WINTER 2015: The Community Issue

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Bringing you the culture of New Jersey’s Valley Arts District


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MASCONSUMPTION WINTER 2015 THE COMMUNITY ISSUE

5 | EDITOR’S LETTER 7| in the last issue 7| WHO’S NEXT? 9 | CONTRIBUTOR PROFILES 12 | PEOPLE & PARTIES EVENT COVERAGE 14 | THE SCENE

PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION BY EVA WOOLRIDGE @EWPHOTOS1 EWPHOTOS.SQUARESPACE.COM

15 | FOR ARTISTS (AND ALL CREATIVE TYPES) 17 | MASCONSUMPTION QUIZ TAKEN BY NIKKOLE SALTER & WINSTINA DAKERS 18 | THE SHOOTS BEHIND THE SCENES 20 | FOOD. MUSIC. DRINK. ART. THE SCENE AT HAT CITY KITCHEN 22 | THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 31 | Millenial Malcontent 34 | Get social 39 | loose change comic by mike mal 41 | the man behnd quiet fire

MASCONSUMPTION.COM @MASCONSUMPTION

FACEBOOK.COM/MASCONSUMPTION

#MASCONSUMPTION WINTER 2015 | 3


PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION BY STEVE VANNOY


EDITOR’S LETTER on taking a break The past year has been tough. The last print issue was Spring 2014’s The Women’s Issue, releasd at SHE., a fashion show. Persoanlly things were all over the place, so after that event in May, I took a much neede break and focused on my writing. on the women’s issue & she. fashion show The Women’s Issue was important because it was the right time for it, and for the zine/brand to take a stand for not only female empowerment, but gender equality. What better way to celebrate women, than a fashion show? I collaborated with Kat again for SHE. p As well as Marco Dorce, Kimora Black, Robyn Modest & Infinite! on music. It was such a memorable night, with an after party at Hat City Kitchen. I look forward to doing the next Women’s Issue and maybe a Men’s issue. on community There are so many factors that make the Valley Arts District great, and unique, one of them being the strong presence of community. The neighborhood is small, tightnit, yet all of the independent organizations, and individual creatives have distinct brands, and networks. We know how to come together, support each other and take pride in our community. on the community issue (contributors & stories) & the growth of the valley arts district This issue is long overdue, and was inspired by the growth of the Valley, creativley, more people discovering such a place. See map on p We are gaining exposure, and with new housing, and resources being developed this year. I sense a tipping point coming or the approach of a new phase/chapter. It is very exciting, and Iw as able to work with new people who are relatively new to the neighborhood. I came across Rick Hauser after he exhibited his photography series, Underfoot at Hat City Kitchen gallery. I also met artist, and photographer Steve Vannoy at the gastro pub, who celebrates it’s 5th anniversary next month! New segments, Who’s Next? p, For Artists p. We also joined forces with the amazing Mike Reilly p.18 on the future of masconsumption Like always, I want to be mindful of how far we have come, this is the 7th print publication and our second anniversary January 2015. I want to keep moving forward, bringing new faces to the neighborhood, have fun! to the readers Thank you for those who are still big MASCONSUMPTON supporters, and have always understood my vision, and helped me keep the dream alive! Thank you!

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PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION BY EVA WOOLRIDGE


W H O ’ SWINSTINA N E XDAKERS T? FOUNDER/CEO of FREE LYFE PR Free Lyfe PR is a public relations & branding consulting firm, focusing on art, fashion, beauty, events, lgbt activism. Winstina is a force of a nature, and ready to take Free Lyfe to the next level. She’s next. As told to P.R. Why did you want to go into Public Relations? Public relations allowes me to combine all of my passions in one. I love being behind the scenes, I love communicating with people and helping them achieve their goals. That gives me great satisfaction! Also public relations is a fast paced and ever evolving industry and no day is ever the same do you can never get bored or content.

Follow winstina & free lyfe pr ! @freelyfepr @stinabeanaa www.freelyfepr.com

How do you want Free Lyfe PR to support the LGBTQ community? Being a part of the LGBTQ community, I know that resources are limited for those starting small businesses and sometimes we limit ourselves because we are afraid of the way society will judge us. With my project The HearSay, I want to engage, inspire, consult, educate, and celebrate emerging entrepreneurs and brands in the LGBTQ community. What is next for Free Lyfe PR? Next for Free Lyfe Pr is to take over the world. We are working on some contributing writing to major publications and you can look forward to an official launch party at the end of the summer and more from The HearSay. continued on page 17

IN THE LAST ISSUE: READERS’ FEEDBACK SPRING 2014 THE WOMEN’S ISSUE

SEE EVENT PHOTOS FROM SHE. A FASHION SHOW P12 The Women’s Issue profiled Kosmic Goddess, Kimora Black, Kat Dolly Black, on their missions to represent the modern day feminist movement through art, fashion, music & more. ‘Flawlust’ photographed by Marco Dorce Marco shot the provocative shoot. but it was jazz singer Amy Grace who directed it and had the creative vision. She wanted FLAWLUST to convey the message of accepting your flaws. Read on masconsumption.com/zines

GET A ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR PRINT ISSUES MASCONSUMPTION.COM/SUBSCRIBE WINTER 2015 | 7



IN THE ISSUE: CONTRIBUTOR PROFILES Steve Vannoy Photography Submission p4,10 “Two of my greatest passions in life are travel and photography. I believethat travel broadens one’s view of the world...I hope my contributions inspire others to do the same.” continued on p MIKE REILLY PHOTOGRAPHED THE VALLEY GALA PROMO SHOOT P18 “Photographer, I shoot people, road-trip entusiast, sporadically sane, fan of collaborations” @MK_Reilly Instagram bio EVA WOOLRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION P3, 6, 22 SEE MORE OF HER EXCITING PHOTOGRAPHY: EWPHOTOS.SQAURESPACE. COM

RICK

HAUSER

PHOTOGRAPHED “HAT CITY”, UNDERFOOT SERIES COVER PHOTO “The name of the series UnderFoot came to be in 2013. I star ted shooting GAS valve caps for fun because of my, now closed gallery, GAS Gallery And Studio. As I star ted my search for these industrial creations, I discovered manhole covers. Some old, some new, I thought about the fact that these very objects are driven over, stepped on, and even avoided. The name UnderFoot was an obvious choice... The most significant par t of my [photography]journey was workingin the darkroom. Though I am digital now, the experience taught me a lot.” continued on p47

“Community is built on memory, it becomes the foundation for the future.” #THECOMMUNITYISSUE begins on p23 WINTER 2015 | 9


PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION BY STEVE VANNOY


MASCONSUMPTION NEW ONLINE EXCLUSIVES . COM DAILY MUSIC, ART, STYLE, AND EVENT BLOG POSTS!

