Graffiti Fine Art in Trenton NJ

November 2014

CSE-Can someone explain?

I spend a decent amount of time with the Artists and Art Appreciators in the Trenton Region and we are currently in the midst of an issue.

Unless you have decided to avoid mainstream media for the last several months you would have heard about the Mike Brown incident in Ferguson MO.  I call it an incident because the information is still being processed to some degree, but please do not let that distract you from this blog piece.

Here in Trenton NJ where George Washington became the “George Washington” that we know as the 1^st President of these United States, we like some many other places have issues that need to be dealt with, here is one.

Trentonian Will “Kasso” Condry is known for his talent as an Artist.  In this piece I would like to focus on him as a “Graffiti Fine Artist.” 

Graffiti strikes up imaginations most are very far from the talent of “Kasso” and his peers.  A simple web search for Graffiti or Murals in Trenton NJ will show you several artists including Leon Rainbow and many more who debunk the visuals of subway cars/trains and “confusing letters or tags.” 

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Will+Kasso+Condry&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=leon+rainbow&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

BTW-by the way the internationally popular book “The Birth of Graffiti” also known as the bible of Graffiti Art has ties to Trenton NJ as well.  Jon Naar who has photographed Andy Warhol is the Author and friend to both Kasso and Rainbow and chooses to live in Trenton NJ.

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=birth+of+graffiti&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

A mural depicting the image of Mike Brown in a Cap and Gown was created by Kasso and then removed for various reasons.  Please make up your own opinion regarding those issues however Trenton 365’s intentions are not to “blast,” or condemn anyone but to bring attention to other items and create dialog.

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=mike+brown+mural+trenton&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

In a Capital City of less 7.5 sq. mi. and a steadily declining population of less than 90,000 people, budgetary, personnel, safety and cleanliness concerns I think more focus/emphasis could be placed on the “organic growth” to improve the community and ART is the organic growth.

In the interim have a look at a few of the recent pieces by Kasso and his peers.

Stay tuned for how you can join us!

DESHAIR Thoughts

The NFL Under Heavy Fire

By Will Foskey

The reality all NFL fans are facing right now is, “The NFL is NOT about the Players.” It is a BUSINESS. We are entertained by the NFL Business. Roger Goodell became a Commissioner with the sole intent of running a Business, not watching Marshawn ‘Beast Mode’.

The NFL is providing job opportunities to the most talented athletes across the country to play a Professional Sport; to run a BUSINESS. Once sponsors pulled out of the Minnesota Vikings, it was clear that Adrian Peterson had to be dismissed on paid-leave. They’d rather pay him 690,000 a week to sit on his couch than lose more money by allowing him to come back to ‘work’.

The NFL is under scrutiny because of its employees and how they handle them. I knew when Ray Rice was suspended indefinitely, the rules changed. Where do you go as a disciplinarian after that? Now, the new trend on its way, players will be placed on exempt (banned with pay) while under investigation. They can now test players for HGH. Some of your favorite players are about to be sitting at home very soon without pay because of that.

Players will come and go. But if you believe the NFL will stick their necks out for one of these players again, don’t hold you breath. The playing while under investigation is over. The slap on the wrist suspensions to protect a players livelihood are over. Are you ready for some Football though?!?

http://www.trentongoingglobal.com/

Review of the Thomas Galliano Quartet at Tavern on the Lake

Review of the Thomas Galliano Quartet at Tavern on the Lake, August 15, 2014

Ritu Mukherjee for Trenton 365 

In the 1950s and 1960s, American jazz musicians fled to France to escape racism.  Fifty years later the French go back to the source.  In 2011 Jazz Percussionist and Composer, Thomas Galliano, a native of Nice, France, relocated to New York City in order to refine his musical skills by immersing himself in America’s historic jazz roots.  During a recent interview with Jacque Howard of Trenton 365, Galliano stated that he had made it a point to encourage his fellow European Jazz musicians to follow suit. 

