Category: Art & Life

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Art & Life Culture Lifestyle

Union County HEART Grant recipient makes presentation on local history

Nancy J. Ori of Berkeley Heights, well-known photographer, author, and educator received a 2022 HEART GRANT from the Union County Board of County Commissioners to do photography at approximately 35 local historical sites and to create a digital presentation.

 

She has spent months researching and photographing the numerous exteriors and interiors. Her artistic selection of subject matter was determined by the best summary of images to depict the lifestyle of the people who lived throughout the County during the different time periods in our history from the early farms, through the Revolutionary War, and to the present.

 

This new project (History, Education and Arts, Reaching Thousands) will be presented online through a Zoom lecture on Oct. 13th at 7-8:30pm.

It will be an introduction to the Four Centuries in a Weekend events taking place from Oct. 15-16 2022, and will include images to highlight the important story of Union County in chronological order. This online lecture will be live and offer the viewers an opportunity to ask questions about the sites and details about the photography. Contact the Plainfield Library or Nancy Ori to get the Zoom link. The online presentation is free and open to the public.

 

In 2000, Ori received a similar grant to create an exhibition of photography from the Four Centuries locations. Those images will be featured at the Plainfield Library gallery from Oct. 15, 2022 – March 11, 2023. The 2022 grant is an update to this previous project and includes new locations that have been added to the list of Four Centuries in a Weekend sites since 2000.

 

This large body of work provides a balance of images between the architecture, furniture, costumes, and artifacts of by-gone eras to reflect those who lived, worked, and played in Union County at earlier times. Ori refers to these images as “portraits” of architecture and artifacts. Some images are romantic in style and provide a contrast to the playful depictions of antique dolls and toys, some are bold forms of tools and objects presented almost as sculptures, and some are composed room set ups or still lifes done by Nancy to provide more formal and artistic imagery. There will be a ‘meet-the-artist’ lecture with Nancy on March 4, 2023, at the library, 800 Park Ave in Plainfield, NJ 908-757-1111 (details TBD).

 

“Since 1970, I have traveled throughout the world working on various photographic and video projects which has given me the opportunity to explore many popular and cherished places. It didn’t take long for me to see that right here in my own back yard are wonderful sites to photograph and images to share. I proposed both grant projects in order to best volunteer my skills to benefit my community and have since been inspired by not only the interesting subject matter and history of New Jersey, but also by the many dedicated volunteers I have met while doing my research and photographing the sites over the years.”

 

Popular locations such as Liberty Hall in Union, the Ashbrook Reservation and Nature Trail in Scotch Plains, and the Drake House Museum in Plainfield, as well as the smaller historical sites of the Woodruff House/Eaton Store Museum in Hillside and the Carter House in Summit are only a few of the locations featured in Ori’s exhibit as well as the Zoom presentation.

 

Nancy Ori enjoys teaching photography classes and workshops each year throughout the United States and Europe. In 1995, she founded the New Jersey Photography Forum, a group of professional and very serious amateur photographers who get together monthly to critique each other’s work and exhibit together, both online and at the art center in Summit. Under Nancy’s direction, the NJPF has grown to be the largest group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the Metro Area. (www.njphotoforum.com)

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Art & Life Business Lifestyle

Appleseed’s debuts in homes across the country with the first television campaign in the brand’s over 75 year history

Campaign Announcement Coincides with Introduction of Martha Stewart Outerwear Collection and the introduction of Appleseed’s first multi-tender loyalty program — Appleseed’s Rewards Club

 

MIDDLETON, Mass. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Appleseed’s, the age and size inclusive apparel retailer debuts its first national television campaign for the first time in the brand’s over 75-year history. With a renewed focus on driving brand awareness, Appleseed’s is celebrating their classic, timeless clothing anchored in enduring American style with their commercial debut, first ever celebrity collection, and announcement of a new loyalty program.


For over 75 years, Appleseed’s has provided exclusive style, great fit, and amazing value to millions of customers. The brand’s campaign – ‘Inspired By You.’ – salutes the brand’s heritage by featuring distinct New England-inspired fashion, designed for everyday and every occasion.

