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jerseycollective · 3 years

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Introducing my book: New Jersey Fan Club

Anthologies are some of my favorite kinds of books (some good ones linked here!) because I love how they explore a topic through the eyes of a varied list of contributors. That’s kind of what Jersey Collective does, right? Over the years we’ve had hundreds of people participate from all over the state, each with different backgrounds and life experiences. They’ve all shown us something different, but when considered together, every post from every week has helped create a collective vision of the state that we’ve built together.

With that in mind, I decided a few years ago that I wanted to edit an anthology about New Jersey. I put together a book proposal and signed a contract with Rutgers University Press, who is publishing the book, New Jersey Fan Club: Artists & Writers Celebrate the Garden State, on June 17, 2022. I have never been more excited to share something I’ve made with the world than I am about this. The book contains personal and reported essays, comics, and artwork from a diverse group of established and emerging writers and artists who have something to say about New Jersey. It’s an evergreen tribute to the state and an exploration of how the same place can shape people in different ways.

The book is so fun and strange and surprising. It contains oral histories, interviews, a recipe, a crossword puzzle, personal essays on a truly expansive range of subjects, photographs, comics, turn-by-turn directions for a bike tour of our state capital, and so many other things that are hard to describe in a short space. I’m really proud of it, and of everyone in it—over 60 contributors total, whose names you’ll find here. I can’t wait for you to see it. I think you’re really going to like it.

The book is available to preorder now (for $18.95) from wherever books are sold! It would mean a lot to me if you’d consider purchasing your copy from an independent New Jersey bookstore. There’s a list here of some of the places that are selling it—and if your favorite bookstore doesn’t have it yet, ask them to order it for you! Please ask your library to order the book, whether you are planning to buy a copy of your own or not. I’m a librarian by day, so it’s been extremely cool to imagine this book on the shelf next to all of its other New Jersey book friends.

I will have plenty of book news in the future, including information about events, excerpts, links to press, giveaways, and how you can redeem a free sticker for preordering the book, so I look forward to keeping you in the loop about all things New Jersey Fan Club!

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jerseycollective · 3 years

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Autumn in New Jersey

I recently co-curated a show of fall photographs taken in New Jersey with The Carteret Borough Council, The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center and Central Jersey Arts Council. We are having an opening on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center and would love to see you there!

The event is free and open to the public from 7:00-9:00 (artists in the show are invited to bring guests to a private reception from 6:00-7:00).

The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center is following state guidelines as far as its COVID-19 protocols, so they aren’t requiring proof of vaccination or masks at this time, but I will personally be wearing a mask and encourage you to attend however you feel most comfortable. The space is truly enormous, so even if we get a crowd there will be tons of room to spread out. If you can’t make the opening but still want to see the show, I will have further details on that soon.

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jerseycollective · 3 years

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Call for photographers: “Autumn in New Jersey”

Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, The Carteret Borough Council, The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center and Central Jersey Arts Council along with Jersey Collective, are pleased to announce a photography exhibition to be held at the new Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center located at 46 Washington Avenue, Carteret, NJ. The exhibition will feature work that highlights the beauty of New Jersey through the eyes of various photographers from all over the state. Submissions for the exhibition will be selected by: Brian Chen, Director of Central Jersey Arts Council; and Kerri Sullivan, founder of Jersey Collective and the editor of New Jersey Fan Club (Rutgers University Press spring/summer 2022).

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Photographers may send up to 5 images for consideration by email to [email protected].

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: September 15, 2021, 11:59 PM EST

Any submission that is incomplete or does not follow the following instructions may not be considered.

Autumn themed images taken in New Jersey

The exhibition aims to present images of New Jersey’s diverse landscapes; i.e Jersey Shore beaches, countryside, and cityscapes.

Submissions do not need to be restricted to landscapes, however; we will also gladly consider any kind of photography, including portraiture, animal photography, etc.