DOWNLOAD ALL PAST PRING ISSUES & E-ZINES:

VISIT ISSUU.COM/ MASCONSUMPTION

video new promo video, WORDS WITH P.R., music performances, event recap, interviews and more. OPENS WINTER 2015

BLOG FEATURES

SUBMIT PHOTOGRAPHY TO JANUARY 2015’S PHOTOGRAPHY MONTH, & JOIN THE CREATIVE TEAM OF MASCONSUMPTION! MASCONSUMPTION.COM/SUBMISSIONS

THE SHOOTS: BEHIND THE SCENES check out exclusive photos & videos from behind the scenes of WINTER 2015 editorial & more.

GET SOCIAL! @MASCONSUMPTION

KEEP UP WITH #HASHTAGS, WHO TO FOLLOW, & MORE ON P34

• FACEBOOK.COM/MASCONSUMPTION

• ISSUU.COM/MASCONSUMPTION


CREATING BUZZ IN THE VALLEY, ONE EVENT at a TIME

WINTER 2015

HANDS 15TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS @ THE FIREHOUSE GALLERY NOVEMBER 2014 “What a fun night celebrating community.” - P.R. Congrats to this year’s honorees. Read more about HANDS, and the award ceremony on p28

CUPCAKES & CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH @ HAT CITY KITCHEN OCTOBER 2014 PHOTOGRAPHS BY AVERY WATSON

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READ MORE ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING AT VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT HUB, HAT CITY KITCHEN P


DON’T DROP THE MIC @ IRONWORKS GALLERY DECEMBER 2014 PHOTOGRAPHS BY BOMB IMAGES

“The amount of energy we brought last night at [Don’t Drop the Mic] was amazing.” - Ryan the Rapper, AIM Squad “A good night for the local hip hop community in the Valley.” - P.R.

NO COMPASS @ THE FIREHOUSE GALLERY NOVEMBER 2014 PHOTOGRAPHS BY P.R. & OTHERS

No Compass was an amazing group exhibit featuring emerging artists at ORNG Ink. Read more about ORNG Ink orngink.com

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TH E S C E N E

READ THINKING, FAST AND SLOW BY DANIEL KAHNEMAN

I think all creatives and producers should read this book, it gives you an energetic look into how we think, and that affects aspects of our daily lives. Kahneman explores when and when not to trust our instincts and when to go with the flow. Purchase on Amazon.com

EAT

SOUTHERN COMFORT

501 CENTRAL AVE ORANGE NJ

“My wife and I had a great time there. The food was good and the service was even better. Afterwards we stepped out back to dance for a bit. We will definitely be coming back.” Rodny W. Enjoy some down home food, cooked fresh everyday. Be sure to try the oxtails, curry chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, mac-n-cheese. Plus, live music entertanment and cocktail lounge. Try the Stuffed Chicken Breast. “Chef Rob’s signature dish.” Cocktail Lounge: Happy Hour 5-8pm, half priced drinks, more specials daily. soconj.com

ATTEND BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT LUNA STAGE THEATRE

LISTEN OLD SOLE NEW EP, SWEET IRONIES OF HARM & EASE

Young bucks with old soles kicking sounds in your ear holes. Listen to the trio’s new EP, Sweet Ironies pf Harm & Ease.

Five special events featuring Reg E Gaines, Keith Hamilton Cobb, Music in Monnlight Jazz Concert, starting February 4th. lunastage.org More information, p16 FOR THE LATEST NEWS, HAPPENINGS, PHOTOS AND VIDEO FOLLOW @MASCONSUMPTION ON TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM

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FOR ARTISTS: and all other creatives.

Inspiring Documentary: The Punk Singer, Be inspired by feminist punk icon Kathleen Hanna who’s hats include zine maker, musician, spoken word poet & activist. The 2013 documentary by Sini Anderson can be purchased on ITUNES. Inspiring Read: Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on the Decision Not to Have Kids, edited and with an introduction by Meghan Daum. Take a look at the brave choice of over ten writers. Inspiring Quote: “Anxiety is the hand maiden of creativity” T.S. Eliot Join Social Networking in The Valley Arts District Send a 200 word bio, portfolio links, contact information, social media and whatever else you want the community of the arts district know about you and your work. artistsinthevalley.org Art Contest: Design a full page ad for MASCONSUMPTION or Hat City Kitchen: Be featured in the zine, and on MASCONSUMPTION.COM for the next four print issues. Design a full page ad for the cultural blog and website and/or the gastro pub located in the Valley Arts District, Hat City Kitchen. We leave creative vision to the artists, the only requirment is that it have basic contact information such as: address, website, etc. For more information, visit the SUBMISSIONS page on MASCONSUMPTION.COM Inspiring Writing Prompt: Keep a journal and pen or pencil by your bed. Every morning for a month, before you do anything write a paragraph of whatever comes to your head. Don’t think about it. Inspiring Blog: Flavorwire gives you a fresh take on the creative world, the arts, writers and more. You come across a lot of blogs on the internet but this one that is actually worth reading, and bookmarking. flavorwire.com Inspiring Point of View: On familiar routes look up, and around you and appreciate some of the sights you haven’t really looked at before. You’d be surprised at the beauy that exists in your world every day. WINTER 2015 | 15



MASCONSUMPTION QUIZ: Taken by Nikkole Salter Favorite Album of all Time: Oh, so many....whole albums, top to bottom...off the top of my head... Kind of Blue - Miles Davis Off the Wall - Michael Jackson Purple Rain - Prince Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morssiette Mama’s Gun - Erykah Badu Urban Hang Suite - Maxwell Most Memorable Experience in the Valley Arts District: Luna Stage hosted a exhibit of a woman’s work about Goddesses. Just lovely. I don’t remember the name of the artist off hand. How Can the Arts Revitalize a Community?: The arts function best, in my opinion, when they successfully galvanize people to fellowship, to be honest with one another and themselves, and to live their best lives. What is your Biggest Passion/Ambition?: My biggest passion is dramatic storytelling. My biggest ambition is to tell my ‘Celie story’ - that is, ‘Celie,’ the protagonist from the story THE COLOR PURPLE by Alice Walker. The Spielberg version of that story starred Whoopi Goldberg, and I believe she was MADE, in part, to embody that woman’s story. I want to tell the stories I was MADE to tell... and if they touch people as much as Ms. Goldberg’s performance touched me, I’d be a satisfied woman. What Inspires you about the Valley Arts District?: The Valley Arts District inspires me because it affirms that the arts are located in NYC. They are wherever we allow them to be - and are just as vibrant and excellent. Biggest Lesson Learned : To honor the greatness within me. Favorite Fashion Era: It’s a toss up... the 70s and the 50s. I love the creativity of the 70s.. I love the urban flair. I love the exaggeration. I love the structure of the 50s. I love the craftsmanship - the fabrics, the tailoring. I love the curves and the sexy-class.