This past week, at an intimate concert presented by REJS Entertainment at Tavern on the Lake, in Hightstown, New Jersey, the talented young artist’s joy and humility from being whole-heartedly embraced by local jazz lovers and the larger community was evident.   Accompanied by saxophonist Myron Walden, bassist Gregg August, and pianist David Bryant, the Thomas Galliano Quartet electrified the cozy room and excited the diverse and multi-generational crowd of concertgoers.  The Quartet seamlessly moved together while highlighting the unique talents of each member.  Galliano’s powerful drum solos elegantly juxtaposed with Walden’s intricate and fiery sax solos. The international set of musicians and concertgoers attested to the fact that the world has indeed grown smaller and more personal; and on this evening specially through musicianship and the exchange of ideas.

A younger guard of talented jazz percussionists was also given the well-deserved opportunity to showcase their talents.  The REJS Ent Youth Spotlight included, Tobias Richardson (14), David Korey (16), Deven Patram (14), and Tobias Prall (13).  Sighting their parents and music teachers as their biggest musical influences, these talented young men enthusiastically filled the room with their raw and fresh percussionist stylings.

Tamara Torres Author & Photographer II

MLK Day of Service 2014 by Will Foskey

Trenton365

Positive information about and for the people who enjoy the Trenton/Exit 7A Region of New Jersey.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Trenton NJ

by Will Foskey of Trenton Going Global

On the morning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I sat on the steps of City Hall, thinking about everything that made Dr. King a transcendent of his time and a beloved treasure of our time. I thought about my hometown, predominantly housed by minorities, local politics led by minorities, and not one event on the calendar to honor Dr. King's day.

Luckily, CareTrenton led by Elissa Horan, had a volunteerism gathering that began on 600 Hamilton Avenue. Jacque Howard of The Trenton 365 Show on 1300 WIMG told me about it the night before. I'm glad I attended. Teenagers from all over Central Jersey showed up and got right to work on cleaning up the area.

We must hold onto King's Dream. A breakfast with your colleagues isn't enough. Get out there and be of service to the City of Trenton. Check out the video below of our day.

Friday, October 4, 2013

The Crisis Ministry Hanover Street Garden Summer 2013

 Trenton365

The Crisis Ministry Hanover Street Garden

In 2012 the BHOH Community Garden was created in partnership with the Urban Mission Cabinet Inc., The Crisis Ministry and Isles.  Many other others volunteered time, talent and treasures to make this a wonderful share garden.

The basis of the garden would be to share 50% of the produce with the neighborhood through the programs of the Crisis Ministry.

Carolyn Biondi addressing the crowd #1

Carolyn Biondi addressing the crowd #2

Carolyn Biondi addressing the crowd #3

Fast forward Fall of 2012 the physical action steps to create the “Crisis Ministry Hanover Street Garden” begins. 

July 2013, the following are excerpts from the opening presented by Carolyn Biondi, Executive Director [ED] of the Crisis Ministry.

       






We are pleased to have everyone here to share in the celebration of this wonderful effort to make our garden on Hanover Street a reality.  Jarrett Kerbel former ED, Mark Smith Hunger Prevention Director, landlord Rev. John Allen and Admin.  Maria Newman had dreamed for several years about a green space that would beautify our neighborhood and provide produce for our neighbors in need.

Several partners moved to make that dream a reality:

·      Christen Foell and Bobby Hackett from the Bonner Foundation who provided the funds and support the work of the Crisis Ministry.

·      Jacque Howard and the Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen from the Urban Mission Cabinet Inc. who partnered on the Bethany House of Hospitality Community Garden and brought inspired ideas and key partners to the effort on Hanover St.

·      Jim Simon, Marty Johnson and Isles Youth Build Institute students, who lent their expertise of urban agriculture, sweat equity and volunteer connections to the project.

·      Artists Will “Kasso” and Jim “Luv One” Kelewae from SAGE Coalition NJ who painted the Richie Havens inspired mural and Wils “Wheels” Kinsley for the bicycle wheeled market cart.

·      Heather McNeil-Nazareth of Mercer County for soil consulting.

·      Christine Thomas of Thomas’ English Gardens for design work.

·      Pineland Nursery for perennials.

·      Hlubik Farms for vegetables and herb plants.

