Free Art Installation Increases Holiday Cheer Amid COVID-19
Holiday artwork will soon enhance the landscape at the Jersey City Free Public Library's newest library location, Communipaw Branch Library, as an upcoming outdoor public art exhibition prepares to open on Saturday, December 11, at 1:00 p.m. Catalina Aranguren, founder of Walk-Bye by Argia Photography, curates an exhibition inspired by the magic hidden in the holiday season, Merry Happy Joy. The holiday-inspired show will reflect cheerfulness, despite being amid COVID-19. “Merry Happy Joy will be the 15th art exhibit since Walk-Bye’s inception,” says Aranguren. She continues, “Artists will interpret the upcoming holidays and how we are taking a step closer towards "normalcy" in the era of COVID-19, and how the changing of the seasons comes with an abundance of reasons to celebrate.”
Approximately 20 artists of all ages from around the world were selected to participate. The exhibition features the artwork of many different mediums and music provided by the Jersey City Free Public Library's Community Awareness Services department and warm beverages from a local cafe. “Even though our building is still under construction, the staff of the Communipaw Library is excited to connect with patrons and meet people in the neighborhood,” says Kate Davis, Youth Services Librarian.
Aranguren eagerly looks forward to welcoming the community to the new vibrant space to explore art and creativity. For JCFPL programs located in the Bergen-Lafayette community, please visit here.
About Jersey City Free Public Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library has served as a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1889. With over 130 years of service excellence, the Library remains committed to meeting the demands of its growing and diverse population by keeping pace with the changing interests, trends, and needs. Today, the Jersey City Free Public Library is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey with 10 locations, a bookmobile, and 144 experienced and dedicated staff members.
About Walk-Bye
Walk-Bye, founded in 2020 by Catalina Aranguren, is a collective outdoor art exhibition of original work, visible to the public from a distance. The installation strives to bring artists and community members together to create a sense of connectivity during the current pandemic.