MASCONSUMPTION QUIZ: Taken by Winstina Dakers How Can the Arts Revitalize a Community?: It can bring the community together in a positive way. Art allows you to express yourself freely which for children and teens can be a great outlet instead of a negative path. What is your Biggest Passion/Ambition?: My biggest passion is helping others. I need to inspire before I expire. The ways I can do it, is endless and that is where my ambition comes in. What Inspires you about the Valley Arts District?: Valley Arts District works with the community to celebrate life and art in an area that didn’t have that before. They alone is very inspiring. Biggest Lesson Learned : My biggest lesson learned is that no one is going to help you! You have to be prepared to walk alone and still keep faith, love, and positivity. Favorite Fashion Era: My favorite fashion era is the 90’s..channel Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson, etc Favorite Zine Story?: The women’s issue What Would Like to See More of on MASCONSUMPTION.COM & in print publications?: I think a column or blog about current events or issues would be cool. People always like to see the opinions of people they look up to WINTER 2015

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THE SHOOTS:

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH P.R. & KAT DOLLY BLACK OF PAT N KAT STYLE T H E VA L L E Y G A L A P RO M O S H O OT @ M I K E R E I L LY ’ S S T U D I O NOVEMBER 2014 S TA R R I N G K AT D O L LY B L AC K , A S H L E Y R U T L E D G , A S H & P. R .

After shooting with the phenomenal Mike Reilly, I have a new appreciation and respect for models. Shoots are super long sometimes and a lot of work. Especially when you are fortunate enough to work with really professional and talented photographer like Mike. He is a perfectionist and I love how focused he is about his work and vision. I worked with Mike previously for last year’s Winter issue, The Music Issue, but this time for The Valley Gala promo shoot, I was in front of the camera. Along with Kat Dolly Black, Ash, and Ashley Rutledge. We glammed with the uber talented Amira Jannah, and make up artist here in the Valley, Anne Ruby. The Valley Gala happens on Sunday January 11th, aiming to become an annual formal event for the community of the Valley Arts District. SEE MORE BEHIND THE SCENES & GET INVOLVED MASCONSUMPTION.COM/THESHOOTS

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MIKE REILLY

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WHAT IS A

ZINE?

: a noncommercial often homemade or online publication usually devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter

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T H E HAT CITY KITCHEN S C E N E EAT CORNBREAD CRUSTED CATFISH

Two lightly breaded filets topped with our homemade chipotle mayo. With a choice of a side BEER SCHLITZ

“The beer that made Milwaukee famous”

EAT SIDES

BEER ALLAGASH WHITE ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY PORTLAND, MAINE

459 VALLEY STREET ORANGE, NJ

EAT JAMBALAYA

The New Orleans favored with chicken, shrimp, sausage, peppers and onions.

With a choice of a side.

DRINK CUPCAKE CABERNET SAUVIGNON CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA Rich with mocha, plum, dark cherry and blackberry. glass/bottle

DESSERT

RED VELVET CUPCAKES A unique variety of traditional and experimen- WARM CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES MAC-N-CHEESE tal Belgain-style beers made with a dedication HOMEMADE VANILLA BEAN BREAD BLACK EYED PEAS* to the Belgain white. PUDDING COLLARD GREENS FEATURED PIE OF THE WEEK FROM RED BEANS N RICE SUPREME BAKERY COLE SLAW ENJOY BUTTER MILK CORNBREAD HAPPY HOUR 3-7pm HOT BUTTERED ‘SHROOMS MONDAY-FRIDAYS BROCCOLI RABE SMASHED TATERS 1/2 price appetizers GARLIC SPINACH CRAB PUPPIES Miniature round crab cakes, addictive. FRENCH FRIES HAT CITY WINGS Buffalo, BBQ, or Honey Pepper SWEET POTATOE FRIES Cajun Fried Calamari Our Chipotle Aioli alongsise for dipping. $3 beers, $4 house wine, $5 cocktails @HATCITYKITCHEN 20 | MASCONSUMPTION.COM


459 VALLEY STREET ORANGE, NJ

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS: 862-252-9147

FOOD. MUSIC. DRINK. ART. DRINK WHISKEY SMASH Muddled mint, crushed ice, classic syrup, and Maker’s Mark.. YUM

VIEW ART GALLERY IN OUR DINING ROOM Current exhibition, photography series, “Underfoot” by Rick Hauser Hat City Kitchen Gallery powered by ValleyArts Read more about ValleyArts, and Hat City Kitchen in The Community Issue p Rick Hauser, and the cover photo p

JAM WEEKLY MUSIC JAMS DRINK DIRTY GOOSE Our twist on a dirty martini made with Grey Goose Vodka EAT RATATOULLE

ENJOY ARTIST SALON

2ND MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH

Come, have a drink. Bring your artist friends and meet your artist colleagues from the Valley Arts District and around the region!

Our delicious vegetarian option, roasted vegatables, on a flatbread melt. COUPON BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET 11-3pm DRINK LIQUID MJ Mention “The Zine” to your server & enjoy a buy one, get one FREE Sunday Brunch Buffet. A Thursday night staple, Eggs & French Toast Made to Order, homemade the fruity cocktail is sausage gravy, fried chicken & waffles, $3 mimosa/ made with rum, pinebloody mary, red velevet cupcakes & more. apple juice and other juices.

TUESDAYS 8PM ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC W/ MICHAEL REITMAN Come chill out with the soft sounds of acoustic guitar. This Acoustic Open Mic welcomes singers, songwriters, and musicians to serenade our welcoming audience with whatever originals or covers their hearts desire. WEDNESDAYS 8PM OPEN JAZZ JAM W/ MIKE LEE You’re invited to a wonderful night of jazz music brought to you by the best in local talent. Hosted by Mike Lee, this open jazz jam welcomes all styles and levels of musicians to share the stage and create great music. THURDAYS 9PM JT PROJECT PRESENTS PROJECT GROOVE Join The JT Project for a weekly open jam that is sure to blow your mind! Featuring local and regional musicians who have worked with artists like Beyonce, Estelle, Chaka Khan, Lauryn Hill, Justin Timberlake, Kenny Garrett, Joe and many more, all are encouraged.

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PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION BY EVA WOOLRIDGE @EWPHOTOS1


WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY ISSUE I AM AN ARTIST, WHO RESIDES AND CREATES IN THE VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT, LOCATED IN THE VALLEY OF ORANGE, AND WEST ORANGE. THE DISTRICT IS WITHIN A 15 BLOCK RADIUS, INTIMATE, AND AT THE SAME TIME BUZZING WITH A UNIQUE CREATIVE ENERGY WITH ENDLESS POSSIBLITY. THE VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER “ARTSY NEIGHBORHOOD”; THERE IS A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY. POWERED BY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, HANDS, INC. AND VALLEY ARTS THE DISTRICT IS HOME TO GALLERY SPACES, ARTIST RESIDENCES AND WORK SPACES, A GASTRO PUB/LIVE MUSIC VENUE, PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE, HYDROPONIC GREEN HOUSE, AND NEW LOFTS IN DEVELOPMENT. THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS ALSO HOME TO ARTISTS, PRODUCERS, DESIGNERS, MUSICIANS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND MORE ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE NEW WAVE OF GROWTH AND EXPOSURE. WE LIVE, AND CREATE HERE CULTIVATING THE NETWORK OF “DOERS” IN WEST ORANGE, ORANGE AND NEIGHBORING REGIONS. IN THIS ISSUE GET A PEAK INSIDE THE COMMUNITY, AND LEARN A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT. THE “ARTSY TOWN” EVERYONE IS HEARING SO MUCH ABOUT, YET KNOWS SO LITTE.