Do not send more than 5 images

Attach files or send a link to a DropBox/WeTransfer/Google Drive download

Files must be in JPG format and 72 DPI (screen resolution). You will need to provide a higher resolution file if selected.

Format your file name according to this convention: Lastname_Firstname_Title.jpg

The subject of your email should include “CPAC photo call”

Please include the following information in the body of your submission email:

Artist Name

Titles for each photograph

Location information for each photograph

Artist hometown or current location or connection to New Jersey

Artist phone number

Artist website/social media handles if applicable

Please include a brief artist statement/bio letting us know anything you want to share about yourself or the work

OTHER TIPS/MORE INFO

There is no entry fee to submit

Photographers chosen for the exhibition will need to provide work that meets the following specs:

JPEG, 300 DPI, sized to 24” x 36”

All work will be printed and framed by Central Jersey Arts Council at no cost to the artists and will become part of a permanent collection owned by the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center.

Do not send us a link to your website or Instagram and tell us to “choose whatever” we like. Please select 5 images you think are your strongest or are your favorite and submit them for consideration.

The minimum age to submit is 16.

We are only able to consider digital files. We are happy to consider work created with film as long as it meets the above specs required for printing.

Each artist retains all copyrights to their own images.

Accepted artists grant Central Jersey Arts Council, the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center, and Jersey Collective the right to use their photographs for the purpose of marketing the exhibition and for reproduction online in promotion and press. Artists/copyright holders grant the use of their image(s) as stated without further contact or compensation. Whenever an image is used in promotion or press, the artist/copyright holder will always be properly credited.

All artists will be invited to celebrate at an opening reception event on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

Please share this with anyone you think may be interested! Email any questions or press inquiries to Kerri at [email protected]. We look forward to reviewing your work!

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jerseycollective · 4 years

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Please join our newsletter!

Kerri Sullivan / July 18, 2020

Click here to get Jersey Collective updates sent straight to your inbox!

Newsletters are sent very infrequently and only when we have news to share. You will be the first to know about things like meetups, workshops, giveaways, merch for sale, gallery shows, fundraisers, etc.

We will never sell, give away, or misuse your information.

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jerseycollective · 4 years

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Jersey Collective T-Shirts Available - proceeds donated to NJ Pandemic Relief Fund!

Kerri Sullivan / April 17, 2020

I’ve long been asked if Jersey Collective t-shirts would ever be available, and I’m happy to announce that they finally are for a limited time--and with a giving-back element!

Wider Awake, a Mullica Hill-based screenprinting and design studio, is currently doing a COVID-19 fundraiser for small businesses called Keepin Local Open.

Through this initiative, I’ve decided to offer Jersey Collective logo shirts for the first time ever. I’ve asked that all of the proceeds from our shirt be donated to The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.

As you can see, the shirts look great! They are available as a unisex shirt in adult sizes. They’re heather gray with light gray ink. They’re $20 each (+ shipping) and $10 from every shirt sold will be donated to the NJPRF.

Click here to purchase!

Be sure to check out the other shirts for sale through Keepin Local Open here.

Anyone who buys two or more Jersey Collective shirts will also receive a special shout-out on our Instagram account. (Please forward your receipt/a screenshot to [email protected] along with your Instagram username.)

The sale only runs until May 4th, so if you want one, act fast! Beyond this sale, I’m not sure when/if Jersey Collective shirts will be offered again in the future, so this is a limited time offer. I’m thrilled with how the shirts look, with the fact that they were printed in New Jersey, and that the funds will help fellow New Jerseyans in need.

If you own a small business or know one that could benefit from this opportunity, point them to Wider Awake. They were wonderful to work with and this project supports their business, too.

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jerseycollective · 4 years

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Coronavirus Update

Kerri Sullivan / April 16, 2020

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy at this time!

