(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Jesús Núñez, the owner of J. Nunez Gallery in Millburn, has opened a second J. Nunez Gallery in Summit. This new space is dedicated to showcasing representational and non-abstract artists, as well as photographers, an art discipline he believes is underrepresented in the art world and within New Jersey.
The core mission of his company is to represent local and women artists and to actively combat the gender gap in the art industry. The new gallery in Summit represents a significant step in the company's growth, allowing them to expand their support for local talent and women artists.
"Another unique project that sets our gallery apart from others and I am particularly excited about is our Love Always collection," said Jesús Núñez. "The Love Always collection was created to spread love by helping people in need. I am partnering with organizations that bring love but in many different ways; such as providing food, a home, and therapeutic support. I created this collection with love and thinking in love, because for me love is always the answer and we need more of it in this world."
"By purchasing one of these pieces, you are starting a love chain," continued Núñez. "You are displaying love on your walls and giving love and support to the people that need it the most. A portion of the proceeds of every piece sold will go towards the non-profit's mission. My hope is to make this collection my most successful, because this will mean that my art is truly bringing joy by helping heal people’s hearts."
The new J. Nunez Gallery is located at 13 Ashwood Avenue in Summit, New Jersey.
Originally from Spain, Jesús Núñez used street art to express himself as a teenager. As he matured he turned to the culinary arts. He pursued a three decade long career as an executive chef and restaurant owner in many elite restaurants in Spain and New York City. The New York Times called his cuisine “edible art” and compared Jesús to famed Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.
When COVID hit the restaurant industry hard Jesús went back to his roots as a visual artist and started producing an extensive inventory of art in his home studio. After a year had gone by he then realized it was time to make this his full time career. He now had dreams of opening up an art gallery of his own! He had always been an entrepreneur and opened up restaurants and different businesses in the past, so how hard can opening an art gallery be?
Things were going fine until Hurricane Ida hit the town of Millburn. The flood destroyed many businesses in downtown Millburn and amidst construction Jesus’ soon to be gallery space was now flooded and damaged by water. Just as he was 2 weeks away from opening he had to restart the building process. This was a huge setback, physically and financially. After two months of reconstruction Jesús finally was able to open his first contemporary art gallery doors!
Next was what kind of art gallery? And the answer like in all of Jesus’s Businesses was, a different one! Jesús's gallery stands out for its unique approach. Committed to addressing the gender gap in the art industry, he decided to represent women artists and focus on local talent, though he also includes some male and non-local artists to avoid extremes. His gallery is not just a space for art but a platform with a strong message and soul.
Next question was can art help others? The answer is the "love always" collection, a charitable endeavor where Jesús donates part of the proceeds to local non-profit organizations. This reflects his belief in the power of art to make a positive impact on community and society.
After two successful years running his Millburn gallery, which specializes in abstract art, Jesús expanded his vision by opening a second location in Summit. This new space focuses on representational and non-abstract art, as well as fine art photography.
As you can see Jesús has always been an artist and with that comes belief in yourself, no matter what setbacks life throws at you. He simply turned in his knives for paint brushes and brushes into running art galleries. What's next? Stay tuned this is only the beginning.
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