Hudson County Community College Brightens March with Exhibitions, Yoga, Artist’s Talks, Poetry and Music

Azikiwe Mohammed: Tales from Fold Out Chairs and Rashad Wright: in heaven’s Wakanda, curated by Ysabel Pinyol Blasi, is presented in partnership with the Monira Foundation through April 2, 2021. Mr. Mohammed is a New York-based artist who simply identifies as a “dude who makes stuff.” His art has been displayed in galleries worldwide. Mr. Wright is the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Jersey City (2019-2020) whose work and performance art have been heard on local and national stages. More information may be obtained by emailing galleryFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Laurie Riccadonna: Eternal Bloom exhibition of paintings celebrates HCCC Professor Laurie Riccadonna’s years of dedication to art and teaching. This virtual exhibition, which was curated by HCCC Department of Cultural Affairs Director Michelle Vitale, may be viewed through April 2, 2021 at https://www.flickr.com/photos/dineenhullgallery, and will travel to the State University of New York - Old Westbury. Professor Riccadonna is the recipient of the 2020 Association of Community College Trustees Northeast Region Faculty Award. She has overseen the HCCC Art Department as a professor and department coordinator for the past 18 years. A graduate of Yale University School of Art, she continues to impress with her masterful work.

Wellness Wednesdays with Mindful Play Yoga on March 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. celebrates Women’s History Month and explores the theme, “I Am Strong” and the definition of true strength being equal amounts of flexibility and power. The event will be offered online at https://www.facebook.com/mindfulplayyoga/.

The Young Masters Art Class with Kristin DeAngelis on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10 a.m. at https://www.facebook.com/youngmastersartclass will guide youngsters through our exhibition, “Laurie Riccadonna: Eternal Bloom.”

Hudson Presents: Conversations with Contemporary Artists on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The series continues as HCCC Professor Michael Lee holds an in-depth discussion with multimedia artist Donté K. Hayes on Zoom and Facebook Live. Mr. Hayes grew up in Baltimore, where he learned how to draw by watching Saturday morning cartoons, collecting comic books, and visiting museums. He began creating Black heroes with superhuman powers who used futuristic technology to liberate the Black community. He holds a B.F.A. in Ceramics and Printmaking from Kennesaw State University, and M.A. and M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. Zoom information is available by emailing galleryFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Saturday Drawing Series with Katie Niewodowski on March 13, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom and Facebook is a workshop designed to inspire beginners and all those who love drawing. Ms. Niewodowski is a Jersey City artist who teaches drawing at HCCC and Montclair State University. Zoom information is available by emailing galleryFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

In Full Color with Summer Dawn will tap participants’ creativity in poetry workshops and readings on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on Facebook Live and Zoom. In the March 10, 2021 session, “Poetry as Activism,” participants will learn the five principles of writing poetry, and will practice writing activist poems with the help of rapid-fire prompts. Participants may submit their poems for possible workshopping and performance on April 28. In the March 31, 2021 session, “How to Destroy the Patriarchy (the book),” In Full Color will share poetry, art and fun, and show how diverse artists’ talents can be joined with meaningful activist actions to manifest change. Zoom information is available by emailing galleryFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Tune In Piano Series concludes on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Curated by Angelica Sanchez, this session will feature pianist, vocalist, and composer Maya Karen who strives to make compassionate and riotous art that smashes expectations and creates new connections. Ms. Karen is currently studying at Princeton University. She has performed at venues like National Sawdust, Roulette Intermedium, and Smalls Jazz Club and has played in the Vermont Jazz Center Solo Jazz Piano Festival and the Philadelphia Jazz and Soul Festival. Zoom information is available by emailing galleryFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Art + Feminism Lecture focuses on the worldwide movement to amplify gender diverse artists. The event on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom is presented in partnership with Seton Hall University and Art House Productions. Zoom information is available by emailing galleryFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Information on all upcoming HCCC Department of Cultural Affairs exhibitions and educational programs may be obtained by visiting Cultural Affairs.