According to Grace Yeo, school district business administrator, this increase means the average assessed home in Secaucus will pay $75 more per year in school taxes.

Mayor Mike Gonnelli confirmed that while taxes increased for both schools and the county, the town was able to keep the municipal portion flat. Property taxes in Secaucus include three parts: the school tax, the municipal tax, and the county tax.

Hudson County Proposes $6.2 Million Tax Increase for Secaucus

In spring 2025, Hudson County proposed increasing Secaucus’ county tax contribution by $6.2 million, representing a 30.36 percent increase, according to Gonnelli. The proposed increase was due to property sales in Secaucus that raised its county tax rate.

Gonnelli stated that this was an unprecedented increase, and he began contacting county and state officials for tax relief. He specifically cited support from State Senator Brian Stack, who also serves as Mayor of Union City.

$3 Million in State Aid Secured to Offset County Tax Increase

The Hudson County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in support of Secaucus’ request for state aid. Gonnelli stated that Senator Brian Stack spearheaded efforts to bring attention to the issue at the state level.

Gonnelli reported that Senator Stack informed him that the State budget includes $3 million in aid for Secaucus to help offset the county tax increase, reducing the town’s total county tax increase from $6.2 million to $3.2 million.

The $3 million in aid is included in the $58.8 billion New Jersey State Budget, which passed the State Senate by a 26�3 vote and the State Assembly by a 52�7 vote, with one abstention. Governor Phil Murphy signed the budget into law early Tuesday morning, just after midnight on July 2, 2025.

Secaucus Still Faces $3.2 Million County Tax Increase

Although the aid reduces the county tax increase by half, Secaucus is still responsible for a $3.2 million increase in county taxes.

Secaucus Business Administrator Gary Jeffas stated that the town is waiting for the county to confirm details on how the state aid will be applied. Once that information is received, the town can obtain final tax rates from the county.

Jeffas confirmed that municipal taxes will not increase in 2025, which he identified as the portion of the tax bill directly controlled by the town.

Secaucus Officials Acknowledge State and County Support

In a public letter, Mayor Gonnelli thanked Senator Brian Stack, County Executive Craig Guy, and the Hudson County Commissioners for their support of Secaucus residents and the business community.

Gonnelli said when the County adopted its budget, Secaucus�contribution to county taxes increased by $6.2 million. He pointed out the importance of the $3 million in state aid in reducing the town’s tax burden.

The Hudson County Board of Commissioners voted 8� to approve the $713.6 million county budget, which includes an overall tax increase of 5.59%. According to reports, Secaucus faced the largest tax increase among the 12 municipalities in Hudson County.

The funding will be distributed to two local organizations: HOPES Community Action Partnership and North Hudson Community Action Corporation. Both organizations provide services to expectant mothers, children, and families throughout Hudson County.

Menendez Backs HOPES and NHCAC Programs

According to Congressman Menendez, Head Start, and early childhood education are essential to local communities. He said that HOPES Community Action Partnership and North Hudson Community Action Corporation are leading early education efforts in the area. He explained that the grant would help them continue this work and that he supports their efforts and will continue to represent their interests in Congress.

Congressman Menendez has represented New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District since 2023. He serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Congressional Dads Caucus.

Funding Supports Early Learning and Family Services

Joselyn Estevez-Vargas, Vice President of Early Childhood Programs at HOPES Community Action Partnership, described the funding as an investment in future outcomes. She spoke about how the funding supports Early Head Start and Head Start programs by ensuring that infants, toddlers, and preschoolers receive high-quality early education, health services, and emotional support during their most critical developmental years.

She also said that the funding provides families with tools, resources, and opportunities to grow alongside their children and that it fosters resilience and stability in families. She further stated that the funding promotes equity, reduces generational poverty, and contributes to building an educated and empowered population. According to Estevez-Vargas, the effects of the funding extend beyond the classroom and help create stronger and healthier communities.

NHCAC Chair Stresses Community Health Benefits

Giovanni D. Ahmad, Chairman of the North Hudson Community Action Corporation, said the funding will benefit local residents and families. He pointed out that the support came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and was made possible with help from Congressman Menendez.

Ahmad identified healthcare as a basic need rather than a luxury. He explained that this funding helps protect people’s health and dignity and gives the community a better chance at a brighter future.

