our audience – and indeed, they have!  Being online offers new possibilities for them to share their talents.”

The three-day schedule includes live and recorded events with titles like “The Art of Cooking,” “Mad Libs for Adults,” and “You Are Here! Postcards from AC.”  Viewers will be able to sit back and enjoy performances by the Bay Atlantic Symphony and the Atlantic City Ballet as well as learn how to juggle and how to make a memory doll that will hold one’s memories of COVID-19.  The usual free jitney mural tours cannot run through the city, but there are two virtual mural tours included in the online event (one by bicycle), but people are also encouraged to take their own socially-distanced mural tours.

Hagen says the schedule is arranged in thematic blocks – yoga and meditative events in the mornings, Saturday afternoon is geared toward young and young-at-heart, Sunday afternoon features blocks of Atlantic City-themed segments and artist segments, early evenings are geared toward happy-hour segments, and evenings are relaxing events and theatrical productions.

Lisa Honaker, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities of Stockton University agrees. “Stockton University is so happy and proud to continue our partnership in 48 Blocks AC in this meaningful way during these unique times,” she said.  “”As an anchor institution in Atlantic City and the region, we delight in sharing our resources to strengthen the region, and value our relationship with ACAF as a creative partner.”

More information about the event is available at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org and on the AC Arts Foundation social media channels.

48 Blocks Atlantic City is a program produced by the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and its major partner Stockton University.  It is a co-sponsored project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Stockton University.

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art education in Atlantic City, NJ. Through programs and partnerships, ACAF promotes arts-based tourism and economic development initiatives while increasing community pride and civic self-esteem. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors.

Left to Right:

Yvonne Battle-Felton - photo credit © Ian Robinson. Yvonne will present a LIVE segment entitled "You are Here! Postcards from Atlantic City" on Sunday at noon. Yvonne will be presenting this online storytelling open mic in which five writers will have five-seven minutes to share fiction or non-fiction stories set in and/or inspired by Atlantic City.

Valerie Feo - Val will present a LIVE segment entitled "So Val Art - At Home Studio Tour" on Sunday at 4:30 pm. Valerie will welcome you into her home for a Virtual Gallery Tour of 6-8 original works of art.

Ray Tyler - photo credit © David Harris.  Ray will present a LIVE segment entitled - "Poetry Curated by Raymond Tyler" on Saturday at 6:30 pm.  Ray has invited a few poets to read original poetry with him during his event.

Tina Notaro - Tina will teach viewers how to juggle during a LIVE segment on Saturday at 3 pm.  Have some juggling balls or balled up socks ready!

Press Release: The City of Atlantic City Partners with Community Organizations to Renovate the Lagoon Park Basketball Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 22, 2020

Atlantic City, N.J. – The City of Atlantic City is partnering with the Stay Hungry Sports organization and the Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF) to renovate the William J. Porter, III Basketball Court in the Lagoon Playground of the Venice Park neighborhood.  Other partners involved in the renovation include Covenant House Atlantic City, Sgt. Sealcoat Asphalt Maintenance, and Amber Art and Design (AAD).

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. says “I am honored that the Atlantic City Arts Foundation partnered with the City on this project.  My administration’s goal is to support the growing arts community and get them to support our efforts to improve blight and public parks, like the William “Billy” Porter Court.  We support the Stay Hungry Stop The Violence Basketball League as it brings exposure to our city near and far. We look forward to another peaceful & successful season on a brand new court from The Atlantic City Arts Foundation.”

Support for the project comes from the City of Atlantic City Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Department via its K.R.P. (Knowing your Past…Realizing your Present…Preparing your Future) Initiative - Beyond Borders Program. The K.R.P. Initiative is a series of community-focused programs aimed at enhancing citizens' self-sufficiency through engagement with programs that expand knowledge while developing the leadership and social skills of participants.

The renovation of the court was inspired by the success of the five-week Stay Hungry Sports “Stop the Violence” Basketball Tournament held last summer in the park.  The tournament featured some of the best-known South Jersey high school and college basketball players, and the games attracted crowds that surrounded the William J. Porter, III court at 1900 Columbia Ave.  

Deshawn Ward, founder of the Stay Hungry Sports organization, is grateful for the court renovation and appreciates the efforts of everyone involved.  Ward says, “Stay Hungry Sports is excited to be producing the second “Stop the Violence” Basketball Tournament in Lagoon Park this summer, and invites city residents to support the players and enjoy the games.”

Zach Katzen, program director for ACAF, adds “For a number of years, I’ve been following the work of a national nonprofit called Project Backboard that works with cities across the country to renovate courts in disrepair into mural-style courts.  Inspired by their creations and the success the ACAF has had creating murals for 48 Blocks AC, we felt now was the time to bring the first art court to Atlantic City. After the success of last year’s Stay Hungry Sports basketball tournament, we felt they would be the perfect partners to work with on this historic project.”

All photos © Atlantic City Arts Foundation 2020.

Left to Right: Artist and ACAF Board Member Val Feo, Artist Christian Correa painting, Stay Hungry Mural in progress, Artist Charles Barwin mixing paint, drone shot of mural in progress.