In March, we began instructing our takeover guests to repost old work instead of going out and shooting. Now, since parks and most beaches are closed, going out and photographing anything isn’t possible for most of our takeover guests. For the first time, we are allowing our takeover guests to share reposts of old work. We aren’t stressing the fact that at least one post must be made each day. Everything is changing by the hour so we are rolling with it and trying to remain flexible.

Our goal at this time is to be a mostly fun distraction from everything that’s going on in the world, and maybe a window into places you love but can’t currently visit.

We were supposed to have an Instameet on April 4th but obviously needed to cancel it. We hope to announce a new date as soon as we’re able. We think it’ll be even better to connect with others after being forced to isolate for so long!

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jerseycollective · 6 years

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a reminder

I posted the following to our account in November 2016. I wanted to repeat it here again.

Jersey Collective is for everyone. I am proud that this has always been an inclusive space. Since 2014, we have featured Instagrammers of all ages, from all over the state and world. Of different religions, sexual orientations, races, and different socioeconomic backgrounds. The result has been a space doesn't just represent one narrow view of what it looks like to be a New Jerseyan. And I think this project has been incredibly enriched by that. That has always been the point but I don't think it's ever been more important.

I think life is better when we talk about our experiences and listen to how others move through the world. I think information, education, and exposure to people who don't think or look like you are all so important. I have thought about "keeping it light" and not talking about anything serious on an Instagram art project. But I have this platform and I believe this is important. This week I have been thinking, "what can I do?", and this is something I can do. If you're offended by this post, feel free to unfollow, but I hope you know that nothing has changed with how this project works. These things have always been important to the mission of Jersey Collective. I just never felt the need to state them outright in this way.

I believe that art is powerful. I believe that channeling anger and hurt into making art is how some of us survive in this world. If you're feeling hopeless or scared or disappointed: use that. Make things from that place. And use the tools you have to share them. I think Instagram is one of the most powerful tools that exists for sharing art right now.

I have worked hard to cultivate a space where everyone's point of view matters. If you feel like your experience hasn't been represented, please email me and I'll set you up with a week.

If anyone reading this is involved with an organization or business and has any ideas of how we could work together on a project or event, please email me and let's talk about it.

Hateful comments on any post will be removed. It's not about censorship, it's about respect. I want everyone to feel safe here.

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jerseycollective · 6 years

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VOLUNTEER FOR MAKERS DAY

New Jersey Makers Day is a statewide celebration of making and maker culture that takes place every March in the Garden State. Their primary goal is to enhance community engagement and facilitate connections among New Jersey residents by exploring new and interesting opportunities for community-wide education, entrepreneurship and hands-on learning experiences.

We are partnering with New Jersey Makers Day to help take some awesome photographs for the sites and NJMD to use for promotion. These photographs are used on NJMD social media and can also be found on their Flickr account.

We are excited to announce that we are continuing this partnership in 2018! What we are looking for: some volunteer photographers to visit and cover a site on NJ Makers Day. We'll follow up with more information once we hear from you. Please respond by February 16th!

In 2017, NJMD had participating locations in all 21 counties of New Jersey, with a reported attendance of over 85,000. Participating locations include schools, colleges and universities, libraries, museums, and other educational organizations.

Click here for the sign up form!

#makersday

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jerseycollective · 6 years

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THIRD YEAR SHOW ARTIST STATEMENTS

Christine Alba (@thehappilyeverafter): I started my instagram account nearly six years ago so that I could have a place to document my days with iPhone photos of people, places and things that I love, including playful flatlays of food and objects from nature. I think with patience and careful attention, we can find beauty in simple, ordinary subjects, and I try to capture and share such beautiful simplicity in my photos. I take pride in being able to say that even after all these years, 99.9% the photos I post to instagram are taken and edited on my iPhone.

Kayleigh Ann Archbold (@herheartlaughs) is the owner of Laughing Heart Photography. She was raised in Hewitt, New Jersey but has called Montclair home for the past six years. She’s a soul-baring wife, artist, photographer, chaser of light, and adventurer. She spends most of her time daydreaming about being a mermaid and traveling this beautiful planet with her husband Jason.

