The HCCC Fall 2015 Cultural Affairs Calendar includes: exhibits at the Benjamin J.
Dineen, III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery; the HCCC Lecture Series with nationally renowned
speakers; a book club, exhibit, literary salon, and other happenings at the College’s
Library; and a vibrant Performing Arts schedule highlighting local and national artists
as well as HCCC students.
Dr. Gabert said that earlier this year, the College convened a Cultural Affairs Task
Force composed of members of the community (educators, arts professionals, and business
leaders), as well as HCCC Trustees, Foundation Board Directors, educators and scholars.
The programming for the Cultural Affairs Series was developed based upon the Task
Force’s recommendations, and is intended to support the College’s mission.
On Sunday afternoon, September 13, the College will hold the Grand Opening ceremonies
for the Benjamin J. Dineen, III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery, which is situated on the
top floor of the College’s Library Building at 71 Sip Avenue in Jersey City. The Gallery
is named in honor of Mr. Dineen and Mr. Hull, life partners who enriched the lives
of the people of Hudson County by dedicating their time, expertise and resources to
several individuals and organizations. Over the years, they were also very generous
contributors to the College’s Foundation and the Foundation Art Collection.
Beginning, September 15, the Gallery will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00
p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (The Gallery will be closed from Dec. 22, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016.)
The Fall 2015 offerings at the Benjamin J. Dineen, III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery include the following exhibits:
- Through the Collector’s Eye: The Dineen-Hull Collection, Sept. 15-26, showcasing selections from the 400-work collection donated by Mr. Dineen
and Mr. Hull. Although the focus is on contemporary New Jersey artists, those of national
and international renown are included.
- Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington,
1963, Oct.14 - Nov. 22. Presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American
History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with
the American Library Association Public Programs Office, the exhibition is made possible
by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The historical context, accomplishments,
and limitations of these two pivotal events in American history are explored through
photographs, documents, and other images.
- Pope Pius XII: Consensus or Controversy?, Dec. 8, 2015 - Jan. 14, 2016. The exhibit invites the community to explore facets
of the papacy of Pius XII through images, artifacts and news accounts.
The Hudson County Community College Library Series will take place at the HCCC Library, 71 Sip Avenue in Jersey City:
- The HCCC Library Book Club: Fall Season. Each session is limited to 10 registered participants on a first-come, first-served
basis. Those who wish to participate are asked to stop by the Library to register
and secure a copy of the book.
- Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok. Sept. 24, 12:30 p.m.
- The Storyteller (El Hablador) by Mario Vargas Llosa, translated by Helen Lane; copies in English and Spanish. Oct.
28, 2:00 p.m.
- Brooklyn Heights by Miral Al-Tahawy, translated by Samah Selim. Nov. 19, 4:00 p.m.
- Clash of Civilizations over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous, translated by Ann Goldstein. Dec. 14, 11:00 a.m.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Literary Salon. Oct. 15, 2015, 4:00 p.m. Authors Nancy Méndez-Booth, Dr. Grisel Yolanda Acosta, and
Vincent Toro share stories of developing Latino identity in America.
- Exhibit: Estamos Aquí (We Are Here). Nov. 10, 2015 - Jan. 7, 2016. Forty serigraph prints express the Latino/Chicano artists’
personal experiences.
The Hudson County Community College Lecture Series will resume this fall with public offerings that feature luminaries from the journalism
and entertainment sectors. The 6:00 p.m. lectures are open to the community, free
of cost. However, tickets – which may be obtained by phoning (201) 360-4020 – are
required for admission and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Maria Hinojosa, the Emmy-winning journalist, will speak on Oct. 21 at the HCCC North Hudson Campus. Ms. Hinojosa is a trailblazer
in news and investigative journalism who has reported on critical issues and the changing
cultural and political landscape in America for more than 25 years. She is now the
anchor and executive producer of NPR’s Peabody-winning program, Latino USA.
- Sean Astin, actor, producer and author, will appear on Oct. 29, at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center. Mr. Astin is best
known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, and the title character in Rudy. In his 2004, best-selling memoir, There and Back Again: An Actor’s Tale (co-authored with Joe Layden), he recounted his film career with emphasis on his Lord of the Rings experiences.
- Wil Haygood, the Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist and author of The Butler: A Witness to History, will speak on Nov. 19 at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center. Mr. Haygood was also
associate producer of the film version of The Butler. In his distinguished career as a journalist for The Boston Globe and The Washington Post, he covered some of the nation’s most historic events. Mr. Haygood’s newest book
is Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination That Changed America.
The Hudson County Community College Performing Arts Series will spotlight the talent of a variety of musicians, dancers, singers and performers.
The series includes:
- Dakaboom – Musical Comedy Duo, Sept. 8, 4:00 p.m. at the HCCC Library. Ben McClain and Paul Peglar entertain with
postmodern vaudeville.
- Tropicante – Latin Dance Music, Sept. 15, 11:00 a.m. at the HCCC North Hudson Campus. Musicians and singers perform
cumbia, merengue, samba and salsa.
- Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, Sept. 29, 11:00 a.m. at the HCCC North Hudson Campus. A performance by the premier
U.S. flamenco and Spanish dance company, now celebrating its 32nd season.
- Ajna Dance Troupe – Interactive Dance Workshop, Sept. 29, 4:00 p.m. at 25 Journal Square in Jersey City; and Nov. 17, 12:00 p.m. at
the HCCC North Hudson Campus. Authentic, classical and contemporary Indian dance.
A henna artist will be present.
- Damien Escobar – Hip-Hop Violinist, Oct. 28, 5:00 p.m. at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center. The America’s Got Talent alum blends classical, jazz, pop and hip-hop in his playing.
- Rachel Brown – Acoustic Performer, Nov. 9, 4:00 p.m. at the HCCC Library. The Harvard grad’s performances combine guitar,
ukulele with her distinctly sultry voice.
- VOX – St. Peter’s Prep’s A Cappella Ensemble, Dec. 8, 5:00 p.m. at the HCCC Library. The award-winning group has performed with
Foreigner, Styx, and Eagles’ guitarist Don Felder, and appeared on national TV and
radio.
- Hudson County Community College Theatre Festival, Dec. 18, 6:00 p.m. at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center. Students of the College’s
Theatre Arts program perform!
The College is also offering reduced-price tickets to several enjoyable day trips
and cultural events including Yankees’ and Red Bulls’ games, Broadway shows, ballet
performances, the Diana Ross concert at NJPAC, “Radio City Christmas Spectacular,”
and more. Tickets for these events are available for HCCC students and for members
of the community. For complete information, log onto https://www.hccc.edu/community/arts/index.html and click onto the link “HCCC Sponsored Day Trips and Cultural Events,” or call (201)
360-4195.
The complete HCCC Cultural Affairs Calendar may be viewed online at https://www.hccc.edu/community/arts/index.html.