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26 | valley arts district map illustrated by iana 28 | hands: community leaders 30-31 | new to the neighborhood 32 | meet lara! #artistinthevalley 36 | hat City Kitchen turns 5! 38 | nikkole salter: the story that needed to be told! 40 | robert sember & the free people’s university 41 | the man behind quiet fire 42 | terry boddie #artistinthevalley 44 | arts unbound: upcoming events & shows

#THECOMMUNITYISSUE 24

| MASCONSUMPTION.COM


STAY CONNECTED! LIKE & FOLLOW US!

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@MASCONSUMPTION

THE NEXT ISSUE: SPRING 2015 THE STREET ART ISSUE RELEASE DATE: APRIL 2015 JOING THE TEAM! LOOKING FOR WRITERS, VISUAL ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS. IN EVERY ISSUE: 2-3 ART SUBMISSIONS 1-2 PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSIONS 1-3 POETRY SUBMISSIONS MASCONSUMPTION.COM/SUBMISSIONS WINTER 2015 | 25




It all started with a vision, specifically Pat Morrissy’s along with other community leaders in Orange, NJ, over twenty five years ago the non profit organization HANDS, Inc. (Housing and Neighborhood Development Services). Starting with turning formerly abandoned buildings into affordable residences, artist live/work lofts, and commerical spaces geared towards creatives, small business owners, who are key to creating a community for low and middle income families and others to prosper. Examples of their work are the reimagined spaces, The Firehouse Gallery, Hat City Kitchen, Luna Stage Theatre and Ironworks Gallery. These are now places people live, create, eat, drink, take in a stage production, and meet people. “The coming year promises to permanently alter the trajectory of Orange’s future by advancing our vision of a twenty-first century urban village - a just and beautiful city.” - HANDSINC.ORG HANDS is the true anchor of our community and the Valley Arts District. Without the neighborhood revitilization organization none of this would be possible. Take a look at some of their 2014 achievements: • Secured new long term financing (Neighborhood Anchors Fund or NAF-1) assuring the affordability of four important mixed-use properties including Arts Unbound that HANDS owns and rents to small businesses, nonprofits and artists. • Celebrating with a new homeowner. This formerly vacant and deteriorated house is now a quality affordable home that also changed perceptions of neighbors who see positive momentum and more investment in their neighborhood . • Stakeholders provided input for the public space master plan for the Valley neighborhood that defines priority projects to improve the neighborhood look, safety, pedestrian and bicycle access and travel to the Highland Avenue NJ-Transit rail station and around the Valley Arts District. The highest priority project is an Arts District gateway at Scotland Road and Freeman Street with signage, green space, lighting, seating and art installations • All systems and approvals are “go” to start renovations in 2015 to create 32 emerging market condos. Here is a preview of the new year: • Plans to continue to transform the city of Orange, into our vision of a twenty-first century urban village-a just and beautiful city • Hat City Lofts, the former F. Berg Hat Factory will become 32 loft condos and 5400 sq ft of commercial and community space for artists and arts-related enterprises 28 | MASCONSUMPTION.COM


HONORING THE LEADERS OF OUR COMMUNITY: HANDS 15TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARDS @ THE FIREHOUSE GALLERY The annual event held in the Valley Arts District honors community leaders in Orange and neighboring regions. This year, it took place at the Firehouse Gallery. There was live music provided by Jazz House Kids Ensemble. Live painting by ORNG Ink visual artists, Laura Campbell and Mike Malbrough. The mistress of ceremonies was award winning singer, Bettye LaVette, with a performance by actor, Jamil A.C. Mangan.

THIS YEAR’S HONOREES: • • • •

KHEMANI GIBSON LAURA W. SACKS SIMEKO WATKINS-HARTLEY INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY OF THE ORANGE • DE’SHON PARKS • ORANGE FIRE OFFICERS & FIREFIGHTERS UNIONS LOCAL 210 & 10

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OPENING 2015... At the new Kelli Copeland Artists Lofts 400 South Jefferson Street, Orange, NJ 07050 Watch this space for more details about this new cooperative arts facility with shared artist studios for jewelry and printmaking, an artist service center to support backoffice needs, and a programmable gathering space for workshops, meetings, and events.Memberships, Classes, & Workshops On Sale Soon. Applications are available handsinc.org

COMMUNITY PARTNER...

The Citrus City nonprofit organization, serves as a community development initiative in, by and for the township of Orange, NJ

Read more about the Arts Unbound exhibit on p44

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NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD: COURTNEY AMIRA “I am currently an AmeriCorps member serving at HANDS, Inc., a non profit organization that works to ensure that the neighborhoods in and around Orange, NJ remain good places to raise a family. I absolutely love the work HANDS is doing in and around Orange, especially since I am a resident of the city. I love the flourishing valley arts district, its redeveloping and giving life to the neighborhood. I would love to see the art district grow into the heart of the city, not just the valley area.” Here are fun facts about Courtney: Favorite Album of All Time: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Favorite Fashion Era: The 90’s

I sympathize with all of us The he’s, the she’s, the wannabe’s and in betweens The hand we’ve been dealt is unfair to say the least. A generation of dreamers and believers ridiculed by “the over-achievers”. 20 years from now, they’ll be singing our songs and reading our books. Admiring the generation “destined to be crooks”. We’re just trying to get by in a nation that can only survive with a 9 to 5. I can’t constantly question my future in an indefinite limbo of minimum wage jobs. This can’t be my destiny. Because while the rest of me is here, my mind has gone wild. Already intent on becoming who I ought to be. And all I want to be is free. From worry that not just we, but our children will thrive and play and dream, Of a future that is tangible. But at this rate the state of my own hope is wavering: savoring my last years of youth. Before I become one of you, the generation having stifled us so that any potential to become more, is gone.

Millenial Malcontent By Brittany Craig WINTER 2015 | 31


LARA GONZALEZ

My Artistic Journey in The Valley Arts District

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“When the moon is in the seventh house And Jupiter aligns with Mars Then peace will guide the planets And love will steer the stars” – AquariusfromHair I was born in the age referenced in these lyrics and am seriously guided by love and the stars – always have been. The opportunity to share a creative space in Firehouse Artist Lofts in the ValleyArts District, with the love of my life, came together in a moment of stellar alignment with the touch of musical magic. I have had the good fortune of living in some very interesting creative spaces and places, including the Boogie Down Bronx, Santa Cruz CA, an artist community on a farm in Northern NJ, and a loft I maintain in the Berkshires (in an old textile mill now inhabited by creatives) that serves as my business base. I love a space with character, history - a past that can mesh with the present. Living among artists and creative people is key for me. The Firehouse speaks to me this way and also serves the mutual need for my fiancé and I to share a space that accommodates our independent contractor jobs in the New York Metro area including a longstanding association with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). As a teaching, performing and recording artist I provide West African Drum, Dance & Song instruction and performances for all ages and abilities, from toddler to elder. My group - Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song – was invited to present at the inaugural Hat City Streets Festival by ValleyArts mover, shaker and bassist extraordinaire, Mike Griot, who is also a friend and collaborator of my fiancé. I was completely unaware of the arts movement being cultivated in Orange until we were performing in the middle of Forest Street that day. We had to rush off to another gig, but there was time to meet and shake hands with engaging artists and creative place makers who would soon become neighbors, friends and collaborators. I’ve got some gypsy in me and find it hard to stay in one place. Having an urban space in , Orange and a mountain spot in the Berkshires, suits me. I have no problem roughing it (have journeyed to Guinea, West Africa 5 times and counting) and don’t need anything fancy. The mill where I live and work in North Adams, MA (home of MASS MoCA) is pretty much raw space (in a downtown, Soho, 80’s, kinda way). When I stepped into what would be our loft in the Firehouse I was blown away by the beautiful renovations and aesthetic HANDS Inc had accomplished. Property Manager, Andrew Davlorous’s, graciousness and enthusiasm about the mission of HANDS sealed the deal for me and I have never felt better about paying rent. It’s easy to write that check every month knowing we are contributing to the renaissance of Hat City! Although I presently make my living as a musician and dancer, I was actually a double major in Studio Art and Art History, earning a BA from Fordham University. Visual arts has always been a deep part of my life - I was influenced at a very early age by my sister, fine artist, Barbara May. The ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery was an immediate interest to me and I quickly found myself gallery-sitting on Sundays. When ValleyArts Executive Director, Richard T. Bryant, offered me the position of Interim Gallery Manager part-time, I could not resist! My fiancé and I jumped on board to help steer the inaugural Open Orange exhibition featuring nearly 100 pieces of work by about 30 very talented artists. Since then I have continued to help manage 5 successful exhibitions and consider this an invaluable experience in Arts Management - I am forever grateful to Richard Bryant for encouraging me in this direction. In addition, I have relished the opportunity to present with Marafanyi at the second Hat City Streets Festival, teach at the ValleyArts Summer Arts Academy and at the ValleyArts Saturday Arts Academy. Most importantly, I was able to move my three beloved felines, Dunya, Forré, and Sabah, from the mill in Massachusetts (where they were alone for a few days a week) to the Firehouse where one of us is usually on site daily. My boy, Dunya, passed at the Firehouse (on his own terms) after a beautiful life of 16 years (living in most of those aforementioned interesting places with me) and the 2 girls continue to thrive. We have recently adopted one of the local cats our neighbor could no longer keep, KitKat! He is awesome and by all accounts is adjusting and thriving in his new environment in the same way I did – engaging and playing – MEOW. Contact Lara Gonzalez through her website www.marafanyi.com

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GET SOCIAL

WHO TO FOLLOW, #HASHTAGS & MORE SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT • When you are in the Valley Arts District be sure to check in on Foursquare, Swarm, Facebook & Yelp (Hat City Kitchen coupons) • When posting on social media (facebook, twitter, instagram, pinterest, etc.) use these hashtags, mentions, etc. #ORNGINK #IRONWORKSGALLERY

#ARTISTINTHEVALLEY #MUSICINTHEVALLEY #FOODINTHEVALLEY

@LUNASTAGETHEATRE (INSTAGRAM) @LUNASTAGECO (TWITTER) @VALLEYARTSNJ #VALLEYARTS #FIREHOUSEGALLERY

@MASCONSUMPTION #MASCONSUMPTION #THECOMMUNITYISSUE @PINKCUPCAKES_86 @WORDSWITHPR

#VALLEYARTSDISTRICT #ARTSUNBOUND @HATCITYKITCHEN @HATCITYK (TWITTER) #HATCITYKITCHEN #HATCITY

#HANDSINC

OVERHEARD

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY about performing at ORNG Ink, “It was an absolute pleasure to play here. Great vibe and cool people. I hope we can turn musical performances into a regular thing.” - Christian Cotabelli, musician about Luna Stage Theatre, “A theatre truly dedicated to being a place that actively engages the world in which we live NOW.” - Nikkole Salter, writer, producer, actress about Hat City Kitchen, “Awesome food amazing music, incredible atmosphere, check it out.” - Emma Zaaijer, sound engineer about Arts Unbound, “I found my artistic voice through Arts Unbound. I find that I am not as hyper critical of my work as I used to be. Thanks to everyone at Arts Unbound.” - Andrea Weisbard, visual artist about the Valley Arts District, “This neighborhood is what is referred to as “next”. With the constellation of organizations providing various resources while aiming not to displace the community.” -Mike Griot, musician, Firehouse Gallery resident

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HAT CITY

CELEBRATES IT’S FIVE Y

hat City Kitchen, opened in 2010 is a gastro pub, live music venue, community event space, art gallery, and dining establishment located on the border of Orange/West Orange in the Valley arts District. PaT MORRISSY shares his vision for Hat City Kitchen: past, present, future: My vision for Hat City Kitchen: A home for musicians, a distinctive cuisine that appealed to a multi-ethnic customer base, a friendly, comfortable gathering place. The past, present and future of the establishment- Our General Manager Mark Lyons has combined his love of New Orleans with his extensive experience running establishments in San Francisco and Hoboken to create a venue that is a “creative community” and Chef Randall supplies the Cajun, Creole and Soul influenced cuisine that community loves. Any given week about 80 musicians perform at Hat City before hundreds of customers. Ashley Rutledge scours the tri-state area for great musical performers on Friday and Saturday nights. Our Open Mic and Jam formats are anchored by great local musicians. The Hat City staff includes artists, musicians, song writers, fashion stylists, photographers. Organizations like ValleyArts and NJ Citizen Action have their events at Hat City. The dining room is an art gallery with exhibits by local artists changing every two months. The community of Orange embraces Hat City Kitchen. Hat City Kitchen supports neighborhood events and activities. That’s what we’ve built in five years. The future? More of the same.

HAT CITY KITCHEN’S KEY PLAYERS: MARK LYONS, coming into Hat City Kitchen almost three years ago, he used his bar and nightclub expertise to establish the restaurant’s identity. I think what is most important though is that he got it. His first week he simply observed, and got to know the staff and what was already happening. He attended a spoken word event, and made it clear that he was here to enhance the arts community and creativity. He saw that Hat City was not just a place for people to drink and eat. Nor was it established simply for financial gain. As a patron of the arts and community he saw the bigger picture. In addition to making HCK a functional restaurant generating profit he wanted solidify its role in the community of the Valley Arts District. Since his energetic arrival the music program has defined itself with the help of Ashley Rutledge. The menu, and bar has also found its way making it a unique bar with good regular happy hour customers. The dining room became an orbiting art gallery, powered by Valley Arts. He began hiring local artists, musicians and culinary students for front and back of house staff. To manage a non-profit like Hat City Kitchen you have to give a lot of time, patience, while staying true to its vision. While bringing us to the five-year mark, and continuing to beat last year’s numbers, Mark has been truly dedicated. Fact: there is no one with his work ethic, dedication, and overall awesomeness that can do what he does. He believes in HANDS, and the Valley’s community work. He sees and nurtures young talent, and has the compassion to also mentor and oversee some of the most talented creative who work and visit the live music venue. He has been a great addition to the community, and his larger than life personality is indeed a key role in the Valley Arts District’s revitalization. ASHLEY RUTLEDGE, the music and programming coordinator has also been with Hat City Kitchen for three years and has been instrumental in its growth. She has a keen music sense and seeks out emerging, local and more known talent from New York and throughout New Jersey. RANDALL BARTHELEMY, head chef who has been with Hat City Kitchen probably the longest has grown with Hat City Kitchen. He helped solidify the core menu, manage the kitchen efficiently. ED, Hat City Kitchen’s resident “sound guy”, and probably one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. His trademark, “welcome to the hat city stage,” has made countless musicians feel and he helps them sound amazing. He is good at what he does, and a fixture on HCK’s music scene.

459 VALLEY STREET ORANGE, NJ 07050 HOURS: M-F 4PM-2AM S 12PM-2AM SU- 11AM-12AM WWW.HATCITYKITCHEN.COM

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@HATCITYKITCHEN


KITCHEN

YEAR ANNIVERSARY! NOTABLE BANDS WHO HAVE GRACED THE HAT CITY STAGE: Brother Valiant, 5 Cent Philosphers, Al Gold & SRK All Stars, Johnny Sansone, Amigos! Amigos!, Billy Hector, Black Lace Blues, Bog Iron Bloom, C. Apicella and IRON CITY, Chelsea Carlson, Curt Jones Band, Dave Fields, Dave Stryker Organ Trio, Days of Rain, Elvie and the Boys, Emotional Rex, Enzo & the Bakers, Harrison Young, Hott Mott’s R&B Band, James Gibbs, House of Essex, James Lockhart & Corner Pockit, Jersey Jazz Collective, Jersey Jazz, Jersey Soul Review, John Powers 3, Kosmic Daydream, Juke Joint Johnny, Lew Gatewood Band, Lora Tazewell & The Ripple Effect Band

JAM WEEKLY MUSIC JAMS TUESDAYS 8PM ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC W/ MICHAEL REITMAN Come chill out with the soft sounds of acoustic guitar. This Acoustic Open Mic welcomes singers, songwriters, and musicians to serenade our welcoming audience with whatever originals or covers their hearts desire. A new jam, “AMPED” begins soon. WEDNESDAYS 8PM OPEN JAZZ JAM W/ MIKE LEE You’re invited to a wonderful night of jazz music brought to you by the best in local talent. Hosted by Mike Lee, this open jazz jam welcomes all styles and levels of musicians to share the stage and create great music. THURDAYS 9PM JT PROJECT PRESENTS PROJECT GROOVE Join The JT Project for a weekly open jam that is sure to blow your mind! Featuring local and regional musicians who have worked with artists like Beyonce, Estelle, Chaka Khan, Lauryn Hill, Justin Timberlake, Kenny Garrett, Joe and many more, all are encouraged.

DESCRIBE HAT CITY KITCHEN IN 5 WORDS: CORI ENNIS: ecelctic, cool, casual, funky, inviting BRITTANY CRAIG: vibrant, active, different, alive, refreshing KRYSTAL LEMONIAS: creole, hipster, ar tsy, patchwork, gem NAEEMA CAMPBELL: sketch, lues, soul, connection, creativity PAT MORRISSY- comfor t, tasty, creative, satisfying, dynamic

CURRENT IN THE GALLERY: Underfoot, the works of Rick Hauser

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS: MARDI GRAS PARTY FEBRUARY 17TH

NEWLY ADDED MENU ITEMS: RATATOUILLE FLATBREAD MELT CREOLE SHRIMP (ORIGINALLY SHRIMP ETTOUFFE) RASTA PASTA BLACK EYED PEAS

CURRENT & PAST CREATIVE & ECLECTIC STAFF MEMBERS: JOSH HEWLETT- aspiring caterer JEFF DORCH- aspiring chef LETICIA MCLEDEON- apspring patry chef ASHLEY RUTLEDGE- singer/songwriter, music program director BRITTANY CRAIG- singer, songwriter, poet DEANNA RILEY- singer CURRAN BANACH- member of Brother Valiant folk band AJ AMSTERDAM- member of Brother Valiant folk band MELISSA JOHNSEN- real estate agent EMMA ZAAIJER- sound engineer, producer KAT DOLLY BLACK- fashion stylist, visual merchandiser PATRICIA ROGERS- writer, zine editor, ORNG INK ar tist-in-residence PAUL LOMBARDO- singer, musician HEATHER DORIAN- actress, model MARIE DAVID- blogger, CEO of LadiSav TYREE HUEY- photographer, filmmaker

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NIKKOLE SALTER

“LINES IN THE DUST” THE STORY THAT NEEDED TO BE TOLD.

Lines was a commission from Luna Stage. I was inspired by the autobiography of Judge Robert Carter, presiding in NY later in his life. He was raised in the East Orange - Newark areas and was one of the major architects of the legal strategy that led to the Brown v. Board of Education victory in 1954. He passed in 2012 (or 11) and I wondered what he thought about the fact that the schools were as much if not more segregated than they were in 1954 when he thought he had helped put an end to segregation. I wanted to explore why segregation was still the norm, and what impact it has on our community atlarge. I felt the story needed to be told because we have collectively created and continue to uphold a society that claims to be equal, but actually denies equal opportunity of education to millions of children everyday simply because their families cannot afford to live in “better” communities. I felt this story needs to be told because we continue to say - through our actions - that some people are more worthy of our attention, resources and investment than others. And if education is the portal to upward mobility and economic access - the American dream - what a nightmare we must be creating for those millions. It’s got to stop -- not just for those being treated unfairly, but for all of us. -- not just for those being treated unfairly, but for all of us. We need to invest and expect a return on our investment from all of our children. We cannot afford to let any talent go to waste. My play REPAIRING A NATION opens at the Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick, NJ on February, 26, 2015 and runs through March 15th. See you at the theatre! Read more about Nikkole, p7

