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Among one of the first initiatives adopted by the recent update to the City’s Master Plan is a new Public Arts Commission.

The long-term planning document calls for the growth of arts and culture as parts of its Economic Development initiatives. Heading the procurement and administration is Jenn Hampton, the 10 year co-owner and Director of Parlor Gallery on Cookman Avenue.

Hampton is known for her work drawing national and subversive talents to Asbury Lanes [prior to waterfront redeveloper iStar’s ownership], also created and curates the popular Wooden Walls Project along the Asbury Park Boardwalk, and ran the collaborative GIFT gallery on the boardwalk this summer. She was awarded a $10,000 budget for to administer the new public art initiative.

“There is no denying that art is transformative on many levels,” she said in a written statement.  “I love that the City is committed to the idea of public art and exploring that with me. I just think it’s so wonderful that we will have more art around town. It feels so good to have my efforts and ideas being put into action… I am so thankful for the support I get here in my community.”

Hampton is also a member of the newly reformed Commission, which replaced a previous art committee. The nine-member group has an increased set of responsibilities, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn has said.

“We are hoping to facilitate more public art through the entire City of Asbury Park,” Quinn has said. “This changes us to a commission, which will hopefully allow us to get grant funding, and down the road a city budget for the arts. The Commission will now be tasked with not only approving murals but being proactive about public art. We are looking to start putting public art on city-owned buildings.”

The Commission is comprised of Quinn, Hampton, Director of Planning and Redevelopment Michele Alonso, Restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach, art629 Gallery’s Patrick Schiavino, Heaven Gallery’s Malcolm Navias, ShowRoom’s Michael Sodano, and creatives Ellen Gaynor and Andrew Pawlan.

The group will advise the City Council, boards and departments; create a list of potential public art locations; develop a public art plan and guidelines; as well as review and recommend projects.

The volunteer commission will be comprised of nine regular and two alternate members, serving staggered 3-year terms.

“My objective is to find an artist to create a site-specific mural in the downtown section of Asbury Park, more specifically on City property if possible,” Hampton said. “I look forward to continue bringing public art to Asbury Park and am very excited to be working with the City in order to forward our shared agenda of making Asbury Park a year round destination for the arts.”

[Photo courtesy of Robert Preston]

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