PES STUDIOS

Lower Level is officially open ✨ This past week, following the opening of “A Feeling of Itself,” we welcomed visitors into the space for a first look that will be dedicated to providing more artist space in Downtown Newark. 🎨🏠 We kicked things off with a collaboration with Forsa La Familia (@forsarecordings ) and their ongoing gathering, HOUSE BLEND (@thehouseblend.irl ). Thank you Marcy (@marcydepina ) & Tawana (@teeejuana )! Tap into some of the sounds from the night via 🔗 link in bio! Thank you to everyone who came through and made it unforgettable.👏 ➡️ With this expansion, our studio program now supports more than 50 private and shared workspaces, offering affordable artist studios at below-market rates. Each studio includes 24-hour access, climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchen access, and complimentary professional development opportunities. To learn more or schedule a tour, apply & tour via 🔗 link in bio or visit 📲 /aboutstudios. 📸 @carloshernandezstudios

Project for Empty Space invited Forsa La Familia to curate a House Blend afterparty experience following their new exhibit “A Feeling of Itself” to show off the new studio space at @pes_studios . We had the pleasure of transforming the space into the Open House Blend featuring visual artists @mashellblack and @mark_thespark . Thanks to the team at PES, our partner @invitedcoffee , and @jadesartcorner for assistance. Special thanks to everyone who came through to vibe out with us, explore the new studios, and enjoy the music and art. 💜✊🏽✨ #TheHouseBlend ☕️🎶#FORSA! #PESStudios #ForsaLaFamilia #Songleader

Tomorrow, join us to celebrate the opening of a new floor of artist studios on our lower level! ✨ To mark this exciting expansion, we invite you to a special opening celebration in collaboration with Forsa La Familia and their ongoing gathering, HOUSE BLEND. Join us from 7:30–9:30 PM at 📍 800 Broad Street in Newark to tour the new studio floor, meet members of our creative community, enjoy cocktails, and experience music throughout the evening. 👏 RSVP via 🔗 link in bio! ➡️ With this expansion, our studio program now supports more than 50 private and shared workspaces, offering affordable artist studios at below-market rates. Each studio includes 24-hour access, climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchen access, and complimentary professional development opportunities. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit 📲 /aboutstudios. To mark this exciting expansion, we invite you to a special opening celebration in collaboration with Forsa La Familia (@forsarecordings ) and their ongoing gathering, HOUSE BLEND (@thehouseblend.irl ). Tour the new studio floor, meet members of our creative community, enjoy cocktails, and experience music throughout the evening! 🏠🍸🎶 ➡️ The event also coincides with the exhibition “A Feeling of Itself”, (@litrutgers ) offering a chance to explore both our newest studio spaces and current exhibition program in one night. Learn more at 📲 afeelingofitself.eventbrite.com 🎤 HOUSE BLEND is an ongoing, community-centered experience hosted by Forsa La Familia and led by Marcy DePina (@marcydepina ) and Tawana Meck (@teeejuana ). Rooted in house music and global diasporic culture, it convenes DJs, artists, and audiences through thoughtfully curated gatherings that bring together sound, space, and ritual. Adaptable across intimate listening sessions and large-scale events alike, HOUSE BLEND offers a dynamic and flexible platform for collaboration across nightlife, hospitality, and the arts.

Join us for an exciting week at Project for Empty Space in Newark as we celebrate the launch of “In Search of the Spirit House” by Adama Delphine Fawundu on March 31, followed by a full evening of spring openings and community gathering on April 2! ✨ Learn more and RSVP via link in bio! Here’s what’s coming up: ➡️  Tuesday, March 31 | 6–8 PM “In Search of the Spirit House”: Book Launch + Artist Talk @adamadelphine @shine_portraitstudio 📍Express Newark 50 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102 Learn more + RSVP: insearchofthespirithouse.eventbrite.com ➡️ Thursday, April 2 | 6–8 PM “A Feeling of Itself” Opening Reception @litrutgers @acm_gd @chantista @gise.la.co 📍Project for Empty Space – Street Level 800 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102 Learn more + RSVP: afeelingofitself.eventbrite.com ➡️ Thursday, April 2 | 7:30–9:30 PM OPEN HOUSE BLEND @forsarecordings @thehouseblend.irl pesstudios 📍Project for Empty Space – Lower Level 800 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102 Learn more + RSVP: pesopenhouse.eventbrite.com