The second summer session is also on track for record numbers. Enrollment had already surpassed 2024’s total more than a month before classes were scheduled to begin. The increase for the second session was over 11% as of mid-June.

Free Summer Initiative Launched in 2025

HCCC introduced the Free Summer Initiative in 2025 to improve student retention and graduation rates. The program offers up to seven tuition-free credits to nearly all credential-seeking continuing students. The free credits are available after applying for other financial aid programs.

The initiative was developed by HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning John Urgola, and Dean of Enrollment Services Matthew Fessler. It was based on internal research that showed the long-term academic benefits of summer course participation.

Research Supports Year-Round Learning

HCCC’s internal research revealed that full-time students who take a summer course between their first and second year are up to eight times more likely to graduate within two years. Part-time students who take summer courses are up to 17 times more likely to graduate in the same time frame.

This research led directly to the development of the Free Summer Initiative. College leaders used these findings to justify the financial investment in the program, emphasizing the clear connection between summer enrollment and student success.

Financial Aid Drives Participation

Nearly 70% of students in the Free Summer Initiative are receiving aid through programs such as the federal Summer Pell Grant and New Jersey’s Summer Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG). With this support, the program is revenue-positive for the College.

In the first session alone, HCCC awarded more than $3.1 million in grants, nearly double the total awarded in the previous summer, allowing students to complete summer courses at little to no cost.

Early Signs Show More Students Returning This Fall

Early results from the summer program suggest strong long-term benefits. Nearly 60% of students enrolled in summer courses have registered for the fall 2025 semester. Thus, students are three times more likely to re-enroll compared to those who did not take summer classes.

Fall 2025 enrollment is currently tracking more than 15% higher than it was at the same time in 2024. This comes shortly after HCCC celebrated its fifth consecutive year of record-breaking graduation totals during the May 2025 commencement.

Years of Local Experience and Steady Progress in County Law

De Pierro has worked in the Hudson County Law Department since 2016. He was promoted to Deputy County Counsel in 2024. Then, in April 2025, County Executive Craig Guy named him Acting County Counsel. The appointment became permanent after the commissioners voted to confirm him.

Before joining the department, De Pierro earned a degree from St. Peter’s University in 2006. He later graduated from New York Law School in 2009. He is 41 years old, lives in Jersey City, is married, and has four children. Outside of his legal work, he has also coached high school varsity soccer for 12 years.

In his time with the county, De Pierro has worked on a wide variety of legal issues. After being named Deputy County Counsel, he took on more leadership responsibilities. As County Counsel and Director of the Department of Law, he will now lead the legal team that advises Hudson County’s government and protects its legal interests.

This appointment also follows the retirement of Donato Battista, Esq., who had held the position since 2003. De Pierro is now taking over a position that has been held by the same person for more than 20 years.

Reana Garcia Becomes Deputy County Counsel

Along with De Pierro’s confirmation, Reana Garcia, Esq., was named Deputy County Counsel by County Executive Craig Guy. She is the first woman and the first Hispanic person to serve in this role in Hudson County.

Garcia is 33 years old and joined the Hudson County Law Department in May 2024. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and later earned her law degree from Roger Williams University School of Law.

Now, as Deputy County Counsel, Garcia will help lead the department and provide legal advice on county matters. Her promotion came just over a year after she joined the office.

Cast Members Confirmed to Appear

The event will include appearances by several actors from The Office.

Confirmed cast members are:

• Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute)
• Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin)
• Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone)
• Oscar Nuñez (Oscar Martinez)
• Leslie David Baker (Stanley Hudson)
• Kate Flannery (Meredith Palmer)
• Paul Lieberstein (Toby Flenderson)
• Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton)
• Andy Buckley (David Wallace)

Additional confirmed guests include:

• Mike Starr
• Amy Pietz
• Wayne Wilderson
• Jackie Debatin
• Karly Rothenberg
• Hidetoshi Imura
• Sam Daly
• Lindsey Broad
• Robert Ray Shafer
• Chris Gethard

Event Schedule and Ticket Details

The event will run on both Saturday and Sunday. On both days, VIP ticket holders can enter at 10:00 a.m., while general admission starts at 11:00 a.m. The convention will stay open until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and close earlier on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

General admission tickets cost $44.95. For those who want extra access, there are three VIP options:

• The Bronze VIP ticket is $249
• The Silver VIP ticket is $399
• The Gold VIP ticket, which includes top-tier perks, is $499

If you plan to go on both days, you can buy a weekend pass for $109.95.

