There are a lot of websites covering cool things to do taking place across New Jersey, but one of our favorites is “New Jersey Isn’t Boring” run by Cyd Katz. In March, Katz takes her love of the Garden State one step further with the New Jersey Isn’t Boring art exhibit at Arts Guild New Jersey in Rahway. Curated by Katz, the exhibit runs March 22 through April 16 and features the work of over thirty New Jersey artists.
“Presenting a New Jersey themed art exhibit has been an idea I had been kicking around for a while in my head and it’s amazing that it’s actually happening,” said Katz. “I’ve met a lot of great artists at events (like the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market) and through my weekly ‘Etsy Store of the Week’ program that I do on the website. I’ve never curated an art exhibit before, but the subject matter is New Jersey and that is something I’m very familiar with. It’s a great, free art exhibit and I hope my fellow New Jersayans will come out to see it while it’s open.
The intention of the exhibit is to provoke a new audience to take a new look at New Jersey. All artists exhibiting work are residents of New Jersey and their art work reflects different aspects of New Jersey including its beaches, landmarks, food, history, pop culture and more.
“If there is one thing that all New Jersey residents know to be true it’s that people who live in it love it, and outsiders have a bad impression of it,” Katz continued. “Years of terrible reality television shows have tarnished the reputation of the great, Garden State. It’s time for people to get back to appreciating a state that is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, great food, eclectic culture and so much more. New Jersey is becoming a stereotype and it’s time for things to change.”
“The mission of the art exhibit and my website is 100% showing the best aspects of New Jersey and how New Jersey is a great place to live and visit,” explained Katz. “I have three lifetime goals (as of now) that I cover on my website; go to every diner, go to every vineyard, and check out every brewery in New Jersey. I have lived in New Jersey my entire life and I love finding out new things to do and see. I also love supporting local businesses. Most of the time when I drive out somewhere to see one event, I discover a new downtown area, restaurant, NJ road attraction and more. It’s a lot of fun being a tourist in the place where you live!”
The Arts Guild of New Jersey is located at 1670 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065. Gallery Hours are Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm, Fri: 10am to 2pm, Sat & Sun: 1-4pm.