A feminist art collective, Blue Scarf, has taken root in South Orange and is taking over the old Blockbuster Video space for a blockbuster show starting October 21.
We were excited about the Blue Scarf Collective’s first gallery show, so we asked founder Sherry Sacks to talk a little bit about the perceptions of “suburban art” and how Blue Scarf is going to shatter them.
Sherry Sacks:
Like so many others, I moved from Brooklyn 7 years ago. I brought my pioneering spirit along with me, having started group lofts that produced art and music events, bands and then eventually starting to host art shows in my home.
After making my basement a painting studio, I founded Blue Scarf Collective as a means to bring together feminist artists as well as crush any old notions of suburban art; that it’s stale, or that it is a weak alternative to the NYC scene.
It has been my experience from working with this group of women, that while our work may be an extension of experiences from the City, we are certainly identifying with (in my case) South Orange as home; South Orange as an original and creative community paving our own way. The new ‘real art world’ is here in WoSoMa because we are making it happen!
We are using the former Blockbuster space as our first gallery group show and it’s ideal: Breathing life into an abandoned storefront- a relic of a suburban experience.
The following is from Blue Scarf Collective:
Blue Scarf Collective is pleased to announce its inaugural show, Breaking the Static, featuring participating collective members: Nancy Cook, Jessica Gidal, Heather Hamilton, Samar Hussaini, Sarah Klein, Danielle Masters, Jen Mcclory, Julia Petra Briggs, Sherry Sacks, Cat Starmer.
The show opens Friday, October 21 and will run until Monday October 31. Regular hours post reception will be 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays as well as Halloween Monday October 31.
Breaking the Static, will present contemporary painting, sculpture, living art, fiber art, light installations, film and photography. The collective has transformed the abandoned Blockbuster video space in South Orange, NJ into a gallery. Over 6,000 square feet of raw space will showcase works all exploring themes of movement. This theme is central to the collective’s goal of altering perceptions of the suburban art experience. And what better metaphor for this than breathing life into an abandoned space that once housed a staple of suburban reality: the local video store.
The kickoff reception will be held on Friday, October 21 from 6-10 p.m., featuring drinks and musical selections by DJ Sew Nancy. The gallery will be open during the last two weekends in October. The exhibition will also feature an installation with the help of the public and volunteer organization, Girls Helping Girls. Period. Please bring feminine hygiene donations to the show to be installed and then donated to girls and women in need upon show closing.
Blue Scarf Collective is a group of local multi-disciplinary artists who aim to bring a new feminist voice through shows, activism and community engagement. We believe that the act of creating is the act of owning one’s own experience. We believe that art can and should be used to promote social justice, change, and empowerment — especially for the disenfranchised.
Breaking the Static A Popup Gallery by Blue Scarf Collective Opening Reception: October 21st, 6-10 p.m. 55 W South Orange Ave., South Orange, NJ 07079
