JERSEY CITY, NJ—Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins the Office of Cultural Affairs and Department of Recreation and Youth Development alongside Jersey City artists and arts community to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the robust Jersey City Youth Mural Arts Program. JCYMAP is an extension of the Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) created by Mayor Fulop in 2013 to combat graffiti, engage the community, and beautify the city’s urban landscape into an outdoor art gallery.
To mark the 10-year milestone, a special event will feature the opening of a gallery art exhibition and premiere screening of the short documentary ARTISTS THAT INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS, directed by artist Duda Penteado and produced by Unshakeable Productions. The documentary highlights the incredible work of the 2024 JCYMAP participants and their contributions to this year’s mural project. The celebration will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at JC WALLS, located at 90 Forrest Street, Jersey City, NJ.
“Duda Penteado has been a driving force in our burgeoning arts community, and we are grateful for his dedication to mentoring and inspiring young artists,” Mayor Fulop said. “Since the launch of our mural program 11 years ago, we have transformed the city with over 200 large-scale murals that breathe life into our buildings and neighborhoods. Created by local, national, and international artists these murals celebrate Jersey City’s vibrant culture, enhance our public spaces, and foster a deep sense of community pride.”
“This year, we are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of JCYMAP—a powerful reminder that our journey is an incredible opportunity to empower and shape the consciousness of this generation. It embodies not only the vibrant murals that now adorn the city’s walls but also the transformative journeys of the young artists who created them. These creative voices have turned blank walls into powerful narratives that resonate with the heart of the vibrant and diverse spirit of Jersey City,” said Duda Penteado, JCYMAP Creative Director and Jersey City Fine Artist and Filmmaker.
This year’s mural captures the essence of art as a cornerstone of human history and culture. It is a celebration of how art and culture have not only reflected but also shaped the journey of humankind. By highlighting artists who have used their platforms for social change and influence, the mural emphasizes the enduring power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and drive progress throughout history.
The students worked together with the art instructors on the final layout and ultimately decided who would appear on the wall, selecting inspiring artists in history such as J.M.W.Turner, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Hlima af Klint, Umberto Boccioni, Nam June Paik, Toulouse Lautrec, Louise Nevelson, Kara Walker, Takashi Murakami, among many others.
This hands-on, intensive workshop is designed to provide young artists with the tools and skills necessary to create public art. Led by fine artist and filmmaker Duda Penteado and fine artist and muralist Catherine Hart, the program offers students aged 13 to 25 the opportunity to develop their talents through mural creation. In 2024, 25 students participated in the six-week program, receiving instruction in key public art techniques, including concept development, surface preparation, design scaling, paint application, and the preservation of outdoor art. Through this immersive experience, students not only gain valuable artistic skills but also engage in meaningful community dialogue.
2024 art students participants: Emily Adams, Cheyne Ali Anderson, Sky Alvarado, Imani Anighoro, Rubitha Balasubramani, Yanise Edmond, Rakeelah Gardner, Saiyaa Grant, Hiraeth Obando, Diana Olivio, Weiling Pan, Deepthi Sachi, Astrid Salazar Ovalle, Navdeep Sanghera, Zhania Scull, Isha Sidibay, Soraya Sidibay, Kate Smidge, Jayla Smith, Ana Tejada, Maximillian Williams, Zinnia Wu.
2024 Unshakable Productions (photo/video) student crew: Dawnson Anderson, Coda Camaya Motion Comic: Cheyne Ali Anderson.
This program was made possible by a partnership with the Jersey City Department of Recreation and Youth Development’s summer works program. The program team includes Mari Gardner, Director of JCMAP and Jersey City Youth Mural Arts Program (JCYMAP) under the Office of Cultural Affairs; Duda Penteado, Fine Artist and Filmmaker and Creative Director, JCYMAP; Catherine Hart, Fine Artist and Muralist and Lead Art Instructor, JCYMAP; Maya Sanders, Project Coordinator, JCYMAP; Emily Adams, art student and Assistant Project Coordinator, JCYMAP; Imani Anighoro, art student and Assistant Project Coordinator JCYMAP.
This year’s 10th anniversary celebration continues with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, October 26, followed by guided mural tours and an open gallery exhibition from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The community is invited to join in this exciting occasion.
Event Details:
Both events will be held at JC WALLS, 90 Forrest Street, Jersey City, NJ
- Opening Reception with Art Exhibit & Documentary Screening
Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Ribbon-cutting and Mural Celebration, Food & Giveaways
Saturday, October 26, 2024, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
About the Jersey City Youth Mural Arts Program
Each year, JCMAP offers artistically inclined Jersey City youth an opportunity to apply their skills to creating public art in various locations around Jersey City. Youth are led by professional mural artists who provide step-by-step instructions on public art techniques, including concept development, design enlargement and coherence, and spray paint techniques.
Students engage in research workshops and community engagement to foster a greater cultural and historical understanding of their work contexts. The project culminates in a collaborative large-scale mural designed and painted by participating youth. The JCMAP Youth Program strengthens design, drawing, and painting skills while enhancing the professionalism and employability of Jersey City’s emerging young artists. This program also aims to promote interdisciplinary art history education and provide opportunities for young people to engage in the interactive processes inherent in producing public art.
