"Sidewalk Stories" at the Museum of Jersey City History and curated by Lucy Rovetto, showcases my vibrant collection of mixed media paintings depicting Jersey City's buildings. Each piece tells a unique story of these structures, from their former splendor to moments of decay and, in some cases, back to revitalization. It's an exploration of the ever-changing character of our beloved city, captured on canvas. - Nathalie Kalbach -
I am so excited - I‘ll be showcasing my artwork in the upcoming Jersey City Art and Studio Tour 2023. As we’re currently in the process of installing the artwork throughout the museum, I have to pinch myself constantly. It’s an incredible and furthermore historic venue - I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect!
The Van Wagenen House, which is also known as the Apple Tree House, is the home to the Museum of Jersey City History and it is one of the oldest buildings in Jersey City.
It was built in stages - the oldest being 1732 and then additions were added in 1842 and 1860. Due to it’s former apple tree orchard, it got it’s name, and it was owned by the Van Wagenen family for 259 years. It stands inside the boundaries of Bergen Square, which is the first permanent European settlement in New Jersey. There is a story about General Washington and General Lafayette may have met at the house or the orchard - but we don’t know for sure.
In 1946 the house was owned by Lawrence Quinn, who was an undertaker and changed the house to the Quinn Funeral Home, in which many people for generations were taken after they died, including the infamous Mayor Hague. A little site connection is that Lawrence Quinn’s sister, Gertrude Doody nee Quinn, lived in our house for many, many years, so I like to envision that he sometimes may have visited our house and told some interesting stories.
The Apple Tree House didn’t fare well in the decades after the Funeral Home left, and it was even listed among Preservation New Jersey’s 10 most Endangered Sites in 1996. The house was purchased by the city of Jersey City, and it is wonderful that it is now restored and home to the Museum of Jersey City History, thanks to the fight of many residents, preservation advocates like the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy and historians.
Beyond the captivating narrative of the house, which holds a special place in my heart and whose narrative and changes throughout time are at the core of my artwork and this exhibition, it’s equally exciting to have the opportunity to display my artwork alongside fascinating artifacts and antique furniture with deep connections to our city. It is magic to see curator Lucy Rovetto arrange everything and think through this, and I am learning so much working with her. It is not an easy feat to curate a show in a house that already has its own narrative and lots of beauty and colors and patterns and create a cohesive show that can do justice to the art but also the venue. Lucy is an amazing artist in her own right -so please check her out!
Each piece of art, every antique chair, and every artifact has a story to tell, weaving together the rich tapestry of Jersey City’s history. I am looking forward to the show and here are the details:
🕕 Opening Reception: October 13 from 6-9pm (Sips, snacks, and a chance to chat with me!)
📅 Gallery Hours: October 14-15 from 12-6pm
📍 Location: Museum of Jersey City History, 298 Academy St
Please mark your calendars, and feel free to bring friends and family along. Your presence would mean the world to me as I share this journey of creativity and urban exploration.
Looking forward to catching up, sharing stories, and enjoying art together. See you at "Sidewalk Stories"!
nat
Have a wonderful reception, your work will be perfectly displayed.