Bobby Bates*

Lauren Bowers*

Alessandra Agabiti Braghelli (@unaromanainamerica): Born in Rome, moved to NJ for love. Mom, lifestyle blogger. Loves Autumn, healthy food, coffee, old fashioned houses. Her happy places are libraries and Wildwood. Wanderlust.

T. J. Brown (@photobyteresa): Mama Bear, Earth child, dedicated steward of the environment, Educator, Biologist in training, Dance Instructor, Writer, SJ native. If you find me under the sun or stars, dancing to a great band, with wild curly hair, and my shoes nowhere to be found, you've caught me in my most lively element.

Theresa Campbell (@tcampbell210) is a hobbyist who loves to travel, take photos, and share them with the Instagram community. She runs several hubs on IG including @just_unitedstates (in its 5th year!) and @just_newjersey.

Rey Caparros*

Meaghan Cross (@ohkichan195): Being able to share my perspective through a lens is fun for me. Others get to share in my experiences and I get to document them to look at them later. More often than not, my friends have come to me to ask if I still have pictures from a particular outing or party; the answer is always yes. I like it for it's documentation purposes and that it's also a form of art I get to experiment with. I've tried painting and drawing, but I've always circled back to photography more often than not. I think it's partially what influenced my job choice; Radiologic Technologist (or X-ray tech for short).

Zevilla Dahliana (@zezefox) is an Outdoor Advocate. She supports positive change within her community by promoting an active lifestyle. She is passionate about the outdoors; you can often find her hiking mountains, kayaking, biking, and snapping photos in between.

Gina Danza (@wildginaa) is an outdoor and food photographer who is always looking for new places. Her mission is the make the outdoors more diverse and healthy.

Craig DeCicco (@macaloin) is a photographer and real estate agent from Jersey City who enjoys shooting landscapes/cityscapes and traveling in his free time. Craig is a published photographer whose work has been exhibited in galleries throughout New York and New Jersey.

Jessica Defabritis (@jessica.def): Photography is such an interpretive art form that is so fun to share. It leaves it up to the viewer to decipher what the story is behind each shot. Whether it be a person experiencing a wonderful new place or a tiny heart shaped leaf in the middle of the woods. You decide why those things matter most as you gaze at them. It's what makes it special, you get to tell a story but only you know the true plot. Making them beautiful to look at is just the fun part.

Keith Drennan (@mrblackthorn) is a photographer from Jersey. He generally focuses on landscape and portrait photography.

Sarah Erbe (@saraherbe3) is a 24 year old from Bay Head, New Jersey. She works in retail as an Assistant Buyer. Her hobbies include photography, traveling, and blogging.

Bart Everts (@bartlehe) is a librarian at the Paul Robeson Library at Rutgers University-Camden and a historian of the Philadelphia region. He has written articles on South Jersey and the Philadelphia area for Hidden City Philadelphia, The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, Camden County Heritage, and Pennsylvania History. In addition to his personal Instagram, he also manages the account South Jersey Vegan @sjpvegan, which features vegan food in South Jersey, Philadelphia, and beyond. A native of Collingswood, he now lives in West Philadelphia.

Scott Faytok (@sfaytok78) is a photographer in Central NJ who loves the shore and traveling. His favorite spot is Bay Head. He loves showing off his state.

Jamie Ferrugiaro (@missjamiekaren) is a sort of jack-of-all trades creative who is passionate about the outdoors, traveling, and art. She has lived in Jersey her whole life, and loves the East Coast.

Mike Forgie (@prestonlogan) is a Digital Marketing Specialist. He would love for you to figure out what his username is from.

