Gallery Hours - Scars on the Body of Freedom

Gallery Hours
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 3-6p
December 6, 7, 13 | 3-6p

Scars on the Body of Freedom: Paintings by Alec Black and Alex Garikovich explores authoritarianism, political migration, and the consequences to our linked fates. Together, Black and Garikovich’s work illuminates countries where freedom has been destroyed and offers it as a warning for our current context - we may see the present reality of those places as a possible future of our own, and recognize that what we call “the totalitarian past” may actually be our tomorrow. On view November 7 – December 13.

Gallery Hours - Scars on the Body of Freedom

Gallery Hours
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 3-6p
December 6, 7, 13 | 3-6p

Scars on the Body of Freedom: Paintings by Alec Black and Alex Garikovich explores authoritarianism, political migration, and the consequences to our linked fates. Together, Black and Garikovich’s work illuminates countries where freedom has been destroyed and offers it as a warning for our current context - we may see the present reality of those places as a possible future of our own, and recognize that what we call “the totalitarian past” may actually be our tomorrow. On view November 7 – December 13.

Cold Weather Free Store + Swap
Nov 22 | 1-6p

Shop & swap at the Cold Weather Free Store + Swap! Give and get clean, gently used sweaters, coats, jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and more. Participate however you like — drop off contributions, shop for free, and/or swap. Absolutely free. Please limit contributions to 25 items per person. Bring your own bag!

PLEASE make sure all items are CLEAN and free of pet hair. Thank you!

Want to drop off early? Bring your items November 15 & 16 from 3-6p!

Rent SMUSH Gallery for rehearsals, performances, workshops, meetings, photo/video shoots, and special events! Learn more

Gallery Hours - Scars on the Body of Freedom

Gallery Hours
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 3-6p
December 6, 7, 13 | 3-6p

Scars on the Body of Freedom: Paintings by Alec Black and Alex Garikovich explores authoritarianism, political migration, and the consequences to our linked fates. Together, Black and Garikovich’s work illuminates countries where freedom has been destroyed and offers it as a warning for our current context - we may see the present reality of those places as a possible future of our own, and recognize that what we call “the totalitarian past” may actually be our tomorrow. On view November 7 – December 13.

Happening @ SMUSH: Intro to Yarn Spinning, hosted by JC Crafting Circle
November 16 | 12-2p
Tickets via JC Crafting Circle
Website | JC Crafting Circle IG

Email jccraftingcircle@gmail.com for accessibility needs.

Gallery Hours - Scars on the Body of Freedom

Gallery Hours
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 3-6p
December 6, 7, 13 | 3-6p

Scars on the Body of Freedom: Paintings by Alec Black and Alex Garikovich explores authoritarianism, political migration, and the consequences to our linked fates. Together, Black and Garikovich’s work illuminates countries where freedom has been destroyed and offers it as a warning for our current context - we may see the present reality of those places as a possible future of our own, and recognize that what we call “the totalitarian past” may actually be our tomorrow. On view November 7 – December 13.

GOMO’s 6th Annual Pre-Holiday Open Mic & Lounge
Nov 14 | Doors & Open Mic Sign Ups 7p, Show 7:30
Tickets

Is that the sound of jingle bells swinging and pumpkin pies baking? Latkes sizzling and the ball dropping? Is it that time already?! Not quite… but it is time for GOMO’s 6th Annual Pre-Holiday Open Mic & Lounge! GOMO the Ghost makes his annual apparition with familiar - and crowd favorite! - Bibi the Chihuaua to light up our pre-holiday spirits with a festive singalong and variety show, accompanied by the inimitable DoubleM2000. And to make it even more festive, GOMO is sharing the stage with an open mic! Poetry, song, story, dance, and indescribable performances are warmly welcomed. Open mic slots are 5 minutes, first come, first served.

Happening @ SMUSH: Monthly Crafting Circle, hosted by JC Crafting Circle
November 13 | 6:30-9pm
Free!
Website | JC Crafting Circle IG

Bring your crafts and join the JC Crafting Circle for an afternoon of crafting, tunes, snacks, and nice people. Extra supplies provided.
Email jccraftingcircle@gmail.com for accessibility needs.

WORK/SHARE Virtual Artist Feedback Session
November 9 | 6:30-9p eastern on Zoom
$15-30 sliding scale
RSVP Required

Give and get the most useful feedback possible - come to WORK/SHARE! Share your work, meet other artists, and hone your response skill in a constructive, moderated setting. Open to artists and creators of all disciplines. Join us virtually from anywhere!

Facilitated by Katelyn Halpern (she/her), SMUSH Gallery Co-Artistic Director & multidisciplinary artist. Email hello@smushgallery.com with questions or access needs!

