Art All Day & Trenton Ciclovia to bring safe, in-person “Open Studios, Open Streets” event in Trenton on Saturday, September 19

Trenton, N.J. – Art All Day and Trenton Ciclovia are partnering for an event on Saturday, September 19th from noon to 6 p.m., which will balance safety with the Trenton community’s need for fun and creative activities. The event will feature artists, live mural painting and other demos, music performances, walking and bicycling tours, local food vendors, children’s activities, and more, presented by artists of multiple disciplines and some of Trenton’s most creative organizations and businesses.

Front Street and adjoining side streets in downtown Trenton will be closed to vehicles and handed over to pedestrians and bicyclists who can safely enjoy the work of artists, vendors, and activities outdoors with appropriate social distancing. Nearby sites will also host artists and activities, including Artworks, whose main gallery and studios will be open to the public for the first time since March. Face masks will be required for all activities, and visitor numbers inside Artworks will be reduced and strictly regulated.

“After being in lockdown and isolated from each other for months, our hope is to offer attendees a welcome opportunity to socialize and engage with artists and each other in person, while maintaining safety protocols,” said Artworks Executive Director Lauren Otis. “Our partnership with Trenton Ciclovia aligns perfectly with our interest in safe and healthy outdoor interactions and activities,” Mr. Otis said.

“We are thrilled to partner with Art All Day in creating a unique environment to showcase art and our community in Trenton,” said Sonia Szczesna, Advocacy & Campaign Manager, Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “This collaboration highlights the opportunity that exists when we choose to reimagine our streets for people rather than vehicles, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“What I love about Trenton is its resiliency, its way of celebrating life even under adverse conditions,” said Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “You’ll see that on full display this weekend as thousands of residents shake off a long period of COVID-19 isolation and explore some of the best this city has to offer, including children’s activities, music, a diverse food selection, and our vibrant arts community.”

This year there will be a creative crosswalk painting at S Broad Street and E Lafayette Street sponsored by the Trenton Health Team. In 2019, Trenton Health Team initiated one of the City’s first “streetscape” projects, partnering with residents to paint designs by mural artist Leon Rainbow at two busy Brunswick Avenue intersections to help slow traffic and protect pedestrians. THT also helped organize the “rainbow crosswalk” project at Front and Warren streets, painted during the city’s first Ciclovia last year.

“THT is dedicated to improving well-being throughout our City — and that includes making streets safer,” said Executive Director Gregory Paulson. “Street art engages residents, helps slow traffic, and celebrates our city’s vibrant arts community. We are proud to be part of Trenton’s new Ciclovia tradition.”

Visitors can park at Artworks or the Lafayette Yard Parking Garage, pick up a map/program and explore for themselves or take a guided tour. A mobile site map and information for the event, schedules, participants and sites, will be available at artworkstrenton.org/artallday and on the Art All Day/Ciclovia Facebook event page.

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