Autographs, Selfies, and a Free Afterparty

During the event, fans can also purchase add-ons for autographs and selfies with individual cast members.

In addition to all the daytime activities, there will be a free afterparty on Saturday night, August 2, for anyone who purchased a ticket. The afterparty is open to all paid attendees, no matter what type of ticket they have.

Activities and Panels About the Show

The reunion will include panel discussions, meet-and-greet sessions, and other activities related to The Office. All parts of the event will focus on the show, which aired from 2005 to 2013 and remains popular today through streaming platforms.

This is the first time in New Jersey that so many cast members from the show will be gathered in one place. Because of this, the event may attract large crowds.

The wall segment is made of steel-reinforced concrete. It weighs 26,156 pounds and stands 11 feet 9 inches tall. Consisting of four parts, each 3 feet 10 inches wide, it is secured together by a masonry tube coping. The section lacks graffiti but shows bullet holes and weather damage. It is believed to have been on the eastern side of the wall, where graffiti was prohibited.

The wall is now located at the top of the amphitheater in Laurel Hill Park, across from the playground.

Origin and Historical Background

The Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989. The Soviet Union constructed it to stop the flow of East Germans to the West. The wall was built during the leadership of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. It fell in November 1989 under Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev. The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

The wall segment now in Secaucus came from West Berlin, in a sector controlled by the French Army after World War II. Former German State Minister Karl-Heinz Schröter and former Hudson County Cultural Affairs Director Bill LaRosa assisted in arranging the donation. According to LaRosa, this section was part of what was called a “death wall,” where East German guards were ordered to shoot people trying to escape.

Delays and Installation

Although the wall was received in 2007, it took over 15 years to be installed. County officials spent years identifying a location that offered adequate protection from weather and allowed for public access and security. Laurel Hill Park was selected based on visibility, available space, and infrastructure.

The wall had begun to deteriorate before installation. According to Kevin Wong, Deputy Director of Hudson County Parks, the wall had exposed rebar and needed restoration. Repairs included patching and reinforcing the structure. A security camera has been installed, and another is planned. Officials are also considering applying an anti-graffiti coating.

Ceremony and Educational Features

The June 2 ceremony included several Hudson County officials. County Executive Craig Guy led the event. �i>During the Cold War, the wall was used to block the right of passage from thousands of families,�Guy said. �i>Today it stands as a reminder of the value of unity and freedom for generations to come.�/p>

Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski called the unveiling “a touching moment�and stated the wall is a “symbol of unity that is badly needed.�/p>

Paul Silverman, co-founder of Silverman Real Estate, traveled to Germany to assist with the project. His company restores historic structures. “Having it here symbolizes friends and relationships,�he said.

The wall installation is supported by a mural and a memorial plaque. The mural features U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, and musician Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen played a concert in East Berlin in 1988, one year before the wall fell.

The plaque explains the Berlin Wall’s history from 1961 to 1989 and includes a QR code linking to additional information. The Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs described the installation as a “living classroom.�Director Gina Hulings said it helps children and adults �i>learn and remember the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall—a symbol of triumph for freedom and democracy worldwide.�/p> ]]> http://iccwins98.com/news/union-city/arthaus-weehawken-opens-full-summer-music-and-art-programs/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:45:14 +0000 http://iccwins98.com/?p=177231 ArtHaus, located at 4700 Park Avenue in Weehawken, New Jersey, is now accepting sign-ups for its Summer Youth Music and Art Programs. These programs are for kids and teens between the ages of 8 and 18 and will take place from July 7 to August 29, 2025.

Classes run Monday through Friday, and each day goes from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There are both full-day and half-day options, so families can choose what works best. The program takes place right at ArtHaus, which is Hudson County’s newest center for young artists and musicians.

ArtHaus was started by Frank Jackson, a nonprofit leader who has been running art and music programs for over 20 years. He has worked with communities across New York City and now brings that experience to Hudson County.

Program Schedule and Weekly Sessions

The summer program is made up of weekly sessions. Students can sign up for one week or several. Each week is a separate class, so it’s okay to join for just part of the summer.