Join us to celebrate the opening of a new floor of artist studios on our lower level! ✨ To mark this exciting expansion, we invite you to a special opening celebration in collaboration with Forsa La Familia and their ongoing gathering, HOUSE BLEND. Join us on Thursday, April 2, from 7:30–9:30 PM at 📍 800 Broad Street in Newark to tour the new studio floor, meet members of our creative community, enjoy cocktails, and experience music throughout the evening. 👏 RSVP via 🔗 link in bio! ➡️ With this expansion, our studio program now supports more than 50 private and shared workspaces, offering affordable artist studios at below-market rates. Each studio includes 24-hour access, climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchen access, and complimentary professional development opportunities. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit 📲 /aboutstudios. To mark this exciting expansion, we invite you to a special opening celebration in collaboration with Forsa La Familia (@forsarecordings ) and their ongoing gathering, HOUSE BLEND (@thehouseblend.irl ). Tour the new studio floor, meet members of our creative community, enjoy cocktails, and experience music throughout the evening! 🏠🍸🎶 ➡️ The event also coincides with the exhibition “A Feeling of Itself”, (@litrutgers ) offering a chance to explore both our newest studio spaces and current exhibition program in one night. Learn more at 📲 afeelingofitself.eventbrite.com 🎤 HOUSE BLEND is an ongoing, community-centered experience hosted by Forsa La Familia and led by Marcy DePina (@marcydepina ) and Tawana Meck (@teeejuana ). Rooted in house music and global diasporic culture, it convenes DJs, artists, and audiences through thoughtfully curated gatherings that bring together sound, space, and ritual. Adaptable across intimate listening sessions and large-scale events alike, HOUSE BLEND offers a dynamic and flexible platform for collaboration across nightlife, hospitality, and the arts.

🌱 As the snow begins to melt and we move into a season of spring weather and gathering, we’re excited to share that this month kicks off a series of new exhibitions, events, and programs at Project for Empty Space across our locations in Newark—including public programming at Newark Grounds—and in New York City. We’re also gearing up to complete an entirely new floor of affordable artist studios, furthering our commitment to creating sustainable space for artists to work in Downtown Newark (Available April 1)! Spring at PES is all about building together, and we can’t wait to welcome you into everything that’s ahead. ✨ Here’s what you can expect this month: ➡️ In Newark “A Feeling of Itself” multi-site program developed by Lives in Translation (@litrutgers ) and the Design Consortium at Rutgers University-Newark (@acm_gd ), led by designers Chantal Fischzang (@chantista ) and Gisela Ochoa (@gise.la.co ) Part 1: March 2026 | Window Intervention
📍 19 Williams Street, Newark, NJ
Presented in partnership with Teachers Village (@teachersvillage ) and RBH Group Part 2: March 24 – June 1, 2026 | Audio-Visual Exhibition
Exhibition Opening: April 2, 6 - 8 pm 
📍 800 Broad Street, Newark, NJ ➡️ In NYC “black/backroom” by David Antonio Cruz
Opening Reception: March 17, 6 - 8 pm 📍 128 Baxter Street, NYC (@pesfutures ) ➡️ Upcoming Events! 🗓️ March 5-7 Co-Director Jasmine Wahi (@browngirlcurator ) will join the inaugural Making Their Mark Forum, a first-of-its-kind international gathering celebrating women artists, advancing gender equity in the arts, and inspiring lasting change.  📍 Washington, DC Learn more: makingtheirmark.org/forum 🗓️ March 31 | 6–8 PM In partnership with SHINE Portrait Studio (@shine_portraitstudio ), we will celebrate the launch of “In Search of the Spirit House”, a new artbook by interdisciplinary artist Adama Delphine Fawundu (@adamadelphine ). 📍 54 Halsey St, Newark, NJ Learn more + RSVP: insearchofthespirithouse.eventbrite.com — 📲 Read and subscribe to our monthly newsletter via the 🔗 link in bio to learn more about the work we’re doing in Newark, NJ, Chinatown, NYC, and beyond ✨

