(Jersey City) – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, Jersey City Mayor Jeremiah Healy [unconfirmed], artists and dignitaries will gather at the Jersey City Museum at 3 p.m. today to celebrate the unique contributions of New Jersey’s native daughters to the fabric of Americana in the arts, history, science and public service.
“Our goal in promoting Women’s History Month is essentially twofold: celebrating the rich legacy of the past and fulfilling the great promise of the future,” said Secretary Wells. “In reminding people of the invaluable contributions of New Jersey women from all walks of life, we want to aggressively showcase how this legacy is being both nurtured and advanced at our world-class museums and galleries, performing arts and cultural centers, and our amazing history venues. The Jersey City Museum is a premier example of these rich resources.”
Underscoring this considerable legacy, the highlight of the program will be an exclusive preview of (RE)possessed, a new exhibition that will run at the Jersey City Museum from March 20 through August 24. Featuring the renowned work of noted artists Xenobia Bailey, Dorian Webb and Barbara Garnes, the exhibition will “transform the museum’s Project Gallery into an intimate and enchanting environment which the artist calls an “ ‘urban tea ceremony with a twist.’”
(RE)possessed includes several of Bailey’s signature hand-crocheted and embroidered work amid breathtaking, custom-made chandeliers of Dorian Webb, a decorative tea set by Barbara Garnes, a collection of fine African teas by Caranda Fine Foods and a evocative soundscape provided by jazz musician Rene McLean.
“We commend Secretary Wells for raising public awareness of the work of women artists, like Xenobia Bailey and Dorian Webb, who create meaningful works that inspire and engage us,” noted Marion Grzesiak, Executive Director of the Jersey City Museum. “Like Secretary Wells, the Jersey City Museum is committed to celebrating the achievements of women artists—not only during Women’s History Month—but throughout the year.”
Today’s event coincides with ongoing efforts by the Department of State, begun earlier this month, to showcase Women’s History Month celebrations throughout the state. The cornerstone of these efforts was the launch of the Department’s webpage, www.state.nj.us/state/womens_history/. Detailing an extensive collaborative partnership with the state’s museums and cultural and historic institutions offering free and discounted events throughout March, the website allows visitors to navigate quickly and effortlessly to locate events celebrating women’s history at dozens of venues mere minutes away.
As the Department of State encompasses the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Cultural Trust, Historical Commission, State Museum, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the Division of Travel & Tourism among other divisions, the website will have its finger squarely on the pulse of a fluid and dynamic statewide events calendar.
The website is updated daily.
To learn more about (RE)possessed and other fabulous exhibitions and events at the Jersey City Museum, please call 201-413-0303 or visit www.jerseycitymuseum.org.
