Shabazz
Regardless how crowded an art opening may be, you feel the presence and promise of Kaleem Shabazz. As executive director of the Atlantic City Art Center, he has gained a reputation for delivering diverse, inspiring events and activities almost non-stop. Born and raised in Atlantic City, Shabazz speaks eloquently of the Art Center's mission, the many talents of local residents, and the city's energy.
You brought considerable experience to your job.
My background is eclectic. I'm a Rutgers graduate, and worked toward my masters in public policy. In another life, I was director of groups dealing with inter-religious, inter-racial human dynamics, activities and institutions. I've been a consultant with Shabazz Associates, and I've done a lot of work with community development corporations. I've been a motivational speaker. With the Art Center, I was a board member for a long time, before becoming executive director in October 2007.
What's your personal vision for the art center?
It's three pronged. First, to continue to provide artistic opportunity for the South Jersey region. Secondly, to continue to diversify in the artists we support. For example, we need more women artists, and we've put together a Women's History Month program for March. We have photojournalist Nastassia Davis, a Stockton student, and a nationally recognized artist, Evelyn Favus, who is 90 years old. To see these two different styles side by side, it'll blow you away. We've also developed an Asian art component. Increasing exposure, finding new audiences -- that also leads to events like the Jazz Series. We need to underscore our diversity, open the stage, so to speak, for young or new or different artists from the various groups that make up our area.
And the third prong?
To involve local people more deeply in the Art Center. We started our Saturday Art Class, where local youngsters receive art lessons from local artist Tyrone Hart. And we support our local artists. From exposure in one exhibit, Tyrone made a connection with Judge Nelson Johnson, who was writing a book about Atlantic City, and Tyrone became his illustrator. Then we have events when we recognize local civic groups. This past Friday, we honored groups including Time to Remember, which is headed by Nynell Langford, dealing with mothers who lose a child to early death.
Which events are best attended?
In April, we show Stockton seniors' projects. Parents, aunts, uncles of the artists -- it's a built-in audience. Another is the Atlantic City Links' African-American history observance. This year, we had an outstanding line-up that included Cal Massey, who, at 83 years old, is an icon in African-American art. Massey is one of my heroes; I've followed him since college. We balanced that with Todd Johnson, a local guy who now lives in Pennsauken, and Leonard Wilkinson, who's from North Jersey but now lives in Egg Harbor Township.
Would you like to see more community involvement?
We especially need to encourage youngsters. Even if they're not going to be artists, they need to develop an appreciation for art. That rounds a person out and, in the end, helps our society. There's a limit in venues and opportunities for youngsters here. We're trying to expand the opportunities. Also, we need more financial support. There's a membership drive right now, and Friday, April 24, we'll have a fundraiser to honor three local citizen arts advocates: Amy Sosnov, Esq., Cynthia Cortopassi, and Joanna LaSane.
The Center has an astonishing gallery with art hanging next to windows where you can see the ocean below. I find it almost a spiritual experience.
You and me both. I can't look at it too long because it's hard to get work done! Truly, it's like a work of art itself. We haven't found records of any other venue of this type, located on a pier over the ocean.
Does Revel's casino development impact on the center?
It's right across the street. We met with them when they started construction, and we have a good relationship. When they're finished, I think that will help us draw people. I don't think, at the point they're at now, that they're looking to take this area, or at least that hasn't been communicated to us. So we're optimistic that the Revel will be a plus.
If the mayor does run again, she will play a major role in campaigning, because she enjoys urging people to get-out-the-vote, making them feel a part of something special and taking ownership.
Cynthia Rose Cortopassi has had a vision for Atlantic City that she’s been trying to make reality for the last nine years. That vision would have thousands of tourists and residents alike floating high above a city often plagued by traffic gridlock in state-of-the art gondolas traveling an endless loop around Atlantic City.
Article:
GACC Honors Kot and Siman
Article:
Man with a Mission
Article:
Rooted in Woodbine
Article:
The Caring Caregiver
Article:
Ten Years After
Article:
Early ‘Whoot!’ Recruit
Article:
Why Weight?
Article:
Thrilling Life
Share this Story: