Tag Archives: distillery gallery jersey city

04/19/14

Earth Day and Save The Frogs Day 2014

In the Spring of 2009, when Frogs Are Green was just an idea, I had a dream, and that dream is coming true.

My dream is to do all that I can to bring awareness within my community and around the world to help save frogs and amphibians.

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This coming Tuesday, April 22, is Earth Day and we’re having the first of two celebrations, here in Jersey City! The Distillery Gallery and Artspace has partnered with Frogs Are Green to showcase hundreds of artworks by children 3-12 from more than 27 countries. Green Dream International Children’s Earth Day Exhibition is on display April 5-27 and visitors are streaming in, either as they pass by or riding over on their bicycles.

On the 22nd of April, join us between 7-10 pm for a little wine and food with our musical guests, The Sensational Country Blues Wonders.

Saturday, April 26th, is Save the Frogs Day and this will be the first big STF Day event we’ve coordinated here in Jersey City. Join us from 4-7 pm with musical guests, The Gully Hubbards, as well as guest speakers: Mayor Steven Fulop, Laura Skolar of the Jersey City Parks Coalition, and Michelle Anne Luebke, instructor at CUNY and environmentalist. Chef Camillo Sabella is bringing his delicious gluten-free, vegan, organic treats and Gia Gelato is bringing her yummy gelato!

Bringing awareness to Jersey City, one community group at a time

I have connected with Jersey City in a multitude of new ways.

Last week, I spoke at The Village Community Association, which is a section of downtown Jersey City, and this past week I spoke to the Pershing Field Garden Friends (in my own neighborhood), and enjoyed hearing about what both groups are doing!

I have also connected with the visual coordinator for Jersey City public schools as well as teachers at the Learning Community Charter School where they study frogs and amphibians as a part of their curriculum.

Each time someone asks “What’s happening to the frogs?” I know my work has just begun.

Talking with different people from these different groups has given me ideas of ways to build even more awareness in the coming months and years. I’ll be looking to bring the Green Dream to other cities, schools and galleries as a traveling exhibit.

The 2014 Frogs Are Green children’s art contest as well as the photography contests (Frogs in the Wild and Backyard Frogs, which are open to frog lovers of all ages), will open September 2, 2014 and I expect Jersey City to lead the USA as the largest contributor of artwork and make us all proud.

Happy Earth Day and Save The Frogs Day, to all.

— Susan Newman, founder, Frogs Are Green

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04/10/14

One Child Wins Free Art Classes for One Year

Our Green Dream exhibition at The Distillery Gallery and Artspace opened on April 5, 2014, and will be up till the 27th of April. The exhibition shows 100s of curated artworks from more than 27 countries, and we’ve included artworks by the children who attend this Jersey City Heights gallery’s after school art class. We want to inspire even more local children, teachers and parents, so we’re having a RAFFLE contest.

Enter and One Child Wins FREE Saturday Morning Art Classes at The Distillery Gallery for a Whole Year!

(Value = $250+)

Visit the Gallery on Saturday/Sunday between 1-3 pm on April 12, 13, 19, 20; during the Earth Day celebration, April 22, 7-10 pm; or at the Save The Frogs Day celebration, April 26, 4-7 pm.

Just $5 equals two raffle tickets and the WINNER will be selected and announced during the April 26th event. You must visit the gallery to enter.

The Distillery Gallery and Artspace is located at 7 Hutton Street (right off the corner of Palisade Avenue).

About the Children’s Art Classes at The Distillery Gallery and Artspace:

  • Saturdays, October – July
  • 10:30am – 12:30pm
  • Children ages 4 – 15 years old
  • Basic studies of painting, drawing, sculpture and all around fun!
  • Children’s Art Show to showcase artwork

Why is Frogs Are Green hosting this?

We’re giving children the opportunity to learn about the environment, frogs and amphibians and express themselves. It’s through art that even 3 year olds can share what they think.

When I see the artwork that comes in from children between 3 and 12 from Lithuania, Kenya, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, Estonia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Macedonia, Serbia, India, China and so many other countries it’s clear from their skills that they are not learning just about art but conveying their own personal messages about the state of the environment and how they feel about frogs. The USA is just not seeing how important this ability to self-express is, and so it must change for the next generation.

(The next Frogs Are Green children’s art contest will open for submissions on September 2, 2014. The age categories are expanding to 3-6; 7-9; 10-12; and 13-16. There will be expert judges this year and prizes. Stay tuned for the official announcement).

I’m proud that The Distillery Gallery & Artspace has partnered with Frogs Are Green to bring our “Green Dream” to life and show why children need this education in their lives.

So, swing by and ENTER!

teacher and students painting in art class