Olivia Frawley (@livfreddy): I am a mid-20s high school biology and marine biology teacher. I love teaching my students concepts they can both observe and apply when they go out in the real world! In the meantime, I try to capture as much beauty as possible right here in NJ; from the hidden oases in the middle of the woods to fiery sunrises at the beach during fishing season. Maybe we will just let everyone else keep thinking it's "dirty" here - and the beauty can be our little secret.

Jessica Grennen (@Simply_jessg87) was born and raised in New Jersey and has always been the creative type. She likes to think she followed in her dad's love of photography and hasn't stopped since. She’s drawn to nature and architecture mostly, “one being fluid and the other bold, hard lines; my ying and yang I guess you could say.” In the future she would love to start selling her art but for now she is content sharing it with friends and family.

Danielle Grubb*

Michael Guccione (@michaelguccionephoto) spends most of his time photographing at the beach in Monmouth and Ocean counties. He has been a New Jersey resident for 9 years now, and loves showing people how beautiful this state is.

Emily Anne Harber*

Kate Hausman (@Khaus11):I am a Park Naturalist from Ocean County, but I spent the past two years living and working in Stokes State Forest in Sussex County. I've enjoyed documenting the differences between my southern and northern homes, particularly the natural/ecological ones.

Andrea Hayes (@andreas.photos): I believe there is so much beauty to be found in our surroundings, you just have to look for it. That is one of the reasons why I explore New Jersey. The other is that I love photography. Instagram has been a wonderful way to connect both.

Cristal Johnson (@cristalinaj): Mama. Teacher. Sunchaser. Dreamer. The skies, the seas, and the world around me.

Adam K*

Youn Lee (@yjbunnylee) has been living in Basking Ridge, NJ (Somerset County) for over four years. She is currently a graduate student at Pratt Institute and a freelance UX designer. She loves traveling up and down the I-95 corridor with her husband. She was born and raised in South Korea.

Micael Lopes (@billyoliver) is a self-taught photographer and instagramer from Brazil. He considers New Jersey his home because it is where he grew as an artist and it has shaped his photography skills in the way he sees light, color, and natural elements. He often likes to incorporate nature with a twist of urban style in his photos in light settings. As an artist he strives to create work that will evoke emotions and inspire others.

Matt Marcheski (@mattmarcheski) is a portrait and landscape photographer from the Atlantic City area. Traveling and meeting new people is his thing!

David McGraw Jr. (@ddmcgrawjr): I've worked as a concert and nightclub photographer for the past four years. Having grown up in New Jersey it's been great to come back and take photos, especially during my Jersey Collective week last year (election week in November). I hope to cover emerging music scenes in Newark and Trenton in the future.

Matt Murawinski (@mattmurawinski) is a 20-something nomad-at-heart. Producer for CNN by day and photographer by night (and weekends).

Donovan Myers (@stryfe2103): Storyteller and Wanderer from South Jersey. I've lived in New Jersey since I was 5, but only recently began to discover the hidden wonders of this place. I've spent the last few years wandering the state with camera in hand, discovering parts of this state I never imagined, and trying to tell a bit about these places through my pictures and my stories.

Arati Patel (@aratip05) has a background in Environmental Law and Policy. She has had a passion for the outdoors since she was young. She enjoys discovering small pockets of nature within urban areas and always had an appreciation of how resilient urban ecosystems are. She thinks that Jersey Collective is a wonderful community to help photo enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds have a chance to showcase their talent and the beauty of New Jersey and is thankful for this opportunity.

Natalie Pereira (@rockbeertravel): I have been fascinated with photo documenting my life and the world around me since I got my first LeClic camera in the 80s! I am completely self-taught and just focus on what I see and how I see it. In my professional life, I run a series of artisan markets in Jersey City called Marketplace JC and am lucky enough to be part of a network of artists in artisans in New Jersey.

Corrie Peterson (@upbeatlibrarian): i'm upbeat. i'm a librarian. i'm corrie peterson, just a human animal living alongside the atlantic ocean in new jersey, spending my time growing & stretching, learning & reading, taking walks, swimming laps, writing poems, looking for treasure & making art out of books that nobody else wanted.

