"Art All Night is the most successful event in the City of Trenton, bringing together artists of all disciplines to showcase their craft." said Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson of Trenton's North Ward, in a statement delivered from the main outdoor stage at Art All Night. "The arts attract investment, bring visitors, boost tourism dollars and build community identity and pride. This creates positive community norms such as diversity, tolerance and free expression. I cannot thank the organizers of Art All Night enough." Councilwoman Caldwell-Wilson's support has been instrumental in the continued success of Artworks and Art All Night.
"Art All Night is proof that Trenton has a heart that's alive and beating with creativity and spirit," said Joseph Kuzemka, Art All Night Event Director and Creative Director. "All through the night, you could feel the positivity and energy in the crowds present at Art All Night. I'm thrilled that we presented a safe and vibrant event this year that once again surpassed all previous expectations, and we can't wait to do it again next year."
Out of the more than 1,000 submitted pieces, a select collection of works was chosen by Artworks' major sponsors, staff and board; this series will be on display at Artworks Trenton from Saturday, June 28 through Saturday, July 26. A reception will be held for the exhibition on Saturday, June 28 from 6 pm to 8 pm.
"We couldn't be happier with how Art All Night went," said Lynn Lemyre, Artworks' Executive Director. "It's Artworks' 50th Anniversary and 25th year in Trenton, and Art All Night really demonstrates the community engagement, cultural power, educational potential and sheer fun and entertainment that's possible when our city embraces the arts. I'm proud of my staff and volunteers and grateful to the thousands of people who attended."
Weather for the event remained consistently clear and mild, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Guests of Art All Night perused the gallery floors, attended Master Classes on 25 different subjects, listened to music, danced in a Silent Disco, viewed demonstrations, and dined on food from a series of food trucks assembled into a World Food Court.
"Art All Night is a blessing to this city," said Eric Jackson, Trenton's Mayor-elect. "This is one of the most successful events in Trenton because of the great people, the artists and staff who make it happen. It never rains on Art All Night, because it can't rain on good people doing great things in the city of Trenton."
This year, 1,036 visual artists displayed 1,036 individual pieces of art; many of these pieces were available for sale, with many artists choosing to donate 10 percent of proceeds benefiting Artworks Trenton.
Over 50 music acts performed during the event, with the highest volume of crowds between 9 pm and 12 am on Saturday evening. Music acts Honah Lee and Black Collar Biz launched a musical collaboration as part of Honah Lee's midnight set.
Renowned painter Mel Leipzig held a packed-to-capacity Master Class on figure drawing at 8 pm on Saturday. Following the class, Leipzig began a painting of two Art All Night guests from the center of the gallery floor. Leipzig continued painting through the night.
377 volunteers from as nearby as down the block and as far away as Parsippany, NJ registered to assist and support the festival.
Art All Night celebrated the eclectic and diverse nature of the arts throughout the 24-hour festival, with demonstrations of glassblowing, skateboarding, hair art, and firedancing on display.
Area muralists contributed to a "dueling muralists" series, themed around Scary Faerie Tales.
Trenton filmmakers collaborated in the creation of The Bench, a series of eight short films that combine into a feature-length story about the day in the life of a Trenton bench. The feature had its premiere at Art All Night; an encore viewing was held at area restaurant Trenton Social on Thursday, June 26, at 8 pm.
