City of Hoboken launches rotating gallery space at Hoboken City Hall

The City of Hoboken today announced a new initiative to provide much needed gallery space to local and regional artists with the launch of rotating gallery exhibits in Hoboken City Hall.

Under the new initiative, City Hall will feature changing exhibitions throughout its first and second floors, making art more accessible to residents, visitors, and municipal employees.

The inaugural installation, titled "Avante-Garden" by former resident Kristina Filler, debuted on the grand staircase of City Hall and will remain on display through July 31. The series explores themes of notable women and nature, blending portraiture and natural imagery. Some of the women depicted include U.S, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Singer Songwriter EJAE of K-Pop Demon Hunters, primatologist Jane Goodall, and Hoboken's own, Mayor Emily B. Jabbour.

"I'm so honored for the opportunity to share these portraits and inspiring stories and with Hoboken," said Filler. "Emily's inclusion in the show was very personal to me, as she is someone I've looked up to ever since meeting her years ago at a Mom's Demand Action event. I hope that the show inspires viewers to appreciate her accomplishments as well as those of the accompanying women. My family has decades of history in Hoboken and I'm grateful to be a part of the stories that have taken place here."

In addition to the main exhibition, children's artwork will be showcased on the ground floor of City Hall near the City Clerk's Office to highlight and nurture the creativity of young artists in Hoboken. The current installation features student work from Elysian Charter School fifth grade classes. Their work is based on L.A. Liberty by Filipina American artist Pacita Adad (1946-2004) in honor of Women's History and Pacific Islander Months.

"Opening City Hall as a gallery space reflects Hoboken's commitment to celebrating creativity in everyday civic life," said Mayor Jabbour. "Public spaces should help inspire creativity and engagement. By bringing art into a public, accessible setting, we are creating new opportunities for residents to have that experience. I am honored that Kristina decided to include me in her exhibit and I am excited to launch this series and welcome many more artists of all ages into City Hall."

An opening reception for "Avante-Garden" will be held on Monday, June 22, at 4 p.m. on the First Floor of Hoboken City Hall. All members of the public are welcome to attend, meet the artist, and view the exhibitions.

All art can be viewed by the public during City Hall' regular business hours.

Artists interested in having their work considered for future exhibitions are encouraged to contact Public Art Administrator Annie McAdams at [email protected] for future review by the Public Arts Advisory Committee.