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Thursday, April 30, 2015

NJ-BASED PAINTER USES ARTWORK TO FEED THE HOMELESS: NOW SHOWING @ MONTCLAIR PUBLIC LIBRARY

REAL-LIFE SERIES
Art to feed the homeless by Nathaniel Crump

WHEN: during library hours from May 1 through May 30, 2015.  An artist reception is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 from 6-8 PM. 
WHERE:
Montclair Public Library Gallery, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair

The Montclair Public Library’s popular art series exhibits continues with Nathaniel Crump’s “Real – Life Series.” Crump creates artwork that shares a positive visualization of the resilience and determination of the human spirit not just to survive, but thrive.  Each work of art will be accompanied by a poem that was created by James Smith of Battle Creek Michigan.

Nathaniel Crump, better known as Nick to his friends and family was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  His interest in art started when he was just a young boy. He would sit for hours and watch his uncle, world renowned portrait painter Paul Collins, paint pictures. When he was 15 years old, he was accepted into the notable Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He went on to enter several art contests and shows throughout Michigan.  Nick gets his inspiration from everyday real-life events. His first love is portraits; however, he has also painted landscapes, seascapes, and animals.

Nick has been a Montclair resident for over 5 years and in is contact with the homeless almost daily and strives to raise awareness on the plight of the homeless He gets inspiration for his paintings from the trials, tribulations and triumphs of everyday life events. Crump said “Just in 2013 there were over 25,000 homeless in the State of New Jersey. Of this 25,000 that were displaced, over 13% of them were from Essex County which had the highest rate this year. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of artwork will benefit the Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless (M.E.S.H.)”

Being an artist is a God-given gift that Nick does not take lightly. He is currently working on several different series; however, the one closest to his heart is the “Homeless series.”  "I see my art as a tool, to inspire, encourage, and uplift people from all walks of life."

The Library welcomes inquiries from local artists and arts organizations regarding use of the exhibit space.  Free and open to the public. The library is handicapped accessible. For more information on this event and the library calendar, please visit www.montclairlibrary.org or call 973-744-0500 ext. 2221.

About the Montclair Public Library: Founded in 1893, the Montclair Free Public Library serves the 37,669 citizens of Montclair New Jersey it has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Library exists to enhance the quality of life in Montclair by providing an environment which supports and stimulates self education, lifelong learning and information literacy.