 

“This is our opportunity to share this amazing American brand with millions which has been rooted in our New England heritage and real-life versatility,” stated Bobby Ferrario, General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer of Orchard Brands. “At the heart of the Appleseed’s brand is a community that celebrates its customers and their love of effortless fashion and outstanding quality at an accessible price point– and we’re excited for new customers to discover us.”

 

In addition, this fall Appleseed’s is introducing a curated selection of Martha Stewart Outerwear, the first celebrity collection offered by Appleseed’s. “We’re expanding upon the iconic outerwear assortment customers have come to rely on us for, with our collection of Martha Stewart Outerwear. Martha perfectly represents the spirit of the Appleseed’s brand, and we couldn’t be happier to be a partner in carrying her assortment.”

 

Finally, Appleseed’s is excited to launch Appleseed’s Rewards Club, the brand’s new multi-tender loyalty program. “We’ve been listening to our customers to understand what they love most about Appleseed’s and how we can provide new ways for them to engage with the brand. We know our customers depend on us to deliver ease and comfort – in product and experience – and see our new Rewards Club as an opportunity to deepen that emotional connection by rewarding them for shopping with us,” said Ferrario.

 

Appleseed’s Fall Campaign debuted on September 6th across national, local, and digital channels. The ad was developed and produced in coordination with internal creative and Appleseed’s agency of record, Marketing Architects.

 

About Orchard Brands

Orchard Brands is an omni-channel multi-brand portfolio of apparel retailers providing curated lifestyle and fit solutions at a great value through its catalog and eCommerce channels. The portfolio includes four well-established brands, including Blair – established in 1910 in Warren, Pennsylvania (www.blair.com), Haband – established in 1925 in Paterson, New Jersey (www.haband.com), Appleseed’s – established in 1946 in Beverly, Massachusetts (www.appleseeds.com), and Draper’s & Damon’s – established in 1927 in Pasadena, California (www.drapers.com).

Contacts

Liza Backes; lbackes@paulwilmot.com
Grayson Houge; ghouge@paulwilmot.com

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Art & Life Culture

New Jersey Photography Forum presents ‘Colorific’ exhibit at the Mayo Performing Arts Center

The New Jersey Photography Forum is presenting its Colorific photography exhibit in the Art Upstairs Gallery at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ from September 8 – October 18, 2022.

 

The NJPF Colorific exhibit reopens the Art Upstairs Gallery for the new performance season each year. It is open to ticket holders on nights of performances and is open to the public from 12:00 to 2:00pm on Tuesdays or by appointment during normal business hours. There will be a free reception for the exhibit on Sunday, September 18 from 4pm to 6pm that is open to the public.

 

        “This annual exhibit of photographic images is an explosion of color with works ranging from traditional subjects to abstract forms and designs. It features thirty works selected by a jury from over 95 submitted images. Also featured will be two 3-d works created in glass by photographer Russ Wills,” says Nancy Ori, director of the NJPF. 

 

        Seventeen artists from around New Jersey have works in the exhibit, including: Jamin Chen, Montville; Ken Curtis, Califon; Ralph Greene, Woodland Park; Theresa Hood, Hamilton Township, PA; Marv Kaminsky, Flanders; Kathleen Kirchner, Stanhope; Parvathi Kumar, Bridgewater; Leonard McDonald, Mountainside; Charlann Meluso, Berkeley Heights; Charles Miller, Ringoes; Jeff Newman, Flemington; Nancy Ori, Berkeley Heights; Lynn Ronan, Midland Park; Tom Stillman, South Plainfield; Christine Truhe, Summit; Russ Wills, Plainfield, and Allan Wood, Maplewood.

 

         Three years ago, The New Jersey Photography Forum celebrated the 25thanniversary of its founding. The group is dedicated to furthering the interests of professional and serious photographers living or working in the Metro area. Under the direction of Nancy Ori, the NJPF has grown to be the largest and most recognized group of fine art exhibiting photographers in the state.

 

The monthly meetings are currently held virtually using Zoom and will return to their regular in-person sessions at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit when possible. Meeting attendees are encouraged to share expertise and advance their skills. At each meeting, member and guest photographers have an opportunity to share their work as well as have access to a wide variety of current creative and technical information through informal presentations and demonstrations.

 

Exhibition possibilities within the fine art community are constantly being explored with the group producing as many as a dozen group exhibits each year at various venues. These opportunities have become an invaluable resource for Metro area photographers interested in becoming fine art exhibitors.

