The Uptown Linden Corporation and City of Linden are proud to partner with the Union County-based, not-for-profit organization, Civic Knights Inc. to debut their newest community project The ArtHouse.
“Uptown Linden Corporation has always recognized the synergy between the arts and economic development in our downtown area, that’s why we are happy to bring the ArtHouse to our merchants and residents,” said Mike Bono, Executive Director of Uptown Linden Corp.
Located in the former location of Russell Tuxedos, at 422 N. Wood Ave, “The ArtHouse” is a shared, flex arts space that brings together artists, creatives, cultural practitioners, creative entrepreneurs and the community. This is the first venture of its kind in Linden.
Programs and events will include the 2019 ArtHouse Residency Program for artists & creatives, community classes, theatrical performances and events, art exhibits, film screenings and more.
“I am thrilled at the prospect of having an Arts Center in our downtown area. The center is ideally located near our amphitheater which will add value to our existing arts and entertainment programs. Furthermore, it will be a magnet for arts and entertainment in Linden,” said Derek Armstead, Mayor of the City of Linden.
The Grand Opening Celebration Event of The ArtHouse will take place on January 18th and is open to the community. The event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony to introduce the space to the residents of Linden as well as live music, performances, and painting.
Following the ceremony, the ArtHouse will present a staged reading of The Parcel Man - an original work by author and playwright, Andrea Clinton. The play features a web of scandal and adultery with main character, Gino, at the center. Set in a small southern town, the drama unfolds when there's a meeting in the ladies room and Gino's womanizing ways become the main event with his wife as the guest of honor.
The ArtHouse ribbon cutting event will begin at 7:00 PM and is free of charge to attend. The staged reading of The Parcel Man will begin at 8:00 PM. An encore reading will take place Saturday at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.
“It’s exciting to have the stakeholders of the City of Linden see the value of the arts and partner with us to not only grow the community in Linden, but to make the arts - in its many forms - accessible to the residents of this great town,” said Civic Knights Inc., Founder, Mohamed Jalloh.
For more information, please contact the Uptown Linden Corporation at (908) 718-5831 or follow the ArtHouse on social media @ArtHouseLinden.