Mastering Alchemy
Don't forget to check out California-based artist and educator Stephen Bruce's exhibit at the Trenton City Museum at the Ellarslie mansion, which runs through June 12. The metal patination artist and educator uses acids to etch sheets of copper or brass into earth-toned abstract paintings that evoke the power and serenity of water, earth, and sky, citing his biggest artistic influence is Mother Earth. His seascapes are inspired by aerial views of the oceans.
The concept of metal patination is centuries old. While patinas on metal can be created by painting with flame or using hot or cold solutions, Bruce’s method is cold patina. Using sprays, brushes, dips, or sponges, he applies an acid solution to a metal surface and allows it to slowly react. Examples of the acids he uses are found in most households and include pickle juice, hot sauce, salad dressing, and vinegars.
“I want kids to understand that each of us has our own unique creative voice. I want them to know that exploration and experimentation are life-long skills that provide possibilities – an avenue into viewing and even improving our world. Such a mindset can help solve some of our toughest problems, while at the same time revealing the unseen beauty that is often just under the surface.”
Admission to Ellarslie is free, but donations are suggested. The museum is open Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for more information visit the Trenton City Museum at the Ellarslie's website here.
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Honoring two Trenton icons
On Wednesday, May 25 at 3 p.m., Heal the City, in collaboration with the families of Trenton activists, Darlene McKnight and Grace Crossland will hold a community billboard ceremony that will celebrate these two local leaders. Although they have both passed on, they have left Trenton with a legacy of service and responsibility. The ceremony will begin at The Serenity Garden, which is located at the corner of Bellevue Avenue and Prospect Street. There will be a brief celebration of their lives that will include a libation ceremony and celebration drumming, then the group will march down Stuyvesant Avenue and Prospect Street where their two commemorative billboards will be displayed. This is a uniques way for the community to show their love and respect to two deserving Trenton icons. The event is open to the public.
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Man up!
Male students in grades 6-12 are invited to join district and community leaders at the Trenton Public Schools-sponsored, "An Awakening: We Choose Life" program on June 18. This event will take place at TCHS (400 Chambers Street) from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The program exposes high school and middle school students to possible career pathways that do not necessarily require college degrees. In the city of Trenton, the poverty rate is approximately 30%, and the earlier we introduce students to possible career opportunities, the greater the chance they will grow to be successful and productive members of society. This program is targeted specifically for male students. Click link to register.
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New affordable housing units come to Trenton
Mercer County, New Jersey Executive Brian M. Hughes proudly participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of Jennings Village, a 72-unit gorgeous affordable housing complex in Trenton named in memory of civil rights champion Edith Savage Jennings recently. Keynote speaker was HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, along with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Mayor Reed Gusciora and Sen. Shirley Turner. Among those in attendance were Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli. Keynote speaker Secretary Fudge discussed new housing being developed in the wake of the COVID pandemic and the federal responses to the high-demand for affordable housing. We've been doing informal surveys here at the Trenton Journal of what Trentonians want to see more of in the city, and quality, affordable housing is big on the list.
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✉️ Got questions, story ideas or comments, contact: Kenneth@trentonjournal.com