Amy Petrie*

Artyom Pocapinskis (@art_poca) is inspired by nature and always in search of new adventures and experiences.

Cindy Price (@mostlymaplewood) has written extensively about food and travel for the New York Times and the American Michelin Guides. Her Mostly Maplewood photography project began when she moved to Maplewood, NJ with her husband and two young sons and began exploring the area. She shoots solely on her iPhone 7.

Jennifer Rojas (@digital.concepts) was born and raised in upstate NY. She moved to NJ about 13 years ago. She began photographing and exploring NJ and the surrounding areas about four years ago and hasn’t stopped since.

Jason M. Schack (@jmschack_photography) is a nature and landscape photographer from Waretown NJ, located in Southern Ocean County. You can find him anywhere along the Jersey Coast for sunrise and sunset. Fall and Winter are his favorite seasons for photography, and he hopes to see you out there!

Blaise Scott-Miller*

Ana Mo Shoshin (@madcat1) is a hand-quilter and artist living in Asbury Park, NJ with her husband and cats. She enjoys taking photos, coffee, rocks, and bones. See her work at madcatquilts.com.

Michelle Simone (@michelle.simone) is a multimedia artist who specializes in photography, deejaying, and filmmaking. New Jersey is very inspirational to her--from its culture to its geography to all of the hidden treasures it has to offer.

Jaclyn Sovern (@jsovs) is a 24-year-old based in the Tri-State area, with a BFA in Photography from The School of Visual Arts. In 2016 she launched her own company, Socially Relevant, a full-service agency providing day-to-day social media management, content creation, website design, and more. Visit her websites www.jaclynsovern.com & www.sociallyrelevantt.com.

Diana Van Horn (@dianavanfarley) is a portrait and lifestyle photographer based out of Asbury Park and has lived in various parts of New Jersey her entire life. When she’s not out photographing the cute @AnimalsofAsbury, she enjoys documenting local events & politics.

Ed Waldron (@edwaldrons): I try to capture the built environment we have created within the natural beauty of the state. Pictures that incorporate architecture, constructed environments, and their placement in nature give a true sense to how we live and what makes New Jersey a great place to be.

David Warner (@davidwarnerphotography) grew up in New Jersey and has called it home all his life. When he was 12 years old, he had a darkroom in his parents’ basement and was hooked ever since. Although he does headshots, weddings, and much more, he really loves capturing the history and nature that we have all around us in the Garden State.

Sean Whener*

Kyle Willis*

Ben Wurst (@reclaimednj) is a field biologist who is happily married with two young children. He works with rare wildlife along the southeastern coast of New Jersey. He’s into everything related to the outdoors, including photography. He tries to use his creative skills in his work to highlight the need for conservation of wildlife and habitat preservation. In 2011 he started a small business centered around reducing wood waste being sent to landfills and use that salvaged wood to create picture frames and other creations.

*no statement supplied

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jerseycollective · 7 years

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POSTER CONTEST ENTRIES

For this year’s show, I decided to try something different and hold a design contest. Amy Chen designed the first two postcard/poster images for our previous shows, so naturally I wanted her to be one of the judges, along with myself and Alex Flannery. We received a lot of really great entries to the contest and I want to share some of our favorites here! Let’s start with the winning design:

We chose this fun teal design by Kristen Broderick (@kbroddd). We loved how well it explains what the event is about, even to someone who isn’t familiar with Jersey Collective already. Here’s some information about the designer: Kristen Broderick is a graphic designer based in Monmouth County, NJ. She spends most of her time enjoying everything New Jersey has to offer whether it's grabbing a drink in Asbury Park, looking for inspiration (and sea glass) at the beach, or exploring a new trail to hike. No matter where she goes, her camera and her dog are close at hand.

We had the design printed up on postcards and we’re thrilled with how they look! They’ll be available at the show and they’ll look great on your fridge or bulletin board.

