Exhibit: Nov. 9 – Nov. 30, 2024
RECEPTION: Sat., Nov. 16 from 4-7 p.m.
West Orange Arts Center
551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ
Pop Up Art Exhibit: Rey Arvelo & Joanne Leone Meet the artists, enjoy the art with wine & cheese. Free event open to the community. Make it a night of culture and theater. Post reception check out Lonely Planet at Luna Stage. Grab dinner at Palacio Del Pollo, Dessert at Pura Paletas & so much more in the Valley.
Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
Maybe I’m Crazy -But Maybe I’m Not (a One-man Show)
One-Man Show Written and Performed by Gerald Fierst
West Orange Arts Center, 551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ, 07052
Reinaldo Arvelo grew up in Newark, NJ, and raised by hard-working Puerto Rican parents. He received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from New Jersey City University where he gained inspiration from various art professors including Ben Jones, Jerry Castro, Hugo Bastidas, and Jose Rodeiro. He also acquired his master’s degree in Museum Management from Montclair State University. Since 2004 he has exhibited in various venues including the Seton Hall University Walsh Gallery, the Ben Shahn Gallery of Wayne, The Maplewood Arts Center, The Newark Museum of Art, and the West Orange Arts Center.
As an artist, his purpose is to invite the viewer to examine the particulars within his work and search for their connection. He adopts techniques of decalcomania and grattage made famous by Max Ernst and other traditional techniques in oil painting. His painting process allows him to explore introspection and the unconscious mind. The results relate to themes in biology, the natural world and culture. The organic structures and textures are overwhelming and hemorrhaging with details. At times they can appear dystopian, searching for a purpose and a voice. He continues to evolve in his craft to advance into new areas of exploration.
Aside from creating art, Rey enjoys curating and installing art shows focused on culture and diversity. He gained this inspiration in 2014 when he interned and was later contracted by the George Segal Gallery as a cataloger. He acquired much knowledge and appreciation in documenting and accessioning the gallery’s art collection. In June of 2018, he volunteered for the West Orange Art Center as a gallery manager and was trusted in installing and curating art exhibitions for the community. As of 2023, he volunteers with the Bloomfield Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee in Bloomfield, NJ where he currently resides with his wife and daughter. Arvelo works for the Newark Museum of Art in the Department of Learning and Engagement. Arvelo was recently awarded Artist of the Year by the Hispanic American Parade of NJ.
Arvelo believes that the arts build bridges that provide exposure to new and upcoming artists, ideas and introduce the continued discourse between culture and community. These bridges need to include community leaders, education and partnerships.