Soft opening of Broad Street Bank Gallery shows promise
A soft opening for Broad Street Bank Gallery delivered a cold hard fact that art remains a key component to city revitalization.
Trenton Downtown Association delivered another successful venture ahead of Saturday’s official opening as special guests enjoyed light fare, conversation, plus a spacious Broad Street Bank area accented by impeccable light fixtures and building columns topped off by gold decorative capitals that wrap each pillar and contrast white pillars and ceilings.
TDA, enjoying a rejuvenation of purpose since the arrival and employ of Executive Director Thomas Gilmour, has adopted this virtually unused East State St. space for a gallery infused by local artists.
“The Influence of Women” anchors the opening exhibit, themed by diverse local artists impacted by life experiences, residue necessary for soulful delivery of art, photography and sculpture.
Curated by Meaghan Singletary and Craig Shofed, the exhibit includes the works of local artists Tamara Torres, Aylin Green, Kate Graves, Alia Bensliman, Jesse Vincent and Lori Jensen.
BSB Gallery continues an art evolution as the Creek to Canal Creative District (C2C), the city’s first arts and cultural district, breathes life into downtown Trenton.
The art revolution already includes expanded successful events Art All Night, Art All Day and creative spaces such as Artworks and Casa Cultura.
BSB Gallery offers a concentration of creative art in one room, plus, an intriguing bank vault.
Gilmour referenced the BSB Gallery and Creek to Canal Creative District as “welcome additions “to the city’s radioactive art movement that sizzles like an isotope.
The new gallery receives support by grant funding provided by the George H. and Estelle M. Sands Foundation, Isles, Inc. and benefits from the New Jersey Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program.
BSB Gallery will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting February 15.
The “Influence of Women” opens today showing from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. then runs through March 30.
BSB Gallery is located at 143 East State St. in historic downtown Trenton.
For more info access www.BSBGALLERY.com.
L.A.Parker is a Trentonian columnist.