ABOUT THIS EXHIBIT

“It is an honor to have these four esteemed artists in the gallery. Their work is vital to the conversation of feminism, humanity, and storytelling in contemporary art. Their strong artistic voices challenge convention, illuminate personal and collective histories, and offer a deeply resonant lens through which we can reflect on identity, resilience, and the power of narrative.”

The primary theme of this exhibition is the narrative in painting, one of the oldest genres of storytelling, as expressed through the work of four contemporary painters reflecting their time and worldview. Although each artist brings a personal perspective to the narrative, the artworks portray a cohesive intersectionality of class, gender, sexuality, untraditional beauty, and psychology. For example, Graupe-Pillard's powerful and unromanticized portraits capture the ineffable moments of our lives, which can be both bitter and sweet, revealing our shared humanity. Similarly, Surbone's large-scale portraits capture the carnality and individuality of her subjects, exploring societal beauty standards and sexual identity. In Tewes' subtly surreal work, she explores issues of class, gender, and the subconscious. Her jewel-like paintings of interiors, with or without people, initially tell a story of contemporary life. Schlesinger's paintings and mixed media collages explore self-portraiture and lesbian sexuality. The narrative implicit in her Tomboy and Lesbian Bar paintings is the historically hidden experiences of that culture.

PURCHASE

All artwork will be available for purchase at the Art House Gallery, located at The Hendrix, 345 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07302, and online at Art House Online Gallery. 

ABOUT JERSEY CITY’S FREE CITYWIDE ARTS FESTIVAL

On September 12th, along with Artist Narrator, Art House will present the next JC Fridays, a quarterly celebration of local art events in every neighborhood of Jersey City.

“Join the excitement of JC Fridays, where the city comes alive with art! Businesses, galleries, bars, and creative spaces across Jersey City will welcome the public for an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and connection. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase artwork, music, performances, and creative happenings to a diverse audience of residents and visitors alike.”

ABOUT ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS

Art House Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the performing and visual arts in Jersey City, NJ. Through theater productions, visual art exhibitions, and community programs, Art House fosters creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility across all disciplines.

Visit us at 345 Marin Boulevard in Jersey City or online at www.arthouseproductions.org. Follow Art House on Twitter @arthouseprods and on Instagram and Facebook @arthouseproductions & @ahpgallery.

ACCESSIBILITY

Large-print materials and tactile, descriptive tours are available upon request. For more information, please contact Andrea McKenna at gallery@arthouseproductions.org.

SUPPORTERS

Support for Art House’s programs in 2025 is provided by an Anonymous American Foundation; the Arts in Education Program and the Hudson County History Partnership Program through Hudson County Cultural Affairs; the City of Jersey City; the Exchange Place Alliance; the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner organization of the NEA; Genova Burns; the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID); the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation; Jersey City Health and Human Services; KRE; the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Small Business Improvement Grant; Panepinto Properties; public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund; RWJ Barnabas | Jersey City Medical Center; SILVERMAN; Super Buy Rite; the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; and many other generous volunteers, donors, and sponsors.

DIRECTIONS

Art House Gallery is located just a 3-minute walk from the Grove Street Station PATH stop, making it one of the most accessible art destinations outside of New York City. The Grove Street Station is served by the Newark-World Trade Center and Journal Square-33rd Street lines. 

For those taking the Light Rail, the gallery is 0.3 miles from the Harsimus Cove Light Rail stop and 0.4 miles from Harborside Financial Center.

Limited free and paid street parking is available throughout all neighborhoods in Jersey City.

Art House Productions, Inc., 345 Marin Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07302

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.