·      SAGE Coalition’s Gandhi Garden for shrubbery and ground cover.

·      Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton University Varsity Club, NRG-Energy, Grace-St. Paul’s Episcopol Church of Hamilton and Janssen Pharmaceuticals for volunteers.

·      Crisis Ministry Board Chair Fred Van Sickle and Boardmembers who provide leadership and vision for the Crisis Ministry in new efforts like this.

Wils Kins with hat, Fabricator of the Bicycle Market Cart

Recycled bicycle parts

Muralist Will Kasso sharing about the Richie Havens inspired mural

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/500126796/bhoh-bethany-house-of-hospitality-community-garden

http://www.thecrisisministry.org/bethany-hospitality-house-community-garden-grand-opening/

http://acga.localharvest.org/event.jsp?id=1374

Websites of our partners'

http://www.bonner.org

http://www.old1712.org

http://www.thecrisisministry.org

https://www.facebook.com/UrbanMissionCabinetInc

http://isles.org

http://sagecoalitionnj.com

http://thomasenglishgardens.com

http://www.pinelandsnursery.com

http://www.hlubikfarms.com/Home.html

http://www.ptsem.edu

http://www.princetonvarsityclub.org

http://www.nrgenergy.com

http://www.gracestpaul.org

http://www.janssenpharmaceuticalsinc.com

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Elissa Horan of "CARE Trenton"

Trenton365

CARE Trenton

Elissa Horan

www.caretrenton.org

It was a hot day in the summer 2011 as a team of volunteers worked to cleanout the “manse” of the Bethany Presbyterian Church.  This facility would become the Bethany House of Hospitality.  On that day I met Elissa Horan.

Elissa whose family owns and operated the Horan Funeral Home a block away on Hamilton Ave. for many decades saw some activity in the neighborhood and came over.

It was a typical hot NJ summer day with heat and humidity forcing even the coolest of people to leave puddles while standing still let alone doing manual labor.  In between my demolition of the kitchen I was checking on the volunteers and met Elissa.  

The firm handshake and mini-smile signaled to me a no-nonsense woman.  After 4 hours and two 30yard containers of trash, the dozen or so volunteers met on the steps for a time of sharing and praise.  Standing next to me was Elissa and proudly I say standing with me! 

Later that day we met with others at Trenton Social for lunch and the friendship took off.

During the lunch we shared our backgrounds, thoughts on Trenton, projects and visions.  At that point we knew we were kindred spirits.

Since that initial meeting and chat over food we have partnered on several projects all with bettering Trenton in mind.  Elissa created the organization CARE Trenton.  The focus of the org is to cleanup, beautify and to make Trenton better.  This began when Elissa started cleaning around the outside of her home and the home she grew up in by picking up litter and organizing trash for pickup.  This progressed to cleaning around the block and soon other residents were getting involved.

CARE Trenton would then grow to organizing cleanups around the city with a simple idea that having clean, litter free streets would benefit everyone.  Since the vision is to make Trenton better for everyone, CARE Trenton has partnered with several other groups who have the same vision.  In the 2+ years I have known Elissa, CARE Trenton has organized cleanups at Columbus Park, Hamilton Ave, Roebling Wireworks, Franklin Park, Roma Bank Triangle, Sacred Heart Triangle and Villa Park.  Partnering organizations have included TCCA-Trenton Council of Civic Associations, Villa Park Civic Association, Chambersburg Civic Association, Old Mill Hill Society, Berkley Square Civic Association, FPNEBA-Franklin Parks NE Block Association, 1^stBaptist Church of Trenton, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, TCNJ-The College of New Jersey Bonner Center, several local small businesses and many others.

l-r Carol Rogers, Jim Halliday, Robin Erfe, Gabrielle from Social, me and Elissa Horan

In the spring of 2013 a resolution was presented to Trenton City Council by Councilwoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson to recognized CARE Trenton as an official organization whose focus is to make Trenton cleaner, safer and more beautiful for everyone.

As the vision of CARE Trenton is seen by others you can expect more collaboration and partnering all with making the City of Trenton Better!