 

         The Mayo Performing Arts Center is a highly recognized center for the arts. It provides a year-round series of performances featuring international, national, and local artists. It also houses two visual art galleries that feature works by local art organizations and individual artists from around the region, as well as those with international recognition. For more information go to Mayoarts.org. The Center is located at 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ. To make an appointment to see the exhibit, call 973-539-0345, ext. 6701.

 

        For more information on the exhibit or the group, please contact Nancy Ori at nancyori@comcast.net, To learn more about the group, please visit the New Jersey Photography Forum website at www.njphotoforum.com

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Art & Life Culture

BronzeLens 2022 selects over 124 films for its 13th annual film festival

ATLANTA — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Atlanta-based BronzeLens Film Festival (BronzeLens) has the distinction of being situated in one of the world’s leading film and television production hubs and it is positioned as a hotbed for creatives to ideate, collaborate, and garner support. Creators of various disciplines and the general public can experience BronzeLens in person, over the course of six days from August 23 to 28.

“Each year our official film selections are determined from a pool of submissions from various parts of the world, and every year I am in awe of the brilliant work produced by such a diverse mix of creatives,” said Deidre McDonald, BronzeLens Artistic Director. “The BronzeLens team is poised and ready to present films that represent the hopes, dreams, and experiences of filmmakers of color.”

 

Of the 124 official film selections,19 are Georgia productions and many films have an Afrofuturist or Horror theme. Selected films in the Features, Shorts, Documentary, Short Documentary, Dance Video, Web Series, Music Video, Student, and Reel South Short Documentary categories include the work of filmmakers representing the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Jamaica, Cuba, Nigeria, and India. BronzeLens is a designated Oscar Qualifying Festival in the Shorts category and 57 Shorts are among the official film screenings.

 

BronzeLens domestic and international film screenings, expert panels master classes, workshops, and signature events are scheduled to take place at venues throughout Atlanta’s Arts and Cultural districts. Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station, Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, and IPIC Atlanta are the hosts for BronzeLens official film selections screenings and The Starling Atlanta Midtown hotel is BronzeLens headquarters for educational programming and the Women SuperStars Honors.

 

BronzeLens Schedule Highlights

IPIC Atlanta

Daily Screenings: 11:00am – 6:00pm

Regal Atlantic Station

Opening Night Feature

Bronze Carpet: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Screening: 8:00pm

Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over

Directors: Dave Wooley, David Heilbroner

Synopsis: This award-winning feature-length documentary tells the dramatic story of Dionne Warwick’s meteoric rise from New Jersey gospel choirs to international cross-over super-stardom.

Wednesday, August 24

Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema

Screening: 7:00pm

Jazz Night Screenings @ BronzeLens

Co-hosted by The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Little Satchmo

Director- John Alexander

Synopsis: Little Satchmo reveals the hidden daughter of Louis Armstrong; how one of Satchmo’s dearest loves was also his closest secret.

OMAR SOSA’S 88 WELL-TUNED DRUMS – Director -Soren Sorenson

Synopsis: This is a feature-length documentary on the life and music of Cuba-born, multiple Grammy nominee, pianist, and composer Omar Sosa

Thursday, August 25

THE STARLING MIDTOWN ATLANTA

9:00am

The Art of the Pitch

Presented by Emily Best

CEO & Founder, Seed&Spark

11:30am – 12:30am

Intimacy Coordination for Film/TV

Featuring Zuri Pryor Graves

Sexuality and Mental Health Therapist, Educator, and film/television Intimacy Coordinator

BronzeLens Clips and Conversation

Bronze Carpet: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Screening: 8:00pm

Presented by Sony Pictures

Featuring J.D. Dillard, Director of the soon to be released film Devotion

Synopsis: Devotion, an aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen.

