What is Artifications???

Artification’s mandate is to bring culture to Hoboken residents in the form of music, quality art, theatre, dance and performance art. In this wonderful city, there is a stunning shortage of art. Artification works with the Monroe center to bring visibility to Hoboken artists while also inviting quality artists to display their art in Hoboken.

American cities undergoing gentrification unknowingly marginalize artists. Through steep rents and a stifling lack of gallery space, artists are forced to look elsewhere for reasonable work and display spaces. In Hoboken, a city that embodies gentrification, Artification is working to reverse that trend, and bring art back to the Mile Square City.

We need your help to do this.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

BREAK TIME

Wow!
My recent experience as the organizer/curator for POLITrix has left me very disillusioned.
In other words, I was disappointed at finding out the reality of this week-long Art show did not match my ideals.

It was hard work dealing with all the real-time problems that seemed to come out of no-where. The "Red Tape Monologues" were canceled the day before they were slated to start due to unforeseen issues. How embarrassing. I have never had to cancel a show before, and I loathe the idea that I had to do it at all.

I love working with artist's. Like anything, its not always smooth sailing. I beleive in protecting the integrity of the artists vision 100%. There have been some experiences recently that have left me gasping for air.

Some important lessons: 1) I can not do this by myself. 2) Humility can be viewed as something to be exploited. 3) Nothing in this world is truly free. 4) There are always forces working against you. 5) Honesty is not always reciprocated. 6) Extricate yourself: Never be a pawn in other peoples games, let them fight it out while you watch. 7) Don't say nothing to nobody about your business. 8) Press releases never work if they are distributed the day before. 9) Nobody cares when you do well, they only care when you screw up. 10) If you make it look easy, people will take you, and what you do, for granted. 11) "Sorry I missed your last show, I'll def come to the next one" means "you have to call me 3 times and write a personalized email for me to come" 12) Judy is an amazing and resourceful person who very much saved my ass, and hung an amazing show with me.

I am taking a break from organizing any art events until after the "Hoboken Artist Studio Tour" is complete. The next show I curate has to excite me. There is no point in doing anything for any other reason.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Friday July 25th: "The Red Tape Monologues"

One incredible night of performance where theater and political conscienceness collide. ONE NIGHT ONLY!! DON'T MISS IT! Details below

"The Red Tape Monologues"
Who: Franceso Paladino, Kris Van Nest, & Some Woman
What: A Collection of Monologues using politics and political issues as their backdrop.
Where: The Monroe Center for the Arts
720 Monroe St, Gallery E200
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Free Parking & Steps from the 9th Street Light Rail Station.

When: Friday, July 25th 2008. 7:00pm - 8:00pm
How: Tickets are $5 and can be purchased At the door, or at the top of this screen.

Monday, July 7, 2008

POLITrix: Art to Reflect the Current Political Climate

Hey everyone,

The POLITrix Group Art show is coming together Nicely.

Below you will find a copy of the official press release.

Artists’ Message:

LOUD AND CLEAR in the Year of Election

POLITrix Provides a Political Barometer in 2008

Saturday July 19, 2008 will be the opening night for POLITrix, a week-long, group art show taking place at the Monroe Center for the Arts in Hoboken, NJ. Choosing to converge on Hoboken, 28 artists from Hudson County and beyond have contributed work expressing their views of the current political landscape. This exciting group exhibit will continue through Saturday, July 26th.

Opening festivities are free and will take place in Gallery E200 at 6:00pm. Opening night guests include DJ SAKA, & The Dub-Poet: Infinity. Festivities will continue in Shades Lounge with live entertainment starting @ 10:30pm.

Additional events taking place during the week long exhibition at the Monroe Center include:

· Tuesday July 22, 2008: Shades Lounge & Bar will host the Rachel Phillips Dixie Land Jazz Band @ 7:30pm – 8:30pm. Admission is $5. Come enjoy drinks and dancing in a lavish setting

· Friday July 25, 2008: A collection of politically-oriented theater pieces named “The Red Tape Monologues” will be performed in Gallery E200 of the Monroe Center. Doors will open @ 7:00pm and the performance will begin @ 7:30pm, with open gallery hours to follow. Admission is $5

“It’s a charged political climate” says Roland Ramos, head curator of the POLITrix exhibition. “There are so many strong feelings related to this waning administration. In many ways, artists express the sentiments of the world.” Amy Bauer, co-curator for POLITrix says, “We are also providing a valuable outlet for artists”.

POLITrix is a week long art exhibition showcasing the works of a myriad of contemporary artists.

It is important to note that POLITrix will not focus on local politics, but should instead be viewed as a political barometer in this year of election.

The Monroe Center for the Arts is located at 720 Monroe St, Hoboken, NJ 07030.

For directions visit www.Monroecenter.com.