Photo by Ruben Garcia, 2019
Artist: Bruce Williams
Famous Atlantic City Writers To Take Inspiration From
Famous writer Joseph Epstein is often quoted for saying: “81% of Americans feel that they have a book in them — and should write it.” And true enough, as of May 2021, there are over 50,000 writers in the country (Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273043.htm) . While this does not completely represent Epstein's 81%, it is a number that is increasing yearly. This demonstrates how the writing profession (Source:https://online.maryville.edu/blog/careers-in-writing/) continues to be a highly sought after career by many in the U.S., whether it is fiction, journalism, or technical writing. And one of the best ways for a writer to learn their craft is through studying other writers. For aspiring scribes in Atlantic City there have been several great writers to emulate. Here are four worth taking inspiration from.
Raymond Tyler
Aside from being a local writer (Source: https://atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/48bac2020-content-library/Atlantic%20City%20with%20Raymond%20Tyler), Raymond Tyler is also a DJ, visual artist, and producer. He was inspired by poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and writer James Weldon Johnson. His parents introduced him to these writers, igniting a spark in him. Tyler's goal was to create something that would last for generations and continue to inspire people.
Today, he does exactly that through his works that have appeared in The Philadelphia Weekly, NY Press, and The Source Magazines. He also hosts monthly networking events to help people, especially creatives, from all backgrounds achieve success by helping each other.
Martin Agronsky
Credit: Unknown author licensed under Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Martin Agronsky was a journalist and political analyst. He became an NBC correspondent during World War II and worked across three continents. Despite the dangers he faced as a journalist, he persisted to deliver information and the truth.
In 1952, he won a Peabody Award for courageously covering the controversies surrounding Senator Joseph McCarthy. He won the Alfred I. duPont Award in 1961 for his work in covering Adolf Eichmann’s trial, a major perpetrator of the Holocaust. Agronsky is also known for having worked in all three major broadcasting networks: CBS, NBC, and ABC. This further proves his adaptability as a writer and his willingness to share his skills and services for the benefit of the news industry.
Susan Subtle
Credit: Mrgarden 2342 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
In a world where specialists are praised, Susan Subtle embraced her interdisciplinary skills. With her work ranging from topics like entertainment to recycling, Subtle is a talented columnist (Source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Susan-Subtle-former-Chronicle-columnist-who-saw-15276660.php) that has written for different publications. These columns include The Subtle Shopper in the San Francisco Chronicle and Best Bets in New West Magazine. She also made contributions to the LA Times, Esquire, and Elle Decor.
Subtle was not afraid to explore her niche interests, such as folk art and odd objects, which led her to success as many publications were drawn to her quirky articles. She serves as an inspiration for writers who are too afraid to pursue a unique path.
Barry Beckham
Credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A novelist and playwright, Barry Beckham started writing his first novel, My Main Mother (1969) at 25 years old prior to finishing college. In fact, he was one of the three black graduates of Brown University in 1966. Despite the struggles happening at that time during the civil rights movement, Beckham persevered as a Black writer. His second novel, Runner Mack (1972), was nominated for a National Book Award in 1973.
In the 1980s, Beckham started a publishing company after his own name: Beckham House. The company is devoted to books on black subjects and they published their first book, The Black Student Guide to Colleges, in 1984. Beckham was a talented novelist who was ahead of his time and helped lift black fiction into the mainstream.
Many people want to become writers because of the creativity they can explore and the stories they can tell. Hopefully, aspiring writers can take inspiration from Atlantic City’s best writers to pursue their careers and achieve success.
Written exclusively for atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
By Monique Andrei
Chelsea Street Gallery Press Release
Love AC February Chalk Art
We invited our community to share things they love about Atlantic City with us
Throughout the month of February, we launched a chalk art campaign and encouraged folks to create chalk hearts and let us know things they love about Atlantic City. What started as preparation for our participation in Absecon Lighthouse’s Love AC Weekend turned into a month of chalking the city and spreading the love throughout our community.
Art by Jill Fermonte in front of “Birds of a Feather” by Drips Art x Fashion
Thanks to our chalk drop off sites!
We wanted to make sure we spread out our free chalk packs for folks to grab at different locations throughout Atlantic City to increase accessibility and encourage as many different people to participate as possible! Thank you to Hayday Coffee, Atlantic City Free Public Library, Violet Mae’s Hair Salon, Beat the Daily Grind Café, and Noyes Arts Garage for agreeing to be chalk pick up locations as well as participating in chalk art with their own employees and patrons!
Feeling the love
In the middle of the month for Valentine’s day weekend, we created chalk hearts around the lighthouse grounds for Love AC Weekend and encouraged people to share their art and things that they loved about AC with us. We set out with a goal of 100 conversation hearts and ended the day with 186!