Press Release: Atlantic City Arts Foundation continues to brighten the city with new murals during Covid-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2020

Atlantic City, N.J. – The Atlantic City Arts Foundation started adding murals to Atlantic City in 2017 through their 48 Blocks AC program. There are now over 50 murals in the city that have been supported by ACAF, including 5 created during the city’s first mural week in May of 2019. Due to Covid-19, the organization has postponed their second mural week originally scheduled for May 11-17, 2020 but they are still committed to creating murals in the city.

ACAF program manager Zach Katzen coordinated with local artist Charles Barbin to create a new mural this month at Kay-Vil Construction, located at 342 N. New Jersey Avenue in Atlantic City. Using leftover paint the organization had on hand from previous mural projects, Charles created “PERSONAL SPACE”, the third mural on Kay-Vil’s building.

“PERSONAL SPACE was motivated & inspired by the desire to want to stay together, to congregate with our neighbors and our community, as a flock. We've recently been exposed to a world where we've been denied the choice to act socially in a group,” Barbin shares.

The mural features a soft yellow background and a colorful, textured cityscape. Barbin used an assortment of stencils and stamps to create texture and layers of color on the buildings. Wires cross the piece, full of birds quietly perched, appearing to be waiting.

“We've had to consider Spacing, recently termed distancing, being separate. Spaces instinctively functioning as motivations for attraction are now possible risks and thought of as repulsive. Birds often sit with each other on Wires waiting for an event as simple as a sunset to happen. Our crucial event is happening, now together we wait for it to set and start a new day,” explains Barbin.

ACAF hopes to create additional murals in the coming months, working with our local artist community. “Like our fellow non-profits, Covid-19 has impacted our funding. We are doing everything we can to secure funds so we may continue to create art in our city, serve our community, and invest directly in artists,” shares Joyce Hagen, ACAF’s executive director. “This is a challenging time for our city and we know that creativity, art, and inspiration are more important than ever in healing and connecting our community.”  

All photos © Atlantic City Arts Foundation 2020.

Press Release: 48 Blocks Atlantic City Nominated for “Favorite Visual Arts Festival” in 2020 JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 10, 2020

Atlantic City, N.J. – The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is pleased to announce its nomination for 48 Blocks Atlantic City for “Favorite Visual Arts Festival” in the 2020 JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards. Now in its 12th year, the annual awards program run by Discover Jersey Arts pays tribute to the work of New Jersey’s vital, vibrant, and diverse arts organizations. Arts lovers across the state are invited to vote for their favorite local arts organizations!

“We are incredibly grateful for this nomination,” said Joyce Hagen, Executive Director at ACAF. “We’re honored that 48 Blocks Atlantic City has been recognized by our fellow colleagues, and to be a part of such a strong arts community that drives one another to thrive. This nomination is in no small part due to the enthusiasm, support, and participation of our Atlantic City community.”

48 Blocks AC and the other contenders in the 2020 People’s Choice Awards were nominated by their peers through the Jersey Arts Marketers network, which is made up of hundreds of arts groups across the state. Now, 11 arts districts and 106 organizations will compete in 19 categories, including favorite music festival, art gallery, small theatre, ballet company, and more.

“These awards highlight not only the excellence in the arts statewide, but also the passion of our state’s arts audiences,” said Allison Tratner, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. “Thousands of New Jersey arts fans speak up in support of the diverse arts organizations and artists that help shape their lives, their communities, and make New Jersey a distinctive place to live, work, and visit.”

Public voting began January 9 at noon and runs through February 20, 2020. Last year, nearly 14,000 ballots were cast, and even more are expected this year.

For a full list of nominees and categories and to cast your vote, please visit www.JerseyArts.com/Vote.                            

Photos by Ruben Garcia, 2019.

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Atlantic City Arts Foundation and 48 Blocks Atlantic City

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art. 48 Blocks Atlantic City is the flagship program of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, which includes a citywide art & cultural celebration and Atlantic City’s largest mural arts program. 48 Blocks AC is produced in partnership with Stockton University. ACAF is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

JerseyArts.com and Discover Jersey Arts
JerseyArts.com is the official website of Discover Jersey Arts, a cosponsored project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation dedicated to increasing the awareness of and participation in the arts in New Jersey. The site features a comprehensive cultural events calendar and arts directory; feature stories, podcasts and videos in the Culture Vultures Arts Weekly and Jersey Arts Podcast; details on Jersey Arts Membership, including discounts and exclusive member events; and other content about the state’s cultural community. www.jerseyarts.com/

Event Advisory: “What do you dream for Atlantic City”

Event Advisory – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 14, 2020

WHAT:  “What do you dream for Atlantic City?” lunch & community conversation during Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. The program is free and all are welcome. Attendees will be provided lunch and are invited to share their dreams for Atlantic City.

WHO:  The Atlantic City Arts Foundation in partnership with Atlantic Cape Community College – Worthington Campus

WHEN:  January 20, 2020
1:30pm – 3pm

WHERE:  Atlantic Cape Community College – Worthington Campus Cafeteria
1535 Bacharach Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Free parking available in the campus lot

WHY:  To celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reflect on the progress in our city, and share thoughts, dreams, and goals for its future.

HOW:   For additional information, please contact Loryn Simonsen at loryn@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org.

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to foster an environment in which diverse arts and cultural programs enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors to Atlantic City, NJ. www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/

Atlantic Cape Community College creates opportunity by providing access to excellent programs and services that successfully meet students' educational goals. www.atlantic.edu/

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