Art

A Grant from Union County Brings More Art to Downtown Cranford

Last year, Downtown Cranford was awarded the Union County 2022 Public Art & Mural Grant Program. The grant was used for the installation of 6 utility box wraps throughout downtown. “Our office would like to thank the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs,” said Downtown Cranford Director Caren Demyen. “We couldn’t have done this project without their support.”

This grant program supports the County’s mission to strengthen our arts community. Funding for this program comes from a grant the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs receives from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

“These utility box wraps will contribute to a sense of community connection and beautification, while also adding a touch of art to downtown,” said Ms. Demyen. “We are truly appreciative to be the recipient of this grant and look forward to continuing to take steps that add to the enhancement of Downtown Cranford.”

Downtown Cranford would like to thank the artists whose artwork will be displayed on the utility boxes. Congratulations to Stefanie Lalor, Joe Manzella, Anne Occi, and Meg Solebello!

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The 2nd Downtown Cranford Arts Day is April 22!

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Join us Saturday, April 22nd for Cranford Arts Day! Arts Day is a collaboration between Downtown Cranford and the Cranford Schools Friends of Performing Arts. There is a full schedule of events planned from noon until 6PM. Cranford Film Festival will be premiering films at the Cranford Theater. See below for the schedule of events.

Special thanks to Julie Murphy of Coldwell Banker Realty and Citizens Bank for helping to sponsor the event. This Arts program is made possible in part by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

The Artist Framer Relocates to a New Location Downtown!

In mid-June, Downtown Cranford officially welcomed Stefanie Lalor and the employees of The Artist Framer to their new location at 116 North Avenue West! The Artist Framer's new location offers a larger space, as well as parking in the back.

"For years I had been saying to my family how this location would be the perfect spot for The Artist Framer. When Rekemeier's had a sign up that they were renovating I reached out and was just lucky that the space was available. It really was meant to be!"

Stefanie and her employees love how open the new space is, and they're looking forward to making use of it for gallery shows, openings, and classes. "The layout of the store means that I can see everyone who walks through the door and say hi right away," said Stefanie. "We've had people who have just walked by and then stopped in to check out the business. I would say that since moving, we've had a new customer every day."

In addition to The Artist Framer employees and Stefanie's family, Ellen McHenry from UCEDC, Resources & Solutions for Small Business was also present at the ribbon cutting. UCEDC assisted Stefanie in acquiring new space and was an aid to her business throughout the years, especially during Covid.

"The Artist Framer started at the Downtown Cranford office in 1999, and I'm so excited to take this step of moving to a new location," said Stefanie. "We wouldn't have reached this level of success without the support of our customers and this community."

The Painted Piano Returns to Downtown Cranford!

You know summer is almost here when the painted piano makes its reappearance downtown! This year there will be one painted piano at the gazebo for everyone in the community to enjoy. Ella Bange, a 10th grader at Cranford High School, was kind enough to volunteer her time and talent to paint the piano.

“My favorite kind of art to do is acrylic painting and drawing,” said Ella. “I plan to take Advanced Art next year and AP Art senior year. I also go to a week-long camp in Summit at Visual Arts in the summer. My idea for the piano theme was inspired by Downtown Cranford Director Caren Demyen, who suggested flowers. I also love tulips so I chose those specifically for the front panel of the piano. I overall tried to use light and vibrant colors to give the piano a spring/summer vibe.”

We can't thank Ella enough for her contribution to the effort to bring more art and music to the Downtown Cranford community!

 
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