Community Highlights
Thank you to all of the community members that participated in this campaign throughout the month and helped us spread love through Atlantic City! Here are some of the things folks love the most about our city:
“I love Atlantic City because I can get anywhere I want to be, no matter where it is in the city. It's accessible! I don't drive. People see me all over, that makes me happy” - Jill Fermonte
“I love the people I see everyday… All the different kinds of characters I see on my way to work” - Leslie Ruiz Sanchez
“I feel so grateful to live in AC. I enjoy going to the beach in all weather, riding my bike on the boardwalk during all four seasons, the food options are phenomenal, and great entertainment is always available. The people and community here are fabulous, as are the arts…I love AC” - Sue Ireland
“I wasn’t born here but my parents moved here in the 90s for a change of scenery and now I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I have everything I want here, nature, a city that doesn’t sleep & a blank canvas to create my life. I’m grateful for the community that loves AC as much as I do. I love AC because it’s home” - Miko Beach
“I love the people, the beach, the culture…I was born and raised here so I just love everything about the city and I want to share that with people in my community - the beauty that surrounds us all” - Lyntaga Smith
“We love the arts scene and all the events and restaurants that are in the Orange Loop! We also love the beach, taking bike rides on the boardwalk, and the people” - Kurt and Beth Kwart
“We love Atlantic City because of the people who continue to believe in it and strive to provide programs and opportunities to enrich the community” - Michelle Tomko and Jean Burbee
“One of the things I love most about Atlantic City is Back Sov Skate Park. Finally getting a permanent park in the city was a major milestone for skateboarding here. It’s been special to see the growth of the skate community here and the new generations enjoying the space” - Ryan Halbe
“I love our seaside community, Atlantic City. I started working here in 1981 at a new TV station on Connecticut Ave. Then I worked in the casino industry, mostly at Showboat on Delaware Ave. for 14 years. Now I work at Absecon Lighthouse on Rhode Island Ave. Looks like North Beach AC and the lighthouse district have captured my heart!” - Jean Muchanic
“What I love about Atlantic City is that you can always find something new - a new mural, new food, new people to meet - and it’s an amazing city” - Amanda Auble
“What I love about the city is the diversity of its people, all the art and the murals brought by the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, and the endless entertainment available at the casinos” - Christ Ponteri
Executive Director
Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF) has launched a search for a new Executive Director to lead its next phase of growth and capacity building, as its Founding Executive Director prepares to step down. The role is multifaceted ranging from strategic planning, management of our small team, fundraising and development, creation/oversight of programs, and advocacy and awareness-building for the value of arts/creativity in building Atlantic City’s future.
You will lead and grow our spirited team, as well as work with our dedicated board to support our organizational goals of increasing public art access and community arts education in Atlantic City.
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors.
What You’ll Do
Help develop and implement strategy to position the arts and the organization as essential tools for economic and community development;
Establish and maintain sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with partnering groups and organizations;
Educate and advocate for the arts to the public, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to strengthen resources;
Seek and secure various sources of funding from local, regional, and national government, corporate, foundation, and individual sources to support operations, events and programs; this will include grant writing, funder management, and proposal development;
Work with Board to ensure alignment on Mission/Vision and to-be-developed Strategic Plan;
Manage and work alongside current team focused on Programming and Marketing and build a well-rounded team to ensure organizational growth and stability;
Enhance existing organizational programs and look for opportunities to create greater alignment across programs and organizational Mission/Vision;
Serve as a spokesperson and liaison for the Arts/Creativity in Atlantic City (and beyond);
Develop a new strategic plan and report to the Board on its progress twice per year.
What We’ll Expect From You
5+ years of experience, including experience as an Executive Director or leader within an arts community or with a non-profit organization;
Passion for the Arts/Creativity and an understanding of how critical they are for effective community/economic development;
Leadership in project management, fundraising, and the ability to work with partners in public relations, marketing, and cause-based coalitions;
Financial management of a fierce and impactful non-profit, quickly growing and receiving regional attention which is strengthening its fundraising abilities to expand and be sustainable, while continuing its impact;
Ability to thrive in a nimble, fast-paced environment by managing competing priorities, working collaboratively, and communicating effectively.
Ability to prioritize impactful projects and complete them expeditiously.
Atlantic City Arts Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is valued at our company. All applicants receive consideration for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Compensation commensurate with experience and education. Salary range $60,000 - $70,000. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter via email to: jobs@atlanticcityartsfoundation.com.
About Atlantic City Arts Foundation
The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable, 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. Current programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors.
2021 Yearly Recap
Looking back at 2021!
Before we dive into our 2022 plans, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on last year with us. With the support of local businesses, organizations, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors - yes, it takes all of you! - we made 2021 an incredible year for the arts in Atlantic City! THANK YOU!!
Mural Art
In 2021, 6 new murals were created in Atlantic City through ACAF's mural program. "STEAM Dreams" by Layqa Nuna Yawar, "1 in 3" by Kelley Prevard, and "Tribute to Pop Lloyd and the Bacharach Giants" by Glenn Taylor were produced in collaboration with Create 48, a consulting company founded by our former program director, Zach Katzen. "Z is for Zebra" by Stephanie Segal Miller, "Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork" by Kenneth Lazan Faulk, Jr., and "Keep on Shining" by Heather Deegan Hires were also added to our mural landscape this year.