The weekly sessions are:

• July 7 â€?July 11
• July 14 â€?July 18
• July 21 â€?July 25
• July 28 â€?August 1
• August 4 â€?August 8
• August 18 â€?August 22
• August 25 â€?August 29

Program hours are:

• Full day: 9:00 AM â€?4:00 PM
• Half day (morning): 9:00 AM â€?12:00 PM
• Half day (afternoon): 1:00 PM â€?4:00 PM

Students will be placed in groups based on age:

• Ages 8â€?2
• Ages 13â€?7

Each group will have only 6 to 8 students, so the teachers can give each child personal attention.

Music and DJ Classes for All Skill Levels

ArtHaus offers several music programs that let students learn, practice, and create in fun and simple ways.

DJ Program

In the DJ program, students will learn how to use real DJ gear to mix music. They will learn how to spin, scratch, and blend songs, starting from basic skills and moving up to more advanced techniques.

Music Production

In music production, students will learn how to make their own songs. They will use industry standard software, such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro, and learn how to produce, mix, and master a track.

Music Lessons

Kids and teens can also choose music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, or music theory. These lessons focus on helping students learn how music works, how to read notes, and how to play with confidence.

Hands-On Visual Art for Young Creators

ArtHaus also offers a visual arts program that includes painting, collage, drawing, and photography.

Painting and Drawing

Students will work with materials like watercolors, charcoal, and pastels. They’ll learn how to use color, draw shapes, and plan their artwork with good composition and design.

Collage and Mixed Media

In this class, kids will combine paper, fabric, and found materials to make original art. This helps them think creatively and come up with their own style.

Photography

Photography students will learn how to use a camera, take better pictures, and edit their photos. They’ll learn to focus, frame shots, and use light.

At the end of the summer, ArtHaus will host a student art show. Everyone will get to display what they’ve made during the program.

Program Prices, How to Sign Up, and Who to Contact

ArtHaus offers several payment options so families can pick what works best.

Program Costs

• Full-day weekly: $650
• Half-day weekly: $425
• Daily full-day drop-in: $150
• Daily half-day drop-in: $90

Early Bird Discount

Families who register before June 1, 2025, can get the early bird rate of $699 per week (plus tax) for full-day programs in music and DJ.

How to Register

Registration is open now at arthaushudson.com. The registration form asks for:

• Student’s full name
• Age and contact information
• Emergency contact details
• Weeks selected for enrollment
• Any disabilities or medical needs
• Parental consent if under 18
• Permission for student photos or videos, if applicable

If families have questions, they can email ArtHaus at arthaushudson@gmail.com or call 551-327-6449 for assistance.

ArtHaus All Year Long

Even after summer ends, ArtHaus will keep offering programs. Starting in September 2025, ArtHaus will offer private and small group lessons during the school year. These classes will be for beginners and advanced students in music, DJ, and visual art.

ArtHaus also hosts art shows, weekend classes, and creative writing workshops. The ArtHaus Gallery features art by both local and international artists. All of this happens at the same Weehawken location.

This indoor show is a new direction for DISTORT, who is best known for his large murals on city buildings. Rather than painting on outdoor walls, he now brings his ideas inside the gallery. In this exhibit, he uses paintings and sculptures to show a world going through collapse, while also imagining what new things might come next. The experience is designed to make people think about big changes and how nature and people might live together in a new way.

The Opening Weekend Combined Art with Community Events

The show opened with a reception on Saturday, May 3, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Visitors viewed the work for the first time in the newly transformed gallery space inside The Hendrix, located near the Grove Street PATH Station in Jersey City.

Later that evening, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, a dance party was held in the Art House Theater. The event was hosted by local promoter Dancing Tony. Tickets were priced at $15 online and $20 at the door. The gallery exhibition itself remains free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Private viewings are available by appointment through email at gallery@arthouseproductions.org.

An Artist Talk with DISTORT is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This event will offer insight into the ideas and techniques behind the work on display.

The Work Connects Classical Art with Urban Expression

DISTORT is based in Jersey City and has a background in both classical and street art. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate in Painting from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

In 2016, he introduced his “scrolls�and “shields�series in a solo exhibition at Works on Paper Gallery in Philadelphia. Since then, he has created murals in Miami, Istanbul, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York City, and across North Jersey.