Friday, August 26

THE STARLING MIDTOWN ATLANTA

Workshops and Panels

9:00am – 3:00pm

IPIC Atlanta

Screenings: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Web Series, Short Documentaries, Documentaries, Shorts, Nominated Films

Saturday, August 27

THE STARLING MIDTOWN ATLANTA

Workshops and Panels

9:00am – 3:00pm

State of the Film Industry

3:00pm – 4:00pm

Presented by Fulton Films

IPIC Atlanta

Screenings: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Nominated films in all categories

THE STARLING MIDTOWN ATLANTA

BronzeLens Women Superstars Honors

Bronze Carpet: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Program: 8:00pm

Sunday August 28th

The Chandelier Room @ Monday Night Brewing

BronzeLens Sunday Brunch with the Brothers

10:00am -12noon

The Cecil B. Day Chapel @ The Carter Center

13th Annual BronzeLens Awards

Bronze Carpet: 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Program: 8:00pm

Media Access
Approved media will have access to select festival programming. To request access, please email BronzeLens Agency of Record Thrive Media at blff@wethrivemedia.com.

 

About the BronzeLens Film Festival

BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia, is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. Its mission is two-fold: to promote Atlanta as the film mecca for people of color, showcase films, and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers. Since its inception, BronzeLens producers have brought national and worldwide attention to Atlanta, helping to showcase the city as a leader in the thriving film industry.

 

For more information regarding the BronzeLens Film Festival, please go to BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia.

Find Us: Facebook, Twitter. Instagram, YouTube

Official Hashtag: #BronzeLens2022

Contacts

Terri Vismale-Morris
Director of Public Relations

tvmorris@bronzelens.com

Categories
Art & Life Business

Circle K debuts exclusive DC Comics HeroStix Collectibles

HeroStix collectible figurines available in select markets while supplies last

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Circle K, the global convenience store chain, is giving comic book fans young, old and in between another reason to stop by with today’s launch of an exclusive collection of DC Comics HeroStix. Featuring a famous lineup of 24 DC Comic heroes, villians and symbols, the HeroStix Collectibles are only available at participating Circle K stores in 20 select states across the country, making these coveted items extra special.


“At Circle K, we love surprising and delighting our customers with fun exclusive offers that feed their passions and provide new reasons to make Circle K part of their daily routines,” said Melissa Lessard, Head of North American Marketing at Circle K. “With last week’s premiere of The Batman, what better way to celebrate the iconic heroes of DC Comics than with HeroStix from Circle K?”

 

HeroStix have a suction-cup base that allow them to stick to multiple flat surfaces, like dashboards, windowsills or display shelves. Each HeroStix collectible comes individually packaged, with the character remaining a mystery until unwrapped.

 

Circle K is giving away one free HeroStix collectible with every purchase of eight gallons of fuel or $10 of merchandise, while supplies last, starting March 9. HeroStix can also be purchased for $0.99 individually. To encourage super-fans to collect all 24, Circle K is also selling a collectible album to display the HeroStix for $4.99.

 

The Circle K HeroStix collectible line includes 24 of the most popular DC Comics heroes and villains, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and many more.

 

HeroStix collectibles and the collectible display album are exclusively available at Circle K stores in the following 20 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, northern Florida and the panhandle, southern Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West Virginia.

 

About Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.

Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience and fuel retail, operating in 26 countries and territories, with close to 14,200 stores, of which approximately 10,800 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and it is a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, as well as in Ireland. It also has an important presence in Poland and Hong Kong SAR. Approximately 124,000 people are employed throughout its network.

Contacts

BCW Global for Circle K

Madison LaRoche

bcwcirclek@bcw-global.com

Categories
Art & Life Business Lifestyle

Aetrex presents new comfort dress shoe designs for fall 2022 based on scientific data

Brand to exhibit its year-round comfort footwear collection at 2022 Atlanta Shoe Market, booth #1537

 

TEANECK, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Aetrex, Inc. (“Aetrex”), the global market leader in foot scanning technology, orthotics and comfort & wellness footwear, today announced its plans to showcase its new Fall/Winter 2022 collection at this year’s Atlanta Shoe Market, Feb. 19-21. In addition to successful year-round casual and athleisure styles, Aetrex will be showcasing its comfort-driven, fashion-forward dress styles, such as the Corey and Finley heeled clogs. Unique to all Aetrex shoes, these styles feature the company’s proprietary arch support for proper alignment plus additional healthy ingredients for all-day comfort.


“Retailers are well stocked with cozy footwear and athleisure styles that have been driving the market throughout the pandemic,” said Renee Newman, VP Footwear Sales at Aetrex. “Consumers are ready and excited to get back to work in person and resume public social events. They are looking for fresh, fun dress styles for these occasions, but they don’t want to sacrifice the comfort they’ve become accustomed to.”