Atlantic City youth from the "Leaders in Training" program had the opportunity to work with Atlantic City artists on two of the murals. Artist Glenn Taylor also added an information panel to BK Foxx's "Sara Spencer Washington" mural. Marjorie Preston began work on the "To Be a Leader, Be a Reader" mural at the end of the year - it will be completed as soon as the weather allows!
Adirondack Chairs
Artists & community groups designed 14 new Adirondack chairs, including double and triple chairs. Our new chairs include artist information labels with scannable QR codes, linked to our website. You can check out many of the 2021 chairs in O’Donnell Memorial Park. We are excited to share that in 2022, for the first time, a child-sized Adirondack chair will be designed!
Travis Gibson and family with his newly installed “Sunset Sit-Down” chair in O’Donnell Park
Community Events
2021 saw the return of two in-person 48 Blocks AC events at both ends of Atlantic City - in Chelsea and the Inlet! Our 7th annual Chalk About AC was held in Brown's Park in October and featured large-scale chalk art by three professional artists in addition to the community chalk drawings. For the first time two schools - Sovereign Avenue School and Our Lady Star of the Sea - held Chalk About AC on their campuses.
Artist Amanda Klinger at Chalk About AC with her piece “Sol Fish”
"Water Table," a project funded by a grant from NOAA awarded to the NJDEP in support of their "Risk Communication: A Campaign for Coastal New Jersey" efforts, was installed at the Absecon Lighthouse by artists Nancy Agati and Rebecca Schultz. AC Arts Foundation was pleased to be one of four community-based organizations selected to host a project in 2021. Members of the Boys and Girls Club and students from Stockton University visited the project during field trips to experience & explore "Water Table."
Artists Nancy Agati and Rebecca Schultz with their installation “Water Table”
Chelsea Street Gallery was launched in June, in partnership with the Chelsea EDC. The first installation features work by artist Miko Beach, located at 3711 Ventnor Ave.
“Monumental Views” by Miko Beach for Chelsea Street Gallery
Memorial Art
We were saddened by the loss of Edwin Rivera, an accomplished Atlantic City artist who worked in varied media. Edwin created art throughout the city, including several murals, installations at ARTeriors exhibits, and murals at the beloved Back Sov Skate Park. ACAF worked in partnership with Skate AC and Create 48 to retouch and preserve Edwin's work.
Edwin Rivera’s restored work by Heather Deegan Hires
Mural Tours
In 2021 we (finally!!) launched neighborhood walking and biking mural tours, hosted by ACAF staff, board members, and community docents. We had so much fun taking a group of second graders from Weymouth Township school on our Orange Loop tour!
ACAF Team
We hosted our first summer intern, Ivett Carrasco, through the Stockton University Engelberg Scholarship program. After the internship ended, Ivett joined the team as a part-time financial assistant.
In addition to Ivett, operations manager Kate O’Malley, bookkeeper Marie Kirner, and executive assistant Jill Fermonte joined the ACAF team this year, and we continued to work with our former communications director, Loryn Simonsen, for graphic design and marketing support.
49th Block Society
The 49th Block Society was launched in the fall and we're pleased to announce that we already have 6 founding members supporting our mission as we move into the new year!
ARTeriors Ocean Ave
2021 also welcomed the long-awaited return of our 8th ARTeriors, last held at the Showboat in 2019. ARTeriors Ocean Avenue saw the transformation of a three-story row home - our first time giving artists space to create in a residential property. Twenty-one artists participated, and over 750 visitors from near and far visited the exhibition!
ARTeriors Ocean Ave artists and team
2021 Partners
We partnered with 23 local businesses, organizations, and agencies - Stockton University Chelsea EDC, Boys & Girls Club, Create 48, Lo in SoJo Designs, Weymouth Township school, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Orange Loop Beach House, Second Baptist Church Leaders in Training, Atlantic Cape, Avanzar, Special Improvement District, City of Atlantic City, Absecon Lighthouse, OLSS School, Sovereign Ave. School, Skate AC, CROPS, ArtPride, MeetAC, Masterpiece Advertising, Mighty Writers, and Light Shooters.
Artist investment
We supported over 70 artists through our various programs in 2021, most of them being local artists!
We are so grateful to our incredible artists, hardworking staff, supportive community and enthusiastic visitors who helped to make all of this possible. We can't wait for what’s in store for 2022!
Thank you for an incredible 2021!
48 Blocks AC 2021
Courtesy Media Advisory for "Water Table" Press Conference
Grow ahead, AC! - Karen Rosnick and Beverly Bromley
Photo by Nastassia Davis, 2021
Title: Grow ahead, AC!
Artist: Karen Rosnick and Beverly Bromley
The monarch butterfly on the front reminds us to be transparent as we search for life’s sweetness. The roses on the back are called Peace Roses. We hope you enjoy the beautiful colors we added to the chair and you can grow where you are planted.
We These Hands We Offer Love - Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City
Photo by Nastassia Davis, 2021
Title: We These Hands We Offer Love
Artist: Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City
The handprints were made by our club members ages 5-16 years old, along with a few staff members.