A new permanent exhibition space in Jersey City

Since forming more than five years ago in Jersey City, Pro Arts has become a top organization for artists to share ideas and works.

Last week, Pro Arts introduced its new catalogue documenting a two-year series of exhibitions installed in its emerging "Windows on Columbus" on Christopher Columbus Drive and Washington Street. The space is part of the Mack-Cali Realty Corporation.

"Windows on Columbus" features a series of large-scale works of art and site-specific installations within a 12-foot by 22-foot long window space. Its goal is to put art into the daily lives of people. The window opens directly onto Columbus Drive near the heart of downtown Jersey City's Exchange Place financial district, creating a unique and serendipitous venue for public art exhibition, with 24-hour accessibility to the thousands of passers-by each week.

Installations in the "Windows on Columbus" have encompassed large-scale painting, drawing, photography, kinetic sculpture and works in neon. Exhibitions are installed for six to eight weeks typically. This exhibition program continues to evolve and to bring contemporary art into the forefront of Jersey City's growing downtown cultural arena, according to a statement issued by Pro Arts president Kathryn Klanderman.

The "Windows on Columbus" project grew from relationships developed though an ongoing collaborative focus group called "Art & Business," run by Pro Arts. The Windows vitrine is donated to Pro Arts by Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, and is a leading example of the mutually beneficial projects the group seeks to foster. Other successful collaborations include the annual Jersey City Artists Studio Tour.

Pro Arts is a non-profit professional arts organization comprised of a volunteer board and membership of artists and arts professionals. Its mission is to promote the visual arts and advance the rights, welfare and economic well-being of professional artists in the greater Jersey City and Hoboken area. As a primary goal, Pro Arts fosters and creates professional opportunities for artists in Hudson County and beyond and has sponsored numerous exhibitions and art events throughout its eight-year history.