 

Renowned for comfort, the Aetrex footwear collection delivers the perfect balance of health benefits and trend-right styling. In particular, the company’s fall clog styles, such as the Corey and Finley (MSRP $164.95), provide versatile looks that transition well across seasons.

 

Both silhouettes feature Aetrex’s Signature Arch Support, which is designed to provide alignment, minimize over-pronation and help prevent common conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arch pain and metatarsalgia. Other healthy ingredients include an antimicrobial microfiber footbed, memory foam cushioning for added comfort, suede and leather uppers, and a 3’’ lightweight cork heel for comfortable wear without a clunky feel. Additional notable features include:

 

  • Corey – a braided belt for an additional flare and a stretch gore side for optimal comfort and fit.
  • Finley – an adjustable quarter strap with a hook and loop closure system for a personalized fit.

 

For years, Aetrex has been recognized as an orthotic sandal brand, thriving during the Spring season. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen significant growth in our Fall/Winter collection and athleisure styles that transition well from season to season,” said Newman. “We’re excited to continue this momentum in our Fall 2022 lineup with fashionable, fun options, like these new dress styles that offer heel height and take her easily from work to dinner without sacrificing the comfort she has come to expect from Aetrex.”

 

It’s well known that heeled footwear typically isn’t comfortable or very supportive. However, Aetrex’s mission is to help people stay comfortable on their feet in all types of footwear. It all starts with a comprehensive foot scan. Over the past 20 years, Aetrex has placed more than 10,000 foot scanners around the world and performed more than 40 million scans.

 

“With all this data, it’s no surprise that we really know feet. And we recognize this is our secret sauce for developing great shoes and orthotics. Our unique, premium footwear designs are all based on scientific data to ensure maximum comfort, support and a better overall fit,” said Larry Schwartz, CEO Aetrex.

 

Available in August 2022, Aetrex’s Fall/Winter 2022 line will also include new athluxe sneakers, cozy, weatherproof and fashion-forward boots with sherpa features, new slippers for at-home comfort, and much more. Atlanta Shoe Market attendees can stop by the booth (#1537) to experience this unique footwear collection.

 

To learn more about Aetrex, please visit www.aetrex.com.

 

About Aetrex

Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. is widely recognized as the global leader in foot scanning technology, orthotics, and comfort and wellness footwear. Aetrex has developed state-of-the-art foot scanning devices, including Albert, Albert 2 and iStep, designed to accurately measure feet and determine foot type and pressure points. Since 2002, Aetrex has placed over 10,000 scanners worldwide that have performed more than 40 million unique customer foot scans, currently averaging more than 2.5 million scans a year.

 

The company is renowned for its over-the-counter orthotics – the worlds #1 premium foot orthotic. With fashion, function and quality at the forefront, Aetrex also designs and manufactures stylish, performance footwear. Based in New Jersey, Aetrex is consistently named one of New Jersey’s Top 100 Privately Held Companies and was also included in NJBIZ’s Top 30 Manufacturing Companies. It has remained privately owned by the Schwartz family for three generations. For additional information, visit www.aetrex.com.

Contacts

Media
Rajira Hernandez

Matter Communications

978-225-8082

aetrex@matternow.com

Categories
Art & Life Business

Amazon Music names BRELAND as the next breakthrough artist, expands its breakthrough program to support more emerging artists

Amazon Music reveals that the country trailblazer will be the next Breakthrough Artist in the U.S., receiving a global campaign to support his upcoming releases, including enhanced playlist support, social media campaigns, an Amazon Original song, marketing opportunities, and bespoke editorial content

 

Breakthrough—the program from Amazon Music supporting up-and-coming artists from around the world—announces increased opportunities, including The Breakthrough Development Fund, a new initiative providing backing for independent artists

 

SEATTLE — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Today, Amazon Music is announcing that country trailblazer BRELAND has been selected as the next Breakthrough Artist. A bold new force on the music landscape, BRELAND’s groundbreaking mix of hip-hop and country has turned heads, and as a Breakthrough Artist, the singer/songwriter/producer will receive substantial support from Amazon Music, including bespoke video and audio content, global marketing campaigns, increased visibility across playlists and programming, and high-profile Amazon Original tracks.