We are grateful that so many talented artists took the time to share their work with us. We wanted to showcase some of our favorite submissions and we’re sure you’ll enjoy looking at them as much as we did!

Noah Morgan (@_noahamorgan_):

Rich Lemonie (@rich_lemonie):

Kristen Broderick (@kbroddd):

Alex Palomino (@alessandrasalamandra & @palographic):

Emily Meissner & Christopher Vansaghi (@oaklorecollective):

Kristen Broderick (@kbroddd):

Jaclyn Sovern (@jsovs):

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jerseycollective · 7 years

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ANNOUNCING OUR THIRD YEAR SHOW!

Our third exhibition of photographs will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the YMCA in South Amboy, NJ. The show will be held as a partnership with South Amboy Arts as a part of their Y Art? Series.

The show features one printed image from each week of Jersey Collective’s third year–work from March 2016 to March 2017. That’s 52 photographs by 52 photographers. The images were taken across every corner of our state and depict New Jersey’s people, landmarks, and natural scenes through the eyes of a diverse group of photographers. The images for the show were curated by Jersey Collective founder Kerri Sullivan.

Please RSVP on Facebook to stay up-to-date with what’s happening with the show and to share the event with your friends and family! JERSEY COLLECTIVE: THE THIRD YEAR Opening reception with the artists: Saturday, November 4, 2017 7:00-10:00 pm South Amboy YMCA 200 John T. O'Leary Blvd South Amboy, NJ 08879

SPONSORS We are so grateful to the following sponsors and partners that helped make this event possible:

Chris Bartow Photography Vintage Print Photobooth Occasionette Jersey Shore Ecotherapy The Green House — Cultivating Wellness Escape Garden State Project Write Now

DESIGN CONTEST We are having a contest to design the poster image for the show. The contest will be judged by Jersey Collective founder Kerri Sullivan, the designer of the previous two posters Amy Chen, and New Jersey-based designer Alex Flannery. The prize is to have your work plastered across social media before the event, printed on materials for the show, and $100. You can find out all of the details on how to submit here. The deadline is September 27th!

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION The YMCA has a large parking lot and there’s also tons of free street parking leading up to the building’s entrance. The YMCA is located about a ten minute walk from the South Amboy train station.

FOOD & DRINK We will have complimentary (made in New Jersey!) beverages and snacks at the event. We encourage you to check out a local restaurant for dinner beforehand!

HASHTAG Please share your photos from the event using #jcyear3

PRESS Please contact Kerri Sullivan at [email protected].

If you like our project and/or want to see more fun things happen in the future, consider giving us a donation. We also accept monthly business sponsorships on our account, which you can find out more information about here.

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jerseycollective · 7 years

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VOLUNTEER AS A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR NJ MAKER’S DAY 2017!

We are excited to be partnering with NJ Makers Day to find volunteer photographers to cover the event across the state. NJ Makers Day is a statewide event that promotes "maker culture"--creating something either physical or digital (coding, visual arts, film, etc.)--at partnering sites including colleges, schools, public libraries, museums, and private makerspaces. You can read more about NJ Makers Day here: http://njmakersday.org/faq-page

What we are looking for: some volunteer photographers to visit and cover a site on NJ Makers Day. We'll follow up with more information once we hear from you. Please respond by February 24th!

Here is a list of all of the current available sites: http://njmakersday.org/content/nj-makers-day-sites-map-and-listing.

If you’d like to volunteer your time, please click here to sign up!

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jerseycollective · 7 years

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Inspirational Women Series : Tara Spear along the Appalachian Trail

Kayleigh Archbold / November 7, 2016

Tara Spear decided at just ten years old that her dream was to hike the Appalachian Trail. Fifteen years later, her dream finally became a reality. After a short backpacking trip to Virginia in April 2015, she decided that one year later she would finally do it. In April 2016, Tara headed to Georgia, hiked the Approach Trail (an eight mile trail leading to the start of the Appalachian Trail) & finally began her journey along the Appalachian Trail on April 4th. The entire Appalachian Trail is 2,168.1 miles. It begins in Springer Mountain, Georgia, travels through North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and ends at Mount Katahdin, Maine.

