Mana Contemporary's Spring Open Studios Draws Over 100 Artists to Jersey City

Mana Contemporary in Jersey City held its Spring Open Studios on May 17, with over 100 of its 300 artists opening their studios—the largest participation in years. The event marked a resurgence for the 2 million-square-foot campus, which had closed during COVID-19 and shifted online. A new director was installed in 2022, and partnerships with Pierogi Gallery and the Ayn Foundation have helped rebuild audiences. Pierogi co-owners Joe Amrhein and Susan Swenson brought their Flat Files containing nearly 4,000 works to Mana for six months to a year. The Monira Foundation's residency program, which accepted Luis Emilio Romero in December, also participated. Exhibitions included TLaloC's inflatable sculptures in the boiler room, four John Chamberlain chromium-plated steel assemblages, and the group show "Open Book(s): Observations" presented by Pierogi, Mana, and the Monira Foundation. Artists featured included Kristian Battell, Michael Hines, Claudia Koh, Ivy Haldeman, and others.