"A Town Called Montclair"

Posted
Event Date
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Event Location
Academy Square Galleries
33 Plymouth Street
Montclair, NJ
Contact
L Rosenthal,
incubator@studiomont
clair.org
Categories
Arts & Events

As the inaugural exhibition of Studio Montclair’s initiative to provide an “incubator space” for new and emerging artists, “A Town Called Montclair” features the work of two local artists, Fernando Mariscal and Chelsea Smith, and will run from May 3 through July 12, 2018, at Academy Square Galleries, 33 Plymouth Street, Montclair, NJ. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 3, from 6 to 9pm.

The works in the show reflect the rich history and vibrancy of Montclair as represented by its unique architecture, abundant parks, and diverse community as well as its reputation as a thriving community of working artists for nearly two centuries.

Mariscal's intuitive palette features unmistakable bright chalk pastels, energetically capturing the character Montclair vistas, as well as the minutiae of simple moments of beauty. Smith's haunting, ethereal photographs provide a powerful counterpoint to Mariscal’s work, and take the extra step of physically manipulating our environment to evoke storytelling rich for pondering. Her art features known local areas such as Nishuane Park, Montclair Center, and

Mills Reservation. Both artists are involved in local groups dedicated to building our community of active, progressive artists, and solidifying Montclair’s 150 year-old legacy as an independent cultural powerhouse in the region, an anniversary being widely celebrated during this Spring’s May in Montclair activities.

About the Artists

Fernando Mariscal studied art in his native Cusco, Peru and later at Essex Community College in NJ. In addition to creating murals in both Cusco and New Jersey, he has won competitions to have his work featured on the cover of Montclair Townscape Magazine in 2012-2013 and 2015-2016. He participates in collective exhibitions in New Jersey and New York.

Chelsea Smith has been a Montclair photographer and filmmaker for over 11 years. Her experimental films have been screened at Index Art Gallery. She graduated from Montclair State University in 2012 with a BFA in Filmmaking and a BA in English.