Things are starting to get fun.  Don’t get me wrong, over the last few months, as with any new business, there have been moments where I have scratched my head.  But, as I move into the New Year, it is amazing how many people have acknowledged how One River is helping to change the cultural vibe in Bergen County.

As an example, our recently completed student exhibition really hit the mark and the response was amazing.  It couldn’t be more gratifying to display our student’s work and to watch families, friends and staff embrace the experience.  Thanks to all for coming out and being a part of it.  Our community is real and I am grateful to see you supporting each other.  Word.

No, I didn’t just get “street” on you.  “Word” is the name of our next gallery exhibition and it opens this Friday night from 7-10PM.  There will not be a more hip spot in New Jersey then ours this Friday so join us.  As an art collector and curator I have the need to share what I believe is cool, what is different, what is fascinating and what has not been shared to date in our hood.  You will love this.

We launched One River Gallery with two group shows that allowed us to present a wide variety of emerging and mid career artists.  Now, we start to narrow our field by featuring the work of just two amazing artists, Erik den Breejen and Jim Torok.   Both artists use text as a primary feature in their practice and I am thrilled to curate this show and bring two of the world’s most innovative people to One River.

The coolest thing about this show is that the two artists corner the market on two of the very basic things that I love the most: music and laughter.  Erik’s work is completely rooted in translating lyrics to visual art and Jim’s has as a wonderful offbeat sensibility that is visually interesting and funny.  Word!

Monday, January 7, 2013