Category Archives: Hoboken Artists

John Ruddy – Oculus Deus at Paul Vincent Gallery in Hoboken

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Last Sunday I attended the wonderful opening reception of local artist, John Ruddy, at the Paul Vincent Gallery in Hoboken. The gallery gives an artist the space to spread their art out into multiple rooms, and during the afternoon we all moved into one of the rooms for a special musical performance by Cris Nyne. It’s wonderful to see the artists community come out and support one another and the place was hopping! Different types of artists crowded the rooms, painters, photographers, actors, etc…

John Ruddy’s art was quite original. What I loved was that he treated the frame and the wall surrounding the picture as part of the piece. The frames were decorated, the walls were decorated… it made me think where does the art begin and where does it end? It makes me realize art is not just a picture on a wall, (not that I thought this, but it’s a nice reminder) but everything surrounding the piece and me as well.

Have a look at some of the folks who attended and John Ruddy’s work.

New Jersey Fashion Week March Mixer – W Hotel in Hoboken

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What a night, what  party! When I arrived at the W Hotel last night and made my way up to the second floor Chandelier room, the place was packed. I was mesmerized by beauty queens of course, all around the room wearing Tiaras. The cameras were flashing… the models posing… low cut dresses showing off what they’ve got, and lots of glittering sequence. There were almost more photographers than fashion industry people.

As I moved around the room, I met so many fabulous new people. Here are some of the new friends I’ve made… Charon Richardson of G’wan, Pam & Rashid Salaam of Pam’s Vintage Soul Boutique, Ashley Marie, Event Planner, Nikkia Tené McClain of  Tené Nícole, Marketing & Public Relations, Porsha Star, Hair Stylist, and Dr. Randy Kansky of Hoboken’s own Eyeshapes.

The event was organized by New Jersey Fashion Week Founder, Donnella Tilery. Joining Donnella were co-host, Kim Granatell from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and Tom Murro from CelebrityMagnet.com. We’ll see when all those photos surface, if they were there! Photos are forthcoming. Also on the list for the event was the Mayor of Hoboken, Dawn Zimmer, although given the 300 people there, I didn’t see her.

Here’s a photo of the beauty queens posing, taken by photographer, Gary Preis, and click here to see his gallery on Facebook!

Beauty queens pose for Gary Preis at the NJ Fashion Week March Mixer

Here’s a video I found so you can see more about New jersey Fashion Week and the upcoming events.

Sweet Chariot 2011 in Hoboken – A Celebration of Black History

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Photo of La Tanya Hutchins and Jerona Babb.

Photo of La Tanya Hutchins and Jerona Babb.

This past Saturday evening I joined friends at the 4th annual concert of spirituals, Sweet Chariot, at St. Matthew Trinity Church in Hoboken, NJ. Whenever La Tanya Hutchins is going to sing, you know I’m there. There was a lovely turnout and Ms. Hutchins was joined by the Stevens Choir and friends from the community.

The program had a variety of pieces, including “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, selections from “Porgy & Bess” and “Everytime I Feel The Spirit.” We were visited by the “Church Ladies” who sang “You Better Mind” which gave everyone a few chuckles. Bethany Reeves (artist in residence for the choir and voice at Steven Institute) was the conductor. Some of the accompanists were, Richard Brode on the Organ, Phillip Dieckow on piano, Alvin McCray on piano, Peter McCauley on percussion, Nicole Bennett (narrator), Jerona Babb (guest soprano) and of course the Stevens choir.

Overall, it was a spectacular event and La Tanya (soprano) was marvelous. After every song the waves of love from the audience spread out and over her. Thank you La Tanya for being YOU!