As part of Breakthrough, BRELAND will be a featured guest on Country Heat Weekly, the first genre-focused Original podcast from Amazon Music, to connect with co-hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson on his new music and the year ahead.

 

“It’s an honor to be selected as the next Breakthrough Artist. Coming together with Amazon Music is a natural pairing. We share the same vision for my music, and I know that by working with them, I’ll be able to make even my most ambitious plans a reality. I can’t wait to share what we’re working on with my fans,” said BRELAND.

 

New Jersey-born BRELAND began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by a diverse collection of sounds and eclectic artists like the Beatles, Rascal Flatts, Prince, and his number-one influence, Stevie Wonder. His debut single, “My Truck,” fused hip-hop with country and became a breakout success, going platinum and ending up on best-of-the-year lists from NPR and The New York Times. Since signing to Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records, BRELAND has collaborated with heavy-hitters such as Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Blanco Brown, Lauren Alaina, and Chase Rice. He recently enlisted Keith Urban for the dynamic collaboration “Throw It Back,” and is currently featured on Dierks Bentley’s single with HARDY, “Beers On Me.” Praised by Rolling Stone as “1,000 percent the whole package,” he made his Grand Ole Opry debut to a standing ovation last year.

 

Amazon Music has also unveiled details of the Breakthrough Development Fund, an initiative created to provide independent artists with additional financial support to help them as they launch their careers. The fund is the newest part of the Breakthrough program from Amazon Music, joining Breakthrough Live and the Breakthrough playlists supporting new artists. Each month, one independent artist in the U.S. will receive financial support that they’ll be able to use to cover some of the costs artists face when starting out, like funding an early tour, hiring a PR or social team, and more. Thus far in 2022, Amazon Music has used the fund to support singer/songwriter Lauren Spencer-Smith in January and Muni Long in February.

 

“Helping to develop artists is something that is very important to Amazon Music, and we understand that as their career starts to grow, each artist has different needs. Depending on where they’re at in their career, they may need to build a strong team around them or to enhance their live show. With the Breakthrough Development Fund, we want to help artists build their teams and their profile,” said Amazon Global Co-Head of Artist Relations Chris Graham. “Whether we’re backing artists with this new fund, providing a stage for their music on our Breakthrough playlists, or supporting them with the Breakthrough Artist program, Amazon Music is constantly working to help emerging artists find new fans and get to the next level of their careers.”

 

Breakthrough is the emerging artist program from Amazon Music, aimed at amplifying the best new talent and championing them at different moments early in their careers. The program encompasses playlisting, livestreams, funding, marketing and social campaigns, events, editorial content, and more. Breakthrough has supported a wide variety of artists from around the globe, including U.S. hip-hop artist Blxst, country powerhouse Gabby Barrett, rising pop star Remi Wolf, London-based musician and poet Arlo Parks, rising German pop sensation Malik Harris, London singer/songwriter Olivia Dean, and Latin pop duo Las Villa.

 

(Download hi-res art here)

For more information on Amazon Music, please contact David Marek (davmarek@amazon.com)

Contacts

David Marek

davmarek@amazon.com

Categories
Art & Life Business

Cenntro Electric Group announces the change of its trading symbol from ‘NAKD’ to ‘CENN’

FREEHOLD, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cenntro Electric Group Limited (NASDAQ: NAKD), a leading EV technology company with advanced, market-validated electric commercial vehicles, today announced that its trading symbol on the Nasdaq Capital Market (NASDAQ) will change from “NAKD” to “CENN” at the open of market trading on Friday, January 14, 2022.

The change in trading symbol follows the previously announced closing of Naked Brand Group Limited’s acquisition of the outstanding capital stock of three entities comprising Cenntro Automotive Group and its name change to “Cenntro Electric Group Limited.”

 

“We are pleased that our new trading symbol now aligns with our brand and will strengthen our visibility with investors and provide consistent recognition to our shareholders as we reach another milestone as a public company,” said Peter Wang, CEO, Managing Director and Chairman of Cenntro Electric Group Limited. “We remain committed to our vision and maximizing shareholder value by leveraging our IP and ability to design and produce innovative electric commercial vehicles while scaling our decentralized production model as we address the needs of growing market demand.”

