Central Avenue
"Streetscapes" Beautification Art Project
For the first time in Hudson County, a neighborhood main street community makes art accessible to the public by developing an outdoor gallery. The Central Avenue shopping district in the Jersey City Heights welcomes professionally produced public art as a way to beautify its streetscape while showcasing the talents of our growing artist community.
In May 2009, several local artists were hired to transform seven traffic boxes within the district into works of art for residents, visitors, and shoppers to enjoy as they take a stroll down Central Avenue. These boxes exist to serve their traffic light counterparts. However, their large size (approx. 4x3x2 ft) and plain appearance often attracts graffiti, litter, and handbills which turn the boxes into eyesores. Our brilliant local artists saw these boxes as windows into other worlds just waiting to be discovered right here in Jersey City.
This project was initiated by the Central Avenue SID Management Corp. in partnership with Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise; Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs & Tourism, Director Bill LaRosa; Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and the City of Jersey City Municipal Council; Councilman Ward D, Bill Gaughan; the City of Jersey City Division of Cultural Affairs; the Heights Artist Initiative, the Jersey City Museum, Pro Arts Jersey City, and Studio Heights.
Map and Walking Tour Pamphlet (coming soon)
Photo Slide Show (Coming Soon)
"It Ain't Arles"
Artist: E. Jan Kounitz
Produced by: Kari's Signs (455 Central Ave)
Location: Manhattan and Central Avenues
E. Jan Kounitz's photographic art is a reflection of the world in which he lives, physically and spiritually. "It Ain't Arles", is a photograph of a large sunflower that grew right here in the JC Heights on Mountain Road adjacent to the Palisade Cliffs. To see more local images please go to www.ejankounitz.com , Category; "Me Hood"
You Say Potato, We Say Po-Tah-To
Artist: Brendon Carroll
Location: Franklin Street & Central Avenue
This playful piece designed by the Agitators Collective draws its inspiration from the childhood game Mr. Potato Head. The concept behind this work was to create a piece that catches the imagination of all age groups.
Rain, Rain Go Away
Artist: Brendan Carroll
Location: Hutton Street & Central Avenue
The Agitators Collective was inspired by the nursery rhyme, Rain, Rain, Go Away, when developing a concept for the Central Avenue Streetscapes Beautification Project. The bright colors provide a whimsical feel that is enjoyed by the young and old on Central Avenue.
Untitled
Artist: GJ Lee
Location: Bowers St. & Central Avenue
GJ Lee’s artistic interpretation is a swimming success. She has transformed the utility box into an underwater masterpiece. The aim of the artist was to change an ordinary piece of the urban environment into something unique that would change the environment for the better.
Gilded Chest
Artist: Milosz Koziej
Location: Thorne Street & Central Avenue
The idea was to change the color of the utility box, thus changing its interpretation. What was once a dull steel box is now a a gold chest which shines in the sun. This transformation was achieved using an aluminum leave technique. Upon close examination, you will find a special design at its center points.
Patterns
Artist: Sergio Sandino
Location: Congress Street & Central Avenue
The idea is simple: painted animal prints cover each of the 5 sides of the utility box, with no discernible animal form or anatomy; just patterns based on the animal's coat and color floating on the surface. The colors are bright and bold, true to the animal's coloring. The patterns are easily recognizable and focus on the beauty of each animal, but also reminds the viewer of the vast natural world that exists beyond our immediate environment, as well as the cultures within the nations that these animals call home. Additionally, this piece represents the cultural diversity found in the Heights and throughout Jersey City.
"Wood Dresser"
Artist: Milosz Koziej
Location: North Street & Central Avenue
The "Wood Dresser" utility box was created from the artistic mind of Milosz Koziej. The idea was to transform the box into a wood dresser by trompe l'oeil technique. This wood graining has the affect of placing a familiar object in the middle of the sidewalk.