Murals Along Central Avenue
How can one tell an artist community exists in Hudson County? Just keep a look out for their signature mark – Public Art. The Central Avenue businesses welcome artists to share their time and talents with their community. Our district is home to a growing series of murals that have caught the eyes and attention of many visitors and shoppers. Well executed murals have reenergized the City by making it an artist destination. From vivid descriptions of Central Avenue, to notable landmarks around the City, each Central Avenue mural has something special to offer.The professional artists who created these works are proud of the stories each piece tells of the rich history of Jersey City.
Organized by the Central Avenue S.I.D. Management Corp and Councilman Ward D, BIll Gaughan, mural art installations in 2010 and 2011 were made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, County Executive, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
New Mural Installation - "Koi Too"
Koi Too - Artist Ed Morris was selected to paint his mural concept on the sidewall of Jersey Drugs at 286 Central Avenue, just off the Central and Hutton Street intersection. The mural features luminescent and life-like Koi fish swimming through large arches that were formerly the building’s windows and has transformed the wall into a visual feast of colors for the enjoyment of Central Avenue residents, shoppers and visitors.
- Photos on Flickr
- Jersey Journal - Koi Fish Mural Brighten Mural on Pharmacy's Wall in Jersey City Heights
- JC Independent - Local Artist's Mural Opens Today Along Central Avenue
2010 Mural Installations along Central Avenue
Urban Inner Peace Zone - Painting a mural on the side of Daisy Cleaners at 426 Central Avenue, charming artist Megan Gulick uses quirky illustrations to express her soul and special life story. She brings these elements to Central Avenue to design a work that marks some of the most notable places and features of the Heights. With an upbeat twist, Gulick gives our hometown neighborhood a new look that is still also reflective of our original community!
Salute to Central Avenue - Painting a mural on the side of .99 POWER at 387 Central Avenue, artist
Richard La Rovere copies landscapes and facades that are truly breathtaking. His design captures Central Avenue as it is today, to serve as a timecapsule for the future. As the Heights is continually changing, it only seems fair to step back and salute the City and community we all know and love in 2010!
To learn more, click on the links below:
- Press Release - Central Avenue Unveils Two New Murals
- Heights News Winter 2011 (PDF) - pages 1, 7, and 8
- Mural Press Conference Photos for Megan Gulick on Facebook
- Mural Press Conference Photos for Richard La Rovere on Facebook
"Journey" located around the corner from 337 Central Ave
“Where will your journey Begin?” is the question this mural asked of its audience. Created by the Jersey City Museum’s Public Art Program in 1996, local students assisted artists to create this 100 ft long mural around the corner from 337 Central Avenue (Rite Aid Pharmacy). Saying Goodbye: The mural stood for 15 years until it was removed in 2011 as part of a much needed renovation and repair project by the pharmacy. This great community mural will live on in the memory by all who enjoyed the the visual story it told for over 15 years.
"Goehrig's Bakery" located at 475 Central Avenue
This notable piece created by artist Sylvester Wofford, adds life to the sidewall of one of the most well known bakeries in Hudson County. The bright colors and wide array of images from baked goods to landscapes tell a great tale of Jersey City. Originally painted in 2005, it was redone by the same artist in 2010.