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ROBERT SEMBER

is a member of the international sound-art collective, Ulta-Red. P.R. was able to ask him about his work with University of Orange’s Jan. Term 4: Popular Education & the Just City Touching on your work with Ultra Red, and Vogue’ology, how does the arts, and providing a more creative environment can help make connections in the community? When talking about art I have found the following observation by the philosopher Jacques Ranciere very useful. Ranciere suggests that we not waste time asking what art is since it always tends to push against its own limits and any definition will be incomplete. Rather, he suggests, we should focus on what art does. I like how this turns art into a question. It frees us from the limiting assumption that art is always intrinsically good or positive. This is not to say that art is not good but it might be more useful to think about art in different terms. I know that making our world beautiful and representing places, events and experiences is very important. It is often important to find sanctuary in creative work so that we can return refreshed to the hard work of struggle. That said, we can also benefit from having art accompany us through the messiness of the debates and failures that are part of any community organizing process. This is what we do in Ultra-red, the art collective of which I am a part. Ultra-red formed in Los Angeles 20 years ago when a group of artists helped establish that city’s first needle exchange program to reduce risk of HIV and Hepatitis infections. Since then the collective has worked to support community-organizing initiatives in a number of cities in the U.S. and Europe. We propose that collective listening is essential to community building. To hear and be heard is to be immediately in relationship with others, including the non-humans with whom we share the world, as well as the sounds of the environments in which we live. We can learn a lot about our neighborhoods by listening intentionally and together to the sound world. The creative, or art-making element of our practice is the development of different ways in which people can work together to investigate, through collective listening, the conditions of their communal lives. When we listen together and share what we hear, it quickly become apparent that we listen differently and therefore know differently. This is the perfect condition for learning together and figuring out more creative ways to move forward. Sometimes Ultra-red’s work involves making sound collages or even musical compositions. We also do oral history interviews and make recordings of public events. But the making of the sound objects is not the end or aim of the process. Rather, these objects are the beginning of a process of gathering and sharing what we have found, learned, and what it is that our communities need. In a sense, what is being created and re-created in the process is not precious art works but valuable and empowering intentional relationships. To me, this is a practice of solidarity because it celebrates how both our differences alongside our common sense of purpose can nourish learning. Perhaps this also is a return to the old meaning of the word aesthetics. Today aesthetics is primarily concerned with beauty whereas it used to refer to the manner in which sensation or experience is organized in many different activities, not just art. We might ask today what makes a photograph beautiful. We could also ask, how does this photograph help us see and what do we then learn when we look at our neighborhoods and communities in different ways. For Ultra-red, the question is what do we hear when we become more aware, more literate in the many different ways in which we listen. Like every other form of perception, the social act of listening is something we learn to do and that we can learn to do better than if we simply think of it as natural and automatic. For a number of years, Ultra-red have worked with the House and Ballroom scene in New York. This is an amazing, autonomous, multi-generational, artistic collective. The creative work of the Ballroom scene has been copied and appropriated around the world by dancers, fashion designers, models, emcees, and all types of performers. There is great collective power and wisdom behind this creative work as well as much pain, suffering and loss. LGBT people of color, many living in poverty, face relentless, intersecting oppressions. Listening is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the accomplishments and wisdom. Listening also returns us to the foundation of the Ballroom scene, continued on p47

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Josh Hewitt is an aspiring chef, and caterer. A local ‘artist’, recent culinary school graduate started working at Hat City Kitchen as a line cook while in school. Since, he has moved up to a hotel job and plans to build his own catering business, Quiet Fire Catering. The cook recently flexed his skills for the first annual The Valley Gala event last month. Have You Always Wanted to be a Chef? I always wanted to cater so I could control how much I work. I don’t like being a slave to the clock. I even love seeing the faces of the people I just cooked for and seeing the appreciation of good food. Before I went to high school I wanted to be a video game designer. But after taking a cooking class in high school I thought this might be what I want to do. Everyone loves food. I just want people to like me well at least in school. Ever since my first kitchen job, I started learning and gaining chef ambitions Do You Have a Specialty? I don’t like to say I have a specialty because there are so many styles of cooking. I feel to be a great chef you should always try to cook new and different dishes. Giving you a wider range of tastes and flavors. But at the end of the day I like cooking Spanish& Caribbean foods and I probably cook southern style cajun food the best. You know it’s Hat City Kitchen’s lasting impact on me. Where Do You Want to Take Quiet Fire Catering? I want to take Quiet Fire however far I can get it. I always imagined going from catering to a banquet hall. Then throwing my name and symbol around on a chef coat clothes line even a line of chef knives. What makes it different it started with the food then goes to the art. Because basically culinary arts is an art and the art is where I want to remember to always bring it back to. Talk about Catering The Valley Gala Cooking at HCK was fun. Balancing orders, getting the party ready, goofing off it was jus good memories. Had a few problems with getting my product out my own car by locking the keys in my car. Ridiculous but in all honesty the rush do everything in short time is almost addictive. I was happy with everything that went out. Everyone hopefully felt the same. My personal favorite was the fried chicken and waffles with chili syrup the chicken was great. The waffles had a small problem but its imperfection mad it that much more perfect. The kabob shrimp I picked that trick up from my newest chef. The deconstructed empanada was a crowd favorite was my own secret meat blend. But even that is just the beginning, all my food will be better the more my catering and culinary career continues.

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terry boddie: #artistinthevalley | MASCONSUMPTION.COM


What attracted you about living in the Valley Arts District? I live in West Orange and work in the Valley Arts District. I was attracted to working in the VAD because it reminded me of some of the art districts I’ve seen in New York State and elsewhere. There are raw indusrial spaces that artists can transform to live and work in. How long have you lived here? I’ve live in West Orange since 2006. I’ve had a studio in the Valley Arts district since 2007 Talk about your journey as an artist My journey as an artist began as an undergrad at New York University and continued as a graduate student at Hunter College. Since graduate school I’ve shown my work in numerous places from nonprofit galleries to commercial galleries and museums as close as Newark, NJ and as far away as Paris, France. I’ve been fortunate to participate in residences where I was able to develop new bodies of work and experiment with new processes and media. I’ve also been fortunate to show my work to a wide range of audiences. I think that it is important that an artist’s audience reflect the rich diversity of humanity. How was it living in Brooklyn back in the 1990s? (please correct exactly where you lived, I recall our conversation after Lines in the Dust Show) I lived and worked in Harlem before I came to NJ but the entire city was my neighborhood frankly. I came of age in NYC both as an adult and as an artist. It’s like a lover you can’t quite forget. I’m here now though. If the circumstances fall into place I can grow roots in the Valley. What is your vision for the neighborhood? My vision for the neighborhood is for it to be filled with artists who work in a variety of medias and disciplines from visual artists to musician to performers. These artists would interact with each other but also with the local community to build an sustain the arts in the Valley Arts District. How has things changed? Things have changed incrementally over the time I’ve been here, but not rapidly enough frankly. Artists are moving into the Valley. There’s not enough foot traffic yet or regular activities to encourage and sustain traffic. We can do more. Most memorable experience in the Valley Arts District My most memorable experience in the VAD was of an exhibition I co-curated in 2009 with Lorena Lagrassa who was the former director of Valley Arts. We acquired funding from HANDS to produce an exhibition, Uncharted Territories that invited artists to respond creatively to the historical election of the first Black US president, the 2008 financial meltdown and climate change. The exhibition featured the work of 20 artists from New York and New Jersey who accepted the challenge. It was installed in Harvard Press, a warehouse on Central Avenue at the Orange/West Orange border and at Oualie Art, my studio gallery on Freeman Street. It was as success both critically and in terms of attendance. Describe Hat City Kitchen in 5 words A cool place to visit. Talk about masconsumption This is a very necessary vehicle for young emerging talent in all genres to articulate their creative voices and to share this with a wide audience both locally in the Valley Arts District and beyond.

