Art matters in Cape May. The Art Matters program of the New Jersey Art Pride foundation, has a mission to encourage New Jersey’s communities to create great spaces for its citizens by using the extraordinary benefits of the arts to strengthen economic and community development, education, and healthcare.
Cape May hits the mark, and maybe even raises the bar.
Participating in the video above was an honor. Produced with the insanely talented Frank Weiss and supported by Art Matters, the video will be shown state wide to promote the Arts in Cape May.
Aside from those mentioned in the video, it made me think about just how deep the pool of talent is in Cape May. When a production like this takes place, there is an elaborate set up and up to half an hour of video shot. Sometimes though, all you get is a fifteen second soundbite.
Not a critique of the video, but we didn’t hear about the Carroll Gallery at the Emlen Physick estate; although the visual references are stunning.
We also didn’t hear about the award winning East Lynn Theater or Elaine’s Dinner theater. Both bring top notch shows into the Cape May Arts scene.
I think Ms. Cassale, nailed it when she said “the Arts community is in a growth stage at the moment.” Just look at the Cape May Artist’s cooperative, or stroll through the West End Garage in West Cape May. In fact there is even art found at the Flying Fish Studio on Park Boulevard, a beacon in the much maligned t-shirt business.
The music scene, also visually represented in the video, is in an explosive stage of growth and diversity. This past weekend in Cape May was a demonstration of what is possible, when private producers take over venues and fill them with entertainment.
Whether it’s Jazz or Singer Songwriters, the musical arts in Cape May also matter both to locals and visitors alike.
Galleries, theaters, museums and even hand crafted jewelry shops like Splash, work to create increasing buzz about arts in Cape May. Yes, Art matters in Cape May. If Roy Steinberg is right and art civilizes people, Cape May is one heck of a civilization to be in.
It’s a wonderful video and I hope it brings lots of positive attention to Cape May’s art scene, which has always been a major part of her charm. I also didn’t see mention of the coop on Sunset, which is a fabulous showcase of local artist’s work, and the Cape May County Art League is the first of its kind in the country — so we’re not just the last stop on the Parkway or the First Resort –Cape May follows its Victorian mandate, as made famous by Bruce Minnix: “Too much is not enough.”
Author
Janice,
I like that comment. I really never got to know Mr. Minnix. I know he was a pioneer and hope he would be pleased with the promotion of Cape May today.
Thanks again for reading and commenting on the blog.
Art does matter in Cape May, and SOMA Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting our regional artists with monthly Artist Opening Receptions. Go to somagallery.net to view our 2015 artist exhibits.
Author
Janet,
So nice of you to read and comment on the blog. I am thrilled you were a part of the video project. I hope it brings more people to Cape May and the Arts community. It benefits us all.