New Art Syndicate, a nonprofit collective in Asbury Park, is presenting the contemporary visual art show “Grocery” throughout the month of May at 529 Bangs Ave., Asbury Park.
The show features large scale commercially fabricated wall wraps, along with weekly art events, performances, and a display of Kula Urban Farm’s hydroponic grow towers. The produce growing on the towers includes lettuce, chives, sage and chocolate mint.
Mixed media artist John Amelchenko and sculptor Carrie Ruddick formed New Art Syndicate (NAS) and are staging their inaugural event with Kula Farm. The artists describe NAS as an advocate for different works of art, different conversations and different ways to ally with communities.
The collaboration with Kula Urban Farm, 115 Atkins Ave. on the city’s West Side, is one example. The farm, owned by Interfaith Neighbors, is adjacent to Springwood Avenue’s Kula Café, and has a year-round state-of-the art greenhouse. The farm sells produce to area restaurants and residents, incorporates produce into Kula Café’s menu, and operates education programs and employment opportunities for community residents.
“We wanted to use art to bring the community together,” Ruddick said.
“With our farm, we hope to help in revitalizing the West Side so that it too gets to profit from the East Side boom,” said Matt van Oosterhout, who shares farm manager responsibilities with Lisa Bagwell.
The New Art Syndicate show will be open through May 31. The hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, and 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
