By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

JCAL and GJDC are collaborating for three years to bring dynamic art exhibitions to Greater Nexus, aiming to enhance the space and inspire creative thinking. Photo courtesy of JCAL

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) have embarked on a transformative three-year collaboration aimed at bringing dynamic art exhibitions to Greater Nexus, Jamaica’s pioneering co-working space.

“Displaying art throughout Greater Nexus enhances the atmosphere in multiple ways,”  Justin Rodgers, President and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation said. “It beautifies the entire space, makes a welcoming, comfortable environment, and helps inspire creative thinking. Furthermore, Nexus is about providing a place for Queens minds to grow. We are thrilled to be part of JCAL’s Queens Visual Arts Consortium to showcase the talents of local artists.”

The partnership marks a departure from static displays, promising a quarterly rotation of artists, each infusing their unique themes and styles into the venue. This innovative approach not only celebrates local talent but also expands the reach of art beyond traditional gallery settings, aiming to engage a broader audience.

The partnership features quarterly artist rotations, prioritizing Queens residents and showcasing a variety of framed artworks. Photo courtesy of JCAL

“Diving into the deep JCAL talent pool was thrilling as our partnership with Greater Nexus strengthens the notion that art is a part of our daily lives,” JCAL Director of Program Operations Wendy Arimah Berot said.  “In a space where business is being conducted almost around the clock, the work of local visual artists will create an ambiance that may invite someone to pause for a moment to recognize and appreciate the talents of their fellow community members.”

The selection process prioritizes artists residing in Queens, ensuring their work resonates with the vibrant local culture. Artworks are curated to complement the professional atmosphere of Greater Nexus, predominantly consisting of framed pieces suitable for office display.

Jaime Todd, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Queens, kicks off the inaugural exhibit at Greater Nexus. Known for her bold abstract paintings, Todd’s work explores themes of identity and human biology, offering viewers a visual journey through intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Jaime Todd, a local artist, launches the inaugural exhibit with abstract works celebrating life and identity. Photo courtesy of JCAL

“This collection of abstract paintings and drawings celebrate the vitality of life through pattern, bold lines, and vivid colors,” Artist Jaime Todd said. “The works come from two series: ‘Cellular Networks,’ which examines the wonder of human biology, and ‘Searching for Proginoskes,’ which explores the power of identity and bearing witness.”

The collaboration is part of the broader Queens Visual Arts Consortium, a coalition of nonprofit arts institutions and commercial enterprises dedicated to promoting local artists and enhancing community engagement through art. This initiative not only provides exposure but also economic opportunities for participating artists, including potential sales of their artwork.

“Our partnership with GJDC is truly about our community,” JCAL Executive Director Leonard Jacobs said. “There is, right now, a vast and flourishing cultural renaissance here in Queens, especially in Southeast Queens. We’re grateful for partners who see what we see, and who embrace the economic, educational, and humanitarian impact of arts as we do. After all, don’t artists always lead the way?”

For selecting artists to exhibit at JCAL, the primary focus was on Queens residents, aligning with their commitment to spotlight local talent from within New York City’s boroughs. The organization emphasizes artworks that strike a balance between neutrality and vibrancy, ensuring they complement the professional environment of our co-working space. Pieces must be framed and of moderate size, typically around 30 by 40 inches, to fit the gallery walls effectively. While the current lineup features artists with whom they have a history of collaboration or submissions, they aim to rotate through diverse talents who have showcased their work with them over the past three years.

Unlike a formal application process, they evaluate submissions received over the years—totaling approximately 2,000 artists—to curate compelling exhibitions that resonate with their diverse audience. This approach allows them to maintain a dynamic showcase of visual art while supporting local artists and providing them with exposure and potential sales opportunities through our exhibitions at JCAL.

Future exhibitions at Greater Nexus will continue to feature diverse artists from Queens, each bringing their unique perspectives and artistic visions to the forefront. The ongoing rotation ensures a dynamic and ever-evolving cultural experience for visitors and residents alike.

For more information about upcoming exhibits and the Queens Visual Arts Consortium, visit JCAL’s official website at jcal.org.

“Visual Arts makes a world of difference when it comes to public spaces,”  JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench said. “Color, texture, symbolism and expression, stimulates the mind and inspires creativity and revolution. The exhibitions coming to Greater Nexus are set to deliver, intentionally, a stimulating experience for all who are fortunate enough to see it.”