His largest mural to date is located just outside the Holland Tunnel. This piece is currently the largest mural completed by a single artist in New Jersey.

In “Ending Up,�DISTORT continues this trajectory. His works in this show explore how human-made systems may collapse, but nature could still move forward. The installations combine materials, imagery, and form to show how destruction can lead to renewal.

Art House Productions Supports Artists and Community

Art House Productions is the nonprofit organization presenting this exhibition. It was founded in September 2001 by Christine Goodman as a response to the September 11 attacks. The goal was to bring people together through art.

Art House became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 2007. That same year, it received the Key to the City of Jersey City and an official Proclamation for its contributions. Meredith Burns became the organization’s second Executive Director in 2017.

In 2021, Art House merged with Jersey Art Exchange (JAX) to expand education programming. In 2023, the organization moved into its permanent home at The Hendrix in Jersey City. The facility includes a gallery, a black box theater, dressing rooms, and administrative offices. The new building was developed with support from SILVERMAN, The Albanese Group, and Liberty Harbor.

The organization focuses on producing theater, visual art exhibitions, and community programs. It supports artists at all stages, provides educational opportunities, and promotes diversity in the arts.

Art House also offers accessibility services. These include large-print materials and descriptive, tactile tours upon request. All accessibility inquiries can be directed to Andrea McKenna at gallery@arthouseproductions.org.

In its land acknowledgment, Art House recognizes that it is located on the traditional territory of the Leni Lenape people. The organization expresses appreciation for the historical stewardship of this land.

Plan Your Visit

“Ending Up�is located at Art House Gallery at The Hendrix in Jersey City, New Jersey. The exhibition is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM through June 1, 2025.

The gallery is a short walk from the Grove Street PATH Station. Street parking is available. Visitors can also use SpotHero for parking and TransitApp for public transportation options.

Admission to the gallery is free. For private viewings, accessibility services, or event questions, email gallery@arthouseproductions.org.

At the same time, Guy and Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) officials celebrated the launch of a new student-run Food Bus at County Prep High School. Both programs aim to prepare students for future careers and improve their access to structured extracurricular activities.

Sports in Education Program Application Now Open

The Sports in Education Program is a county-funded initiative created to connect Hudson County students with organized athletic instruction and sports education. The 2025�026 program now accepts applications from public schools, school districts, and charter schools until May 12, 2025.

The program provides structured sports programming during and after school, including leadership development, physical education, and wellness training. The upcoming cycle will run from November 10, 2025, to April 10, 2026, and will be supported by Hudson County’s Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs | Tourism Development (HCOCHA/TD).

Each school will receive a minimum of 18 weeks of programming, with 2 hours per week dedicated to sports training, nutrition education, and wellness instruction. Delivery options include in-school, after-school, and hybrid formats.

Students will receive instruction from Prime Athletic Development and other professional organizations. Coaches will work with educators to align athletic training with the school’s academic curriculum. The program targets students in grades 3 through 12.

The soccer combine at County Prep High School was attended by over 250 student-athletes from the following schools:

• Horace Mann Community School (Bayonne)
• Henry E. Harris Community School (Bayonne)
• Cordero Community School (Jersey City)
• Chaplain Charles Watters School (Jersey City)
• Hudson Arts & Science Charter School (Kearny)
• Lincoln School (Harrison)
• Weehawken Elementary School (Weehawken)

The event was held in partnership with Prime Athletic Development, Champ Up Academy, and supported by the New York Red Bulls Academy.

Craig Guy said, �i>I am proud to support the development of our youth, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the program will have on students as it grows.�/p>

Program Director Gina Hulings, who also leads the County’s Cultural & Heritage Affairs office, said the program responds to the need for more inclusive athletic opportunities and wellness training in Hudson County schools.

Prime Athletic Development, the lead instructional partner, focuses on core athletic skills. These include:

• Basic running techniques, targeting students who lack foundational skills
• Light-weight strength training, emphasizing safety and injury prevention
• Dynamic warm-ups to promote safe physical activity
• Structured conditioning to build endurance and mental resilience

A study referenced by Prime Athletic Development found that over 60% of children fail to thrive in sports due to a lack of training in basic fundamentals. The organization designs its curriculum to build skills while promoting discipline and teamwork.