On March 31st, I met up with Tara for an interview & photoshoot on the Appalachian Trail in Vernon, New Jersey. This has always been a favorite hiking spot for both of us, since our hometown of West Milford, New Jersey is close to Vernon. Tara and I met at West Milford High School and graduated together in 2007. She's always been the type of person you enjoy sharing laughs and the simple things with. Her love for nature and her spirit are two things I've always admired about her. Meeting with her that day, I realized none of that had changed. While Tara was a bit shy in front of the camera, she wasn't shy when it came to telling me about her dream to hike the trail. She was open, honest, and quite unfazed about how inspiring her story was. At just 26 years old, Tara was embarking on a journey of self-discovery and triumph. For most people, the thought of this hike alone is intimidating and overwhelming. For Tara, it wasn't a question of if she should or shouldn't embark on this journey. It was more that she felt she was supposed to.

Right before Tara left for her journey, she got the words "It's All Good" tattooed on her arm, a phrase her late grandfather often used, written in her grandmother's handwriting. Her grandparents have always supported her, along with her brother Chris. Chris (trail name 'Dutch') completed the Appalachian Trail in 2011. Her support system also includes friends and family back in New Jersey who are excited and inspired, eagerly awaiting updates from the trail. Tara and I are planning to meet up again when she comes through New Jersey to talk about everything from what has been the most surprising to what difficulties she's had to face. If our timing lines up right, my goal is to meet her at the end of her journey in Maine.

KA: Why are you hiking the Appalachian Trail? TS: Well, I love nature and hiking. I grew up running through the woods. I've always liked the idea of putting everything that you have or need, or you think you need, in a pack and carrying it on your back. Ever since I knew that people did this trail and that it connects from you know, Georgia to Maine, and even goes through my hometown, I decided I wanted to do it. So at like ten years old, I decided I wanted to do this hike.

KA: What is your biggest fear? TS: Giving up, I guess. I don't know, I guess, mentally, just like enduring mentally. A little bit physically. I'm afraid of my feet hurting. Letting myself mentally be defeated is my biggest fear.

KA: What do you think hiking the Appalachian Trail will accomplish? TS: It'll establish a sense of confidence and I guess, a sense of myself. It'll bring me to understand myself better. And I'll be super fit (laughs)! I'll accomplish that. But mostly the, you know, the self exploration. Really getting to know myself and testing my limits. Just realizing that I can do anything and nothing is impossible.

KA: What kind of training did you put yourself through to prepare for this? TS: Just hiking everyday, pretty much. Jogging sometimes, at the gym or whatever. I like to run through the woods, so I do that. Going out with my pack on and going out and camping, setting up my tent and just practicing doing that. Being on my own and yeah, doing solo trips. My normal thing, what I do everyday (laughs).

KA: What advice would you give to other people who want to hike the Appalachian Trail? TS: To just do it. Don't be afraid. What held me back from doing it for so long was time and money. If you have a dream, you just have to go for it. You have to do whatever it takes to get there. I mean, I started saving years ago but don't let that or society get in your way. Don't let people try to tell you it's not the smartest thing to do. Just live frugally if finances are your issue. Make a plan. Make a goal and just do the steps to do it.

KA: Lastly, what are you most looking forward to on your journey? TS: Definitely seeing other parts of the trail, different terrain, mountains, and meeting people. Going through little towns and seeing other parts of the East Coast. The Appalachian Mountain Range. Just seeing that.

This post is the first of a column by Kayleigh Archbold of Laughing Heart Photoraphy. The columb features photos of and interviews with inspirational New Jersey women.

#Jersey Women

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