Personal & Universal: Merseles Studios Opening Gala
Jersey City’s newest performing and visual arts space, officially opens April 26th with “Personal & Universal,” a showcase of upcoming original theatre works, dance, visual-arts and music that mark the debut of Merseles Studios at Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC).
“We selected Personal & Universal as the theme of our first official event because it describes how artists give voice to a community,” said Olga Levina, Artistic Director, JCTC. “Artists tell their personal stories through their art, but those stories have universal messages. We have talented artists from all disciplines living in Jersey City and a community that enthusiastically supports the arts. Merseles Studios is a place where community and artists come together for a dialogue. ”
Personal & Universal performances include:
- Eugene, a multidisciplinary exploration of spirit, music, and movement by Ladell Mclin, virtuoso blues guitarist and Myssi Robinson, dancer/movement artist.
- So What If I Loved You, a one-woman show, written by and starring Summer Dawn Hortillosa, of interrelated monologues about a young woman haunted by memories of a lost lover.
- Requiem for the Maiden, by Natalia Vorozhbit, stage adaptation by Sergei Grabbe, is a theater-piece exploring the political conflict in Ukraine, based on actual interviews with protestors and citizens affected by and involved with the ongoing social unrest.
- New Music by Kelly Saint Patrick, Jersey City-based singer/songwriter, Kelly Saint Patrick, will be premiering songs from her soon-to-be-released third CD.
Personal & Universal is also the debut of the Merseles Studio Gallery - a permanent art gallery showcasing regional and Jersey City artists. The opening exhibition is part of the event and is curated by Thomas John Carlson, Visual Arts Director of JCTC and founder of the Jersey City Arts School. “This is an opportunity to give exposure to local artists and their work,” says Carlson. “the Gallery will set the tone of quality and thought-provoking work that JCTC will bring to its multi-faceted art programming and future gallery events.”
Personal & Universal is an evening of art, performance and music. Attendees can enjoy lite food hors d’oeuvres & refreshments, meet with performers and artists and other members of the community. Re
Admission is $15 (or $10 20 at the door) and is limited. For tickets visit
Jctcenter.org. Personal & Universal runs 6:00 pm to 10:00, with a reception preceding preformances.
All proceeds go to Jersey City Theater Center, Inc – a 501c3 not-for-profit organization committed to developing a much needed Performing and Visual Arts Center in Jersey City, New Jersey for professional artists, businesses, the community and visiting tourists.
JCTC’s mission is to present innovative and progressive performing and visual arts as well as educational art programs which embrace the diverse identity and preserve the rich history of Jersey City, bringing its community closer together and enhancing its quality of life.
JCTC was founded in 2006 by Olga Levina, Artistic Director - a theater and dance professional, and Ben LoPiccolo, Executive Director - an award-winning real estate Developer who has worked built in Jersey City since 1998.
Now part of JCTC, Merseles Studios, (339-345 Newark Ave.) – formerly the 2nd floor of the Monaco Lock Company – is a 5,000-square-foot facility that features a flexible performance space, art gallery, and 10 private artists work spaces. JCTC is funding the interior renovation and managing Merseles Studios making it a secure, spacious, multi-purpose structure whose 12.5-foot-high ceilings, numerous windows and ample natural light produce a distinctive yet comfortable urban atmosphere.
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