Second Student-Run Food Bus Launched at County Prep High School

Also on April 13, Craig Guy joined HCST Acting Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sirangelo, Business Administrator Nicholas Fargo, and School Board President John Minella to open the second student-run Food Bus. The bus is a fully equipped mobile food unit created from a decommissioned school bus.

The project was developed through a partnership with BradyPLUS and is part of HCST’s career and technical education initiative. The Food Bus provides hands-on training in food safety, kitchen operations, budgeting, and hospitality services.

The first Food Bus program began in 2024 with 20 students who operated the vehicle at public events. Students learned real-world culinary skills while gaining experience in customer service and business management.

During the ribbon-cutting event, students presented the following menu items:

• Shroom-Tastic Burger â€?Angus beef, mushroom patty, cheese, garlic aioli
• Cheese Me Up â€?Philly cheesesteak with beef, onions, peppers, cheese sauce
• Rhi-Licious Shrimp Tacos â€?Shrimp, mango salsa, coleslaw, pickled onions, cilantro sauce
• Flat and Fabulous â€?Margherita pizza with arugula and prosciutto
• Quack Attack Fries â€?Duck fat-fried golden fries
• Crisp-A-Chokes â€?Fried artichokes with lemon garlic aioli

Acting Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sirangelo said the Food Buses represent the best of what we strive for at HCST—experiential learning that empowers students to apply their skills in meaningful, real-world settings. Business Administrator Nicholas Fargo and School Board President John Minella agreed, calling it a strong example of how career programs help students succeed.

This program is supported by public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund. It is also made possible with help from Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Jersey City Arts Council.

To attend the tour, visitors must RSVP by emailing kdeangelis@manacontemporary.com.

Learning Through Real Art Experiences

Instead of working only in classrooms, students in the Future Art Leaders Program learn directly from professionals in the arts. They meet curators, artists, and gallery staff who teach them how an art center works. These students receive feedback and guidance to help them build leadership skills and prepare for future jobs in the creative field.

The event on April 16, 2025, will give the public a chance to see the results of the program. During the tour, students will share their experiences and lead visitors through parts of the Mana Contemporary facility. The visit runs from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, giving people time to explore the studios and see how the students have been involved.

Mana Contemporary is located inside a large building that was once a tobacco warehouse–a space that now includes working artist studios, gallery spaces, and areas for public events. Students in the program gain access to these professional spaces, which helps them learn how to plan and present real art projects.

Exhibits and Artist Residencies Open During the Tour

Alongside the Future Art Leaders Tour, several exhibitions and artist programs will be available to visitors. These include works by current artists-in-residence and solo shows curated by Mana Contemporary staff.

One of these is the WORTHLESSSTUDIOS Photographer in Residence program, which runs from April 9 to May 6, 2025. Mana is currently hosting Sebastian Ferruzo, a photographer based in Jersey City. Ferruzo is self-taught and works on long-term photo projects. His style mixes portraits, landscapes, and still life images in what is known as the “lyric documentary” style.

Ferruzo’s work is based in a mobile darkroom built into a silver Airstream trailer. Since 2019, WORTHLESSSTUDIOS has used this trailer to give artists across the U.S. access to darkroom tools.

Chuck Kelton’s Exhibit “Transformations�Runs Through June

Visitors attending the Future Art Leaders Tour will also be able to see current exhibitions at Mana Contemporary. One of them is Chuck Kelton’s “Transformations,â€?which runs from October 20, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

Kelton uses photochemistry—materials like developer and fixer—to make images called Chemograms. These are made without using a camera, and the final pieces look like abstract landscapes. He compares this method to alchemy, the old practice of turning metals into gold. Kelton’s goal is to turn chemicals into art.

For this show, he also added African tribal masks from his personal collection. These masks were used in rituals for celebration, mourning, and performance. People once believed the masks allowed the wearer to become another being. Thus, Kelton places the masks next to his Chemograms to show connections between the ancient and the modern, between transformation in art and transformation in spirit.

The result is an exhibition where two different types of objects talk to each other visually. Viewers can compare shape, texture, and emotion between the masks and the prints. Kelton’s show invites people to think about how old traditions continue to influence new creative ideas.

Cheryl Gross Explores Myth and Technology in “The Z Factor�/b>