As 2022 comes to a close, we look to the challenges and accomplishments this year brought. Once again, the member volunteers of Pro Arts provided a full calendar of exhibitions and programs for the arts community to enjoy. 

We began the year without a gallery (again) but were fortunate to open our exhibition calendar at Watchung Arts Center. After returning to City Hall for in-person (post COVID) Meet The Curator portfolio reviews, we held our Curators Choice exhibition and panel discussion at Casa Colombo. Before our new gallery was completed, the big space at ART150 presented the well-attended exhibition to honor the life of John Ruddy, fire fighter and friend of Jersey City artists. 

By August, the new gallery was finished. We continued to offer Pro Arts members and ART150 studio artists opportunities to exhibit their work. Grant awards allowed us to procure the large gallery for JCAST, as well as a booth at Art Fair 14C. Besides the grants we received, we participated in the Hudson Gives fundraising event for the third year. We published our fourth collection of members’ artwork and writings, entitled Statements and we held a Holiday Shop in the gallery, giving member artists a chance to sell their work during holiday shopping weekends.

Speaking of fundraising… Pro Arts thanks all the people who have given generously throughout the year, years in some cases. We have created another busy schedule of exhibitions and events for 2023 but we will continue to need financial support.

Please consider becoming a Sustaining Supporter for as little as $10/month. As a member artist, we won’t bug you to renew and part of your support will become an added tax-deductible donation. If you’re not an artist but would just like to support what we do, a monthly gift would be an easy way to help us continue with our programming. If monthly support isn’t for you, we’ll thank you for an end of the year gift.

All of the progress – events, professional development and fundraising, would not be possible without the hard work of our leadership team and volunteers, especially our loyal Administrative Consultant, Mollie Thonneson. For many years, Mollie has been a devoted Pro Arts member artist and past co-president. With gratitude, a bit of sadness, and a pinch of happy excitement, Pro Arts will say good-bye to Mollie and Alan Walker as they leave New Jersey for their new home in Massachusetts.

From the Pro Arts Leadership Team and Board of Directors, we wish you happiness and good health during the holidays and throughout the coming year!