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ARTS UNBOUND

UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS Art from the Heart February 6 - 28, 2015 Opening reception Friday, Feb 6, 5-8pm Pages: Art Inspired by Books March 6 - 28, 2015 Opening reception: Friday, March 6, 5-8pm We will also be doing Saturday Family Workshops in conjunction with both shows: Saturday Family Workshops 3-5 pm Join us to make some art and enjoy refreshments. open to all ages. $5 suggested donation February 7 : Valentines March 7: Inspired by Books All of this takes place at: Arts Unbound 544 Freeman St. Orange, NJ 07050 (973) 657-2787 info@artsunbound.org We will also be having two exhibitions at other venues during the winter, but I only have the info for one at the moment: “Portfolio: Works from the Artists of Arts Unbound” January 11-February 28 Opening reception January 11, 11am-1pm Gaelen Gallery East JCC MetroWest 760 Northfield Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052 Gaelen Gallery East hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-9:00pm Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: 9:00am-6:00pm

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BE INSPIRED.

WINTER 2015 • THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 1 NO.7 EDITOR - IN- CHIEF PATRICA ROGERS EDITORIAL BOARD MOLLY ROSE KAUFMAN, RAY W. SYKES III CREATIVE DIRECTOR LAURA CAMPBELL ART FEATURES EDITOR BRITTANY CRAIG CONTRIBUTING EDITOR DONETTE BELIZAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR DAVE @DA1BROWNHORNET VIDEO DIRECTOR MARCO DORCE FASHION DIRECTOR KAT DOLLY BLACK CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BRITTANY CRAIG, ROBERT SEMBER, NIKKOLE SALTER, LARA GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS WINSTINA DAKERS, STEVE VANNOY, RICK HAUSER, EVA WOOLRIDGE,MIKE REILLY COVER PHOTOGRAPHER RICK HAUSER ‘UNDERFOOT; PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES ART COVER DESIGN VLAD JEAN FASHION EDITORIAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR PATRICIA ROGERS STARRING KAT DOLLY BLACK, ASHLEY RUTLEDGE, P.R. ASH PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE REILLY STYLED BY PAT N KAT STYLE, MODELS OWN WARDROBE, VINTAGE HAIR & MAKE-UP ANNE RUBY, AMIRA JANNAH THE COMMUNITY ISSUE FEATURING THE VALLEY ARTS DISTRICT MASCONSUMPTION VIDEO VIDEO EDITOR BOMB IMAGES SPONSORS HAT CITY KITCHEN, HLS FILMS & PHOTOGRAPHERS, LADISAV, PAT N KAT STYLE, ORNG INK STAY CONNECTED: MASCONSUMPTION.COM • @MASCONSUMPTION • ISSUU.COM/MASCONSUMPTION • GET FEATURED/CONTACT: VALLEY.ZINE.EDITOR@GMAIL.COM SUBSCRIPTIONS ONE YEAR FOR $20.00. DELIVERY IN THE U.S. PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARD MASCONSUMPTION.COM/SUBSCRIBE MASCONSUMPTION.COM

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continued from p 9 Contributor Proiles: Steve Vannoy Two of my great passions in life are tr avel and photogr aphy. I believe that tr avel broadens one’s view of the wor ld. Experiencing other cultures, meeting people from other communities and other countries and seeing the beauty, and sometimes ugliness, of the wor ld has helped me under stand that all of our lives are at once interconnected and individual. It has made me better appreciate my own home and culture as well as that of the people I’ ve met and the lands I’ ve seen and I have become a much more toler ant per son as a result. Through my photogr aphy I seek to document my own personal experiences, to capture scenes and events as I see them and to share with other s the beauty and diver sity of the wor ld I’ ve seen. As the images of other photogr apher s have inspired me to explore the wor ld, I hope my own contributions will inspire other s to do the same. Contributor Profiles: Rick Hauser The name of the series UnderFoot came to be in 2013. I star ted shooting GAS valve caps for fun because of my, now closed, galler y GAS Galler y And Studio. As I star ted my search for these industrial creations, I discovered a whole wor ld of ar tisan designed manhole cover s. Some old, some new, I thought about the fact that these ver y objects are driven over, stepped on, and even avoided. The name UnderFoot was on obvious choice. Valley Ar ts District... There’s great potential in the valley. It’s edgy enough to attr act some ver y talented ar tists. I think it’s on the upswing. Unfor tunately that pendulum is moving slow. But before we realize, we’ ll be in the center of it all. The ar t community of South Or ange, Maplewood and West Or ange has cer tainly embr aced and suppor ted all of Valley Ar ts, which will cer tainly add value to district. My photogr aphy jour ney star ted when I was in my teens, though it’s progressed ver y slowly. It’s never been a stream of revenue, though I’d like to say it has. As happy as I am with where my photogr aphy is, I’d like to be in the same place only ten year s ear lier. But I and my photos are a product of my environment and my experiences to date. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. My photos have certainly not visual impacted the masses, but those who have purchased my wor k have a connection to my images that makes me feel as though my wor k can make a greater impact. The most significant par t of my jour ney was wor king in the dar kroom. Though I’m all digital now, the experience taught me a lot. As much as I love the dar kroom, the digital wor ld is so rewarding and immediate. I know pretty quickly when I have the shot. It may be too easy sometimes. What’s next? Not sure, though I know that I’ ll never stop looking UnderFoot. And I may even pick my head up once in a while. I may not be able to tell you where I’m headed, but you’ ll cer tainly know where I’ ve been.

LIST OF SPONSORS

HAT CITY KITCHEN ORNG INK 91 FILMS PAT N KAT STYLE HLS FILMS & PHOTOGRAPHY LADISAV VALLEYARTS HANDS, INC. UNIVERSITY OF ORANGE CONTACT EDITOR P.R. Patricia also loves to lead zine-making wor kshops with groups using one sheet of printer paper. She is also always open to expanding the MASCONSUMPTION creative team. There is a lot happening with the Valley Ar ts District, thanks to Richard Br yant, the director of ValleyAr ts, Inc. If you are into the ar ts, come by. Visit Hat City Kitchen for a drink, amazing food (new menu coming soon), and live music. valley.zine.editor@gmail.com masconsumption.com SPECIAL THANKS: TO ALL TRUE SUPPORTERS.

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MASCONSUMPTION.COM


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