February may be a short month, but we have lots to share here at Project for Empty Space! Alongside our ongoing programs, stay tuned for announcements about this year’s exhibitions, our next Artist in Residence cohort, and details on a public art celebration planned for late May. Consider this a small February love note to what’s ahead! 💌 Here’s what you can expect this month: ➡️ In Newark Our exhibitions are extended through February 28, 2026: “Fine Line” by AIR Jake Troyli @jake_troyli 📍 800 Broad St., Newark, NJ “La Voz del Anonimato / The Voice of Anonymity” by AIR Layqa Nuna Yawar @layqanunayawar 📍 110 Edison Pl., Newark, NJ ➡️ Upcoming Events! 🗓️ Monday, February 9 | 8:20 AM Co-Director Rebecca Pauline Jampol @rjampol joins “ARTS – Spaces, Culture & Catalyst” 3rd Annual Newark Summit for Real Estate, Economic Development & Placemaking 📍 550 Broad St., Newark, NJ Learn more + RSVP: thenewarksummit.com/2026/ 🗓️ Tuesday, February 24 | 6:30–8 PM American LGBT+ Museum @lgbtq_museum at PES presents: Lavender Literary Society: Whitney Strub x Marina Carreira 📍 800 Broad St., Newark, NJ Learn more + RSVP: http://bit.ly/jan2026bookclub 🗓️ Thursday, February 26 | 5–6:30 PM 2026 Professional Practice Live Workshop Series Assemble Your Creative Portfolio with Kandace Creel Falcón 📍 Virtual Register: http://bit.ly/springboardforthearts — Lastly, we are honored to be a Ruth Arts 2025–2027 Core Grant Recipient @ruthfoundationforthearts and deeply grateful for their support. Founded in 2022, The Ruth Foundation for the Arts (Ruth Arts) brings an inventive approach to philanthropy grounded in creativity, care, and experimentation, supporting organizations across the visual and performing arts. 📲 Read and subscribe to our monthly newsletter via the 🔗 link in bio to learn more about the work we’re doing in Newark, NJ, Chinatown, NYC, and beyond ✨

🎉 JANUARY NEWS AND EVENTS! 🎉 We have an exciting year ahead, kicking off with an active January. Our exhibitions have been extended in both Newark and NYC, each accompanied by programs that invite audiences to re-engage with the artwork and connect directly with the artists. In addition, @newarkgrounds artists will begin work toward their spring installations, with opportunities for the public to join them in the making process. Here is what you can expect this month: ➡️In Newark Our exhibitions are extended through February 28, 2026! “Fine Line” by AIR Jake Troyli 📍800 Broad St. Newark, NJ “La Voz del Anonimato / The Voice of Anonymity” by AIR Layqa Nuna Yawar 📍110 Edison Pl. Newark, NJ 🗓️ Friday, January 16, 6 - 7:30 PM Minga & Memory Session 5 | The Eagle and Condor Prophecy & Jasmín Durán’s Andean Herbalism and La Horchata Circle Presented by AIR Layqa Nuna Yawar @layqanunayawar 📍110 Edison Pl. Newark, NJ 🗓️Saturday, January 24, 11 - 1 PM Brunch and Artist Talk with Jake Troyli @jake_troyli 📍800 Broad St. Newark, NJ 🗓️ Saturday, January 24, 1 - 3 PM Constellation Bench: Community Collage & Painting Workshop Presented by Eirini Linardaki @linardakiandco 📍800 Broad St. Newark, NJ 🗓️Tuesday, January 27, 6:30 - 8 PM American LGBT+ Museum @lgbtq_museum at PES presents: Lavender Literary Society: Whitney Strub x Marina Carreira 📍800 Broad St. Newark, NJ ➡️ In NYC “The Space Between Light” by Shoshanna Weinberger @shoshannaweinberger Extended Through January 31, 2026! 📍128 Baxter St. NYC Read & Subscribe to our monthly newsletter via 🔗 link in bio to learn more about the work we’re doing in Newark, NJ, Chinatown, NYC, and beyond ✨

🚨PES is now accepting applications for our Studio Program! 🚨 Due to high demand, we’ve carved out new studio space in our current facility, and in 2026, we’ll expand further with ten additional studios on the lower level! This is an exciting opportunity to join our artist community and secure your place in downtown Newark’s creative hub. 🏙️ We invite you to visit, experience the space, and learn more about joining our community. 🔗 Apply now via link in bio 📍Located at 800 Broad Street inside Project for Empty Space, the Studio Program has been central to our mission since 2014, offering affordable, supportive space for artists committed to growing and sustaining their practice. ➡️ The program is home to more than 40 artist studios, creating a multidisciplinary environment where members can thrive. Our community attracts patrons, collectors, curators, clients, and creative enthusiasts who engage with PES year-round.  Artists working in all visual media are welcome to apply. 🎨✨ The program supports those maintaining or establishing a dedicated studio practice, and applications are evaluated solely on the quality of submitted work. PES is an inclusive space that welcomes artists of all backgrounds, disciplines, and identities.  Learn more at projectforemptyspace.org/about-studio-program 📸 @fawn_photos