 

No action is required from Cenntro shareholders in order to effectuate the change in trading symbol. Cenntro’s ordinary shares will continue to be listed on NASDAQ and the CUSIP number will remain unchanged.

 

About Cenntro Electric Group

Cenntro Electric Group is a leading EV technology company with advanced, market-validated electric commercial vehicles. Cenntro plans to lead the transformation in the automotive industry through scalable, decentralized production and fully digitalized autonomous driving solutions empowered by the Cenntro iChassis. Cenntro has produced and delivered over 3600 commercial EVs in more than 26 countries. For more information about the company, please visit www.cenntroauto.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. Such statements may be, but need not be, identified by words such as “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “aim(s),” “can,” “would,” “expect(s),” “estimate(s),” “project(s),” “forecast(s)”, “positioned,” “approximately,” “potential,” “goal,” “strategy,” “outlook” and similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding decentralized production and fully digitalized autonomous driving solutions. All such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in this communication. For additional risks and uncertainties that could impact Cenntro’s forward-looking statements, please see disclosures contained in Cenntro’s public filings with the SEC, including the “Risk Factors” in Cenntro’s Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2022 and which may be viewed at www.sec.gov.

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact:

Chris Tyson

MZ North America

CENN@mzgroup.us
949-491-8235

Company Contact:

PR@cenntroauto.com
IR@cenntroauto.com

Categories
Art & Life Culture

Top N.J. photographers to host free Art Conference III

Nancy Ori, well-known NJ photographer, author, and international instructor, along with Mindy Lighthipe, author, artist, and educator, have joined forces for the third free Zoom conference on Feb. 6, 2022, from 3 to 5 p.m. for artists.

 

Nancy Ori, NJPF artist
— Courtesy photo

These two creatives have collaborated many times in the past while teaching and exhibiting together, so it was a natural for Ori to invite Lighthipe to join her for this event.

 

“Early in 2020, life suddenly shifted in so many ways for so many people, yet the natural world didn’t seem to notice. During the virtual presentation, I look forward to sharing some of the images that inspired and helped me to get through and move on,” said Lighthipe.

 

The conference will be a look at the creative inspiration they both gather from nature and how they are able to generate positive energy, workshops, and artwork during this challenging time.

 

Once they saw how powerful inspiration can be, they decided it would be a great topic worth sharing as well as an opportunity to open the door to hear from other.

 

The Art Conference III will offer attendees a chance to network and share thoughts about their own journeys, ask questions, get helpful tips, and make some plans for the future. To get the discussion rolling, Ori and Lighthipe will show their nature photographs and paintings.

 

They have each invited an additional artist to also present their work. The four artists will have time to talk about what inspires them and how those inspirations impact their lives and new work.

 

The additional presenting guest artists are John Middick, an award-winning portrait artist working primarily in colored pencil; and Paul Solomon, an educator, artist/photographer, and author with interdisciplinary interests and areas of expertise.

 

Anyone interested in joining the discussion will need to contact Ori to get the free Zoom link at nancyori@comcast.net. Attendance is open to any artist of any age using any medium. Along with important current art information, a major part of the conference discussion with attendees will be about what has been learned and how to draw inspiration from difficult situations.

 

A former Warren, N.J. artist, Lighthipe, is passionate about getting out into the natural world and discovering the beauty in every rock, stream, and forest. She carefully studies her subjects in their environment by collecting sketches and taking color notes. She is not shy when it comes to using color which she paints in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and Pan Pastels. It is not uncommon for her to combine techniques to create her unique and breath-taking style. A graduate from Kean University with a BFA in Studio Arts and a MA in Art Education, Lighthipe developed a 250-hour certificate in Natural Science Illustration for the Botanical Gardens in NY. She currently is teaching Scientific Illustration at the University of Florida as well as her own online workshops.

 

Ori, owner of New Jersey Media Center in Berkeley Heights is respected internationally as a corporate photographer, author, and photography instructor for many years. She teaches workshops both locally and internationally and was affiliated for many years with the Ansel Adams Workshop in California. She currently teaches privately and is on the faculty of several museums and art centers in New Jersey. Her international tours are scheduled to start up again next spring with visits to her typical off-the-beaten-path locations in Europe. Her latest book: 5 Important Elements of a Portfolio and Critique is available on Amazon.

