Gallery U Contemporary Artspace and Guerilla Galleries launch
M.A.D.E. (Montclair Arts Development Endeavor)& The Montclair Gallery Walk
WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 5-9 PM
Gallery U, Contemporary Artspace located at 179 Glenridge Ave., Montclair, announce their collaborative efforts with Essex County-based Guerilla Galleries in effort to continue the Montclair Gallery walk which was threatened to become defunct after Montclair Arts Council lost township funding.
M.A.D.E. plans to continue the tradition of the semiannual Gallery Tour which includes the May and October event and will continue with the tradition of involving local restaurants. M.A.D.E. plans on involving local artists and galleries at a more grassroots level and hopes to encourage a more collaborative union. Many of the same Galleries and art venues will be participating this year along with new participants. Maps, restaurant coupons and event information will be available mid April at Gallery U, Contemporary Artspace.
Gallery U has quickly become a Montclair destination and has truly become the “Artspace” of Essex County. With numerous shows, drawing thousands of people, Gallery U continues to sell affordable and accessible artwork from emerging artists from all over the world. The Gallery hosts a myriad events from fashion shows, musical acts, poetry readings and artists workshops. Gallery U has made a significant impact on the international art market and has gained professional recognition in their curating, design and efforts to help artists with disabilities. Gallery U has four locations, Montclair NJ, Red Bank NJ, Royal Oak MI and Bethlehem PA.
Guerilla Galleries (GUGA) was an idea born of artists who wished to exhibit their own art, as well as that of other emerging artists, in a new and innovative manner. They hope to slowly and steadfastly promote artistic expression and expansion wherever they are welcome and supported to do so. They work to create, market and execute professional and high impact exhibitions and provide a venue for burgeoning new talents to showcase their creativity and abilities. GUGA has made a significant impact on the Newark art scene and was recently commended for their latest exhibit “Inheritance,” which was hosted by U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg.
GALLERY U is operated by people with traumatic brain injuries as part of their recovery and transition back into the community. The PRIMARY goal of the Gallery is to provide a place for people with traumatic brain injuries to work on a daily basis in order to generate an income, build their self esteem and participate in vocational training.