Thank you to all who came to our annual 🎃 Fall Open Studios 🎃 this past Saturday. What an incredible (and spooky 👻) day! Special thanks to our members, nearly 300 guests and Newark Arts! @newarkarts  ✨ Scroll to see the fun! ➡️ 🍬 Featured studios in order: Helina Metaferia’s (@helinametaferia ) “By Way of Revolution: Headdress 76” mural in-progress, Noelle Lorraine Williams (@blackpower_19thcentury ), Lina Puerta (@Linapuertaart ), Shoshanna Weinberger (@shoshannaweinberger ), Layqa Nuna Yawar (@layqanunayawar ), gwen charles (@gwencharles.studio ), Nuovi by Najah (@Mynuovi ), Mashell Black (@mashellblack ), Patricia Dahlman (@watpaetki ), Brick City Stitch (@brickcitystitch ), Ricardo Osmondo Francis (@theblackiconic ), Plusable (@plusable_pr ), CAZORLA + SALEME (@patcazorla  @threadingtrends ), and Christen Clifford (@christencliffordstudio ). 🍬 Attendees also had the opportunity to view the solo exhibitions of our Artists in Residence: Jake Troyli (@jaketroyli ), “Fine Line” at 800 Broad Street, and Layqa Nuna Yawar, “La Voz del Anonimato / The Voice of Anonymity” at 110 Edison Place. PES STUDIOS is a home for culture makers with 40+ artists working on-site across individual workshops, communal areas, and maker spaces. The purpose of the PES program is to cultivate a multidisciplinary and supportive artist community. A diverse array of studio practices enhance and inspire our members, but also lead to a wider audience of patrons, collectors, clients, and enthusiasts from all different areas. 📸 @carloshernandezstudios @rjampol

🎉 NEW DATE! 🎉 PES Fall Open Studios has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 25th, from 1–5 PM! 🍂✨ At 800 Broad Street, #Newark, explore four floors of artist studios, community workshop spaces, and exhibitions — connect with our creative community while enjoying brunch and breakfast cocktails! 🥂🍳Register now via the link in bio! Visit the studio of gwen charles! @gwencharles.studio | Studio 320 ✨ New York based multi-disciplinary artist gwen charles interjects the performing body, often her own, as an exploration of the female experience in live performances and videos interweaving sculpture, video and movement. Performances, often in alternative spaces, take inspiration from everyday objects, dream imagery and historical references, merging elements of reality and magical realism to reflect on the absurdity of daily life. Recent works broach themes surrounding the Anthropocene, ecofeminism, reconnecting to nature, caregiving and feelings of loss and grief, all embodied by the female figure. Learn more about the artist at 📲gwencharles.com or in person on Oct. 25th! 🎃 Since our new date is just in time for Halloween, feel free to come in costume and bring a bucket for candy 🍬— we’ll have plenty of festive treats to go around! 👻 🌟 PES STUDIOS is part of Project for Empty Space, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating safe and equitable spaces for social discourse. PES supports artists whose work engages with social issues, marginality, and cultural transformation. 📸 Redens Desrosiers (@pharaohrex )

🎉 NEW DATE! 🎉 PES Fall Open Studios has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 25th, from 1–5 PM! 🍂✨ At 800 Broad Street, #Newark, explore four floors of artist studios, community workshop spaces, and exhibitions — connect with our creative community while enjoying brunch and breakfast cocktails! 🥂🍳Register now via the link in bio! Visit the studio of Rashidah A Nelson! @brickcitystitch | Studio 312 ✨ Rashidah Nelson is a tailor, costume designer, and educator, currently teaching at Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts and KIPP Life Academy. She is the founder of Brick City Stitch, a boutique sewing studio in Newark offering creative, small-group classes for children, teens, and adults. Through hands-on projects and a focus on sustainability, Rashidah helps students “stitch their style” while building skills, confidence, and community. Learn more about the artist at 📲brickcitystitch.com or in person on Oct. 12th! 🎃 Since our new date is just in time for Halloween, feel free to come in costume and bring a bucket for candy 🍬— we’ll have plenty of festive treats to go around! 👻 🌟 PES STUDIOS is part of Project for Empty Space, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating safe and equitable spaces for social discourse. PES supports artists whose work engages with social issues, marginality, and cultural transformation. 📸 Rachel Fawn Alban (@fawn_photos )