 

Ori says, “I came up with this idea of collaboration with other artists and invited Mindy as the third person to help me host this free conference. I would like to continue this series moving forward to share thoughts on a variety of topics. It will be a great networking opportunity for everyone. The Zoom conference is an interactive way for experienced artists to share their work and for attendees to remain safely at home and stay current with the art world. Attendees will walk away with some positive energy and exposure to a variety of things.”

 

For more information on the Art Conference III, please contact Ori at 908-790-8820 or nancyori@comcast.net to receive the free Zoom link in order to attend. You can visit both artists websites at www.nancyorifineart.com and www.mindylighthipe.com for more information about their artwork.

Categories
Art & Life Lifestyle

Trenton artist ready for next chapter of artistry after decade of photography artwork

TRENTON, N.J. – Now a working artist, a local multimedia photographer continues to develop his interests in artwork projects after his life and health circumstances forced him to stay at home a decade ago.

 

Recently preparing for his transition from electronic means of photography, such as Photoshop, to creating more abstract artwork such as collages and manufactured pieces, Photographer C.a. Shofed, has been collaborating with other artists and printers to create new projects.

 

Earlier this year, at Art All Day, Shofed in collaboration with Artist Jane Zamost, featured a collage piece of artwork on tempered glass that they produced together.

 

Shofed said that he hopes “to naturally transition his artwork and photography to more abstract and sculptured pieces” in his next chapter.

 

A lifelong Mercer County resident, Shofed grew up with military parents, lived in Hopewell Township, and went to Mercer County College for a year after high school.

 

In college, he studied Advertising Art Design, and really fell in love with the art and photography.

 

However, he got a job shortly after college at Clancy Paul in Princeton, where his more than 25-years Information Technology (IT) former career started.

 

As an IT professional, Shofed worked several jobs in computers as a service tech, and later in project management, for many projects at the state level, and even nationally.

 

“I would fix different projects for my company around the country if they had gone awry,” explained Shofed.

 

But sometime around 2011 after he got married and moved to Trenton, Shofed, who lives in the neighborhood of Trenton Artworks gallery, would stop by there to volunteer his time.

 

It was during this time frame that he suffered a kidney failure, had a transplant, and was stuck at home with few options for work, so he started to paint.

 

“I would paint presents for my wife on our anniversaries, birthdays,” and so on, Shofed said.

 

Moreover, volunteering at Trenton Artworks galleries “got me back to my roots as an artist,” he explained.

 

So, Shofed decided to return to being an artist as a photographer, and he got support from Artworks. He would display his photography work there at Art All Day and at Art All Night, and those highlights helped to bring him back to being an artist.

 

A few years later, Shofed told his wife he does not plan to return to his former work in IT but wants to continue his photography.

 

He said she told him he has her support as long as he plans to make money soon enough. She was his number one investor, and now 10 years later, he is a successful, growing, and transitioning photographer and artist.

 

At this current level of his art, Shofed plans to transition his work to do more with multimedia and collaborators. He wants to stretch his photography to being something different and beyond just working with Photoshop.

 

“I want to physically change my photography,” he stated. “I want to manipulate it either through painting or using the ideas of other artists.”

 

He still wants to be a contemporary and urban artist but plans to be more abstract.

 

“With the abstract art, my photography is based in urban moments. In Trenton, there are lots of history, natural stuff, construction, colorful stuff,” he explains.

 

He focuses on these items for his template paintings. Using printers to make more abstract artworks, he prints on clear glass, acrylic and make collages. He uses his camera to over-saturate pictures or uses his camera to manipulate nature in various ways.

 

Shofed says his artwork has been featured internationally and that people mostly discover him on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Locally, his work has also been featured at Trenton Ellarslie Museum at Cadwalader Park among their juried collection.

 

Apart from this, his art has been featured in galleries in Upstate New York at Woodstock, Canada, and even in Glasgow in the United Kingdom.

 

Shofed enjoys the recognition he receives for doing what he loves.

 

“There is joy in it. It’s not a job. I enjoy it. It can be solitary and social,” he said.

 

Most of all, it is how people interpret the artwork that is interesting to him, he stated.

 

The minute you create your work, it is no longer yours, but how people see it is what matters.