On Small Business Saturday, PAZ culture system launched its third annual Winter Art Bazaar in downtown Highland Park. This year’s Bazaar features affordable artwork from nearly 30 artists in a variety of mediums.
“The Winter Art Bazaar provides an opportunity for artists to showcase art that may not fit in a traditional gallery setting,” said Winter Art Bazaar organizer and PAZ culture system founder Jonathan Horowitz. ”Many artists work in multiple mediums and have difficulty finding places where they can showcase all of their work at once, especially their low-priced work.”
In creating the Bazaar, Mr. Horowitz wanted to emphasize the community aspect of art and highlight all types of art as meaningful and thoughtful. “Certain art forms are not thought of as ‘high art,’ but things like knitting, crochet, and pottery are just as important and carry significant cultural and historical significance.”
Mr. Horowitz also wanted to create an art show that presents works by all types of artists – the work of professional artists is displayed side-by-side with the work of amateur artists. “The common denominator is dedication,” he said. “Artists can benefit from those working in different mediums. Young professional painters can learn something from ‘amateur’ potters who takes their craft seriously and devotes time and effort into developing an effective business model. The Bazaar gives artists visibility while also letting them hone their sales and marketing techniques by placing them alongside other artists with varying experiences.”
The Winter Art Bazaar is a partnership between PAZ culture system and Main Street Highland Park, which hosts the month-long art show in its office space at 212 Raritan Avenue, and helps promote it.
“One of the great things about the Highland Park and New Brunswick area is the depth and vitality of our local arts scene,” said Rebecca Hersh, Executive Director of Main Street Highland Park. “The Winter Art Bazaar is a great way to showcase the work of so many of our talented local artists, and we’re honored to be able to lend our office space to make this special project happen.”
“The Bazaar is also a key element of our organization’s efforts to get more people shopping in our downtown during the holiday season,” Ms.Hersh added. “The more people who come downtown to the Bazaar, the more people will check out all of the other wonderful small businesses and events Highland Park’s downtown has to offer.”
“Art is a universal language, capable of breaking language barriers and bettering our communities through our cultural contributions,” said Passaic-based participating artist Rosa Huitzitzilin. “Generally speaking, it is a win-win when our communities have these types of shows devoting public spaces to arts and culture.” Ms. Huitzitzilin is showcasing handmade Macramé jewelry alongside photography and mixed media pieces on canvas.
Another art bazaar participant, Highland Park resident David DeForne, is promoting his current initiative of personalized cat portraits by showcasing portraits of internet celebrity cats. According to Mr. Horowitz, David DeForne’s endeavor offers commentary on society’s infatuation with internet celebrity cats.
Participating local artists include local business Highland Spark, which is displaying the jewelry created by many members of its newly-launched Jewelry Artists Cooperative; knitted items by longtime Highland Park Resident Shoki Ahmad; paintings by Jill Caporlingua; sculptures, jewelry and paintings by Martha Globus; pottery by Bryan Weitz; and pieces by Bill Bonner and John Marron, two members of the Highland Park Artist Collective. Other participating artists include: Raoul Alburg, Kyle Blowers, Larry Ciarallo, Jeanette Centeno, Lauren Curtis, Judy Harris, Heather Hatzikryakou, Baldo Higuera, Albertus Joseph, Radhika Rao, Kat Reyes, Liz Schultz, and Marita Veronica.
The Winter Art Bazaar runs until Dec. 23, 2014 in the Main Street Highland Park office at 212 Raritan Avenue. Hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Various special events will be announced on the event’s Facebook page.