During October, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation-ArtsBergen initiative joins arts organizations and communities nationwide to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month. The NNJCF-ArtsBergen initiative encourages members of the community to see public artwork in their area. To launch this special month, the NNJCF also invites the public to see the “Barrels O’ Art” exhibit, a free display of colorful, beautifully painted rain barrels in Carver Park in the City of Hackensack.
“Barrels O’ Art” public artwork display
The temporary art installation of rain barrels will be on display at Carver Park, 302 2nd Street in Hackensack, through November 7. Furthermore, the rain barrels beautify the flood-prone neighborhood and educate the public about flooding.
Barrels O’ Art Project Installed
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s ArtsBergen initiative formed a selection committee comprised of Hackensack artists, community leaders, and residents to review the artists’ applications. They selected these 11 artists from Hackensack and other municipalities in New Jersey to paint murals on the rain barrels in the “Barrels O’ Art” project:
- Fiona Clark, Bloomfield
- Anthony Coplan, Wood-Ridge
- Emily Gilman Beezley, Manasquan
- Toney Jackson, Hackensack
- Lissanne Lake, North Bergen
- Guillermo Lopez, Ridgefield Park
- Dianna Mammone, Rochelle Park
- John Newcomb, Leonia
- Amrisa Niranjan, Hackensack
- Copie Rodriguez, Garfield
- Sasha Zinevych, Hackensack
Each rain barrel also provided a canvas for a painted mural. The selected artists painted themes on the barrels compiled from a survey distributed earlier to residents of Hackensack. For example, the themes included animals, fantasy, architecture, cultural diversity, environmental protection, education, sports/athletics and the City of Hackensack in the future. The barrels also raise awareness through the arts about ways to prevent future flooding, issues around environmental justice, and green infrastructure solutions.
Win a Free Rain Barrel
All of the rain barrels in the display will also be given away to Hackensack residents and organizations through a random drawing. Furthermore, people interested in receiving a free painted rain barrel may sign up online. Similarly, Hackensack residents and organizations may sign up to win a free, unpainted rain barrel. Only one barrel is available per resident or organization on a first-come, first-served basis.
Green Infrastructure and Environmental Justice for Flood Mitigation Project
With a 2023 AARP Community Challenge Flagship Grant, the public art and education project, Barrels O’ Art, launched. This activity comprises a part of the Partners for Places Green Infrastructure and Environmental Justice for Flood Mitigation project. In addition, the City of Hackensack and Greater Bergen Community Action collaborate on this project. Supporters of the project include The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank, and The Rotary Club of Hackensack. Learn more about this project.
For more information, contact nnjcf@nnjcf.org or call 201-568-5608.
