Newark ArtSpace has opened at Vermella Broad Street, Russo Development’s new 296-unit luxury apartment property at 355 Broad St. in Newark. — Photos courtesy: Russo Development
By Joshua Burd
Russo Development has opened the doors to a new year-round art gallery at the base of Vermella Broad Street, a 296-unit luxury apartment property that opened earlier this year.
The firm recently joined the Newark Arts Council to unveil the donated space at 355 Broad St., touting it as a dedicated home for the city’s vibrant culture of local and regional artists. That includes new art from the organization’s “Radical Reimagining” exhibition, featuring works of more than 20 artists and curated by Armisey Smith, which will be on display until Dec. 1
The debut of what’s known as Newark ArtSpace came in conjunction with the Newark Arts Festival, according to a news release. Russo added that, with the opening of the gallery, the city’s arts and education district now extends to the North Ward by connecting it with the already established arts communities throughout the city.
“Advocating for Newark artists, stimulating the local artistic movement, and promoting Newark as global city of the arts has been at the core of our mission for over 40 years,” said Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Newark Art’s executive director. “Newark Arts’ path has been filled with festivals, curations, campaigns and strategic partnerships. Having Russo Development as a partner and collaborator at Vermella Broad Street aligns perfectly with our efforts and reminds us that remarkable things can happen when we work together. It is particularly encouraging to see Newark Arts and the Arts and Education District expand to the northern end of our city.”
The gallery will offer artists a place to showcase their creativity while providing an opportunity for them to sell their work, Russo said.
“When we decided to come to Newark with Vermella Broad Street, we knew that we wanted to be involved in the community and its undeniable creative culture,” said Courtney Mulligan, vice president of marketing at Russo Development. “Upon coming to a new community, we are continuously looking to plant our roots as a developer and create meaningful contributions to the neighborhood and its residents. We are very excited to support and provide this space to Newark Arts so they have a space to support and share local artists and education.”
Newark ArtSpace is the first gallery in one of Russo’s Vermella-branded properties and will also function as conduit to activate the connection between the community and artists so their creativity can evolve throughout the year, the news release said. The firm noted that Newark Arts also has strategic partnerships with the City of Newark, Newark Arts and Education District, Newark City Parks Foundation, The Newark Museum of Art, Express Newark, Newark Symphony Hall and more.
“One of the main things that our local artists need is spaces to display their art — not only for people to appreciate it but also for them to be able to sell their work and make a living,” Craig said. “The boutique-style gallery at Vermella Broad Street, generously donated by Russo Development, will allow for artists to grow and reach new audiences while also educating the public about our city’s rich cultural history.”
Designed by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners, the two-building property has revitalized a long-vacant site just north of Interstate 280 and NJ Transit’s Newark Broad Street station. The complex welcomed its first residents early this year.