Fall Sessions
September 14
October 19
November 9
December 7
all sessions are Sundays 6:30-9p eastern, held on Zoom

Gallery Hours - Scars on the Body of Freedom

Gallery Hours
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 3-6p
December 6, 7, 13 | 3-6p

Scars on the Body of Freedom: Paintings by Alec Black and Alex Garikovich explores authoritarianism, political migration, and the consequences to our linked fates. Together, Black and Garikovich’s work illuminates countries where freedom has been destroyed and offers it as a warning for our current context - we may see the present reality of those places as a possible future of our own, and recognize that what we call “the totalitarian past” may actually be our tomorrow. On view November 7 – December 13.

Gallery Hours - Scars on the Body of Freedom

Gallery Hours
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 3-6p
December 6, 7, 13 | 3-6p

Scars on the Body of Freedom: Paintings by Alec Black and Alex Garikovich explores authoritarianism, political migration, and the consequences to our linked fates. Together, Black and Garikovich’s work illuminates countries where freedom has been destroyed and offers it as a warning for our current context - we may see the present reality of those places as a possible future of our own, and recognize that what we call “the totalitarian past” may actually be our tomorrow. On view November 7 – December 13.

Opening Reception - Scars on the Body of Freedom
November 7 | 6-9p

Scars on the Body of Freedom: Paintings by Alec Black and Alex Garikovich explores authoritarianism, political migration, and the consequences to our linked fates. Together, Black and Garikovich’s work illuminates countries where freedom has been destroyed and offers it as a warning for our current context - we may see the present reality of those places as a possible future of our own, and recognize that what we call “the totalitarian past” may actually be our tomorrow. On view November 7 – December 13.

Gallery Hours
November 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 3-6p
December 6, 7, 13 | 3-6p

Gallery Hours - All Our Friends and Them

Gallery Hours
Sept 13 | 12-6p Extended hours - Bergen Square Day!
Sept 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 | 3-6p
Oct 4 | 12-5p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 5 | 12-6p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 | 3-6p

A group photo show of candids and intimate moments, featuring photos by Raul Barquet, Ally Brosnan, Jahmar Chance, Gabe Chiarello, Dorie Dahlberg, Jasmine Delgado, Christian Gallo, Stephanie Guillen, Katelyn Halpern, Jordan Hughes, Lynn Husami, John Kenneth, Will LaPorte, Jason Logan, Rachel Murdy, Ray Schwartz, and Ryan Treppedi. Opening night is part of JC Fridays, produced by Art House Productions! On view September 12 – October 26.

We’re open for JCAST!
JCAST Hours Sat. Oct 4, 12-5p* | Sun. Oct 5, 12-6p
*Join us for AAAfter Dark – Art, Animation, Anything on Sat. 10/4, Doors 6:30p!

Gallery Hours - All Our Friends and Them

Gallery Hours
Sept 13 | 12-6p Extended hours - Bergen Square Day!
Sept 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 | 3-6p
Oct 4 | 12-5p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 5 | 12-6p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 | 3-6p

A group photo show of candids and intimate moments, featuring photos by Raul Barquet, Ally Brosnan, Jahmar Chance, Gabe Chiarello, Dorie Dahlberg, Jasmine Delgado, Christian Gallo, Stephanie Guillen, Katelyn Halpern, Jordan Hughes, Lynn Husami, John Kenneth, Will LaPorte, Jason Logan, Rachel Murdy, Ray Schwartz, and Ryan Treppedi. Opening night is part of JC Fridays, produced by Art House Productions! On view September 12 – October 26.

We’re open for JCAST!
JCAST Hours Sat. Oct 4, 12-5p* | Sun. Oct 5, 12-6p
*Join us for AAAfter Dark – Art, Animation, Anything on Sat. 10/4, Doors 6:30p!

Intro to Zine Making @ JCFPL [OFF-SITE]
October 25 | 2-4p
Free! No sign up required

Zines zines zines! Seems like everyone’s got zines on the brain these days, and we’re very excited to announce our Intro to Zine Making Workshop happening in partnership with the Jersey City Free Public Library! Join SMUSH at the Earl A Morgan Branch (1841 JFK Blvd) for an afternoon of creativity. We’ll learn to make booklet style zines and 8 page poster zines (a starter classic) and make zines about things we know about. All materials provided, though participants are welcome to bring any additional supplies they’d like to use. Led by SMUSH’s Katelyn Halpern.

Itching to get started? Check out this poster zine tutorial from SMUSH Gallery’s Katelyn Halpern

WORK/SHARE Virtual Artist Feedback Session
October 19 | 6:30-9p eastern on Zoom
$15-30 sliding scale
RSVP Required

Give and get the most useful feedback possible - come to WORK/SHARE! Share your work, meet other artists, and hone your response skill in a constructive, moderated setting. Open to artists and creators of all disciplines. Join us virtually from anywhere!

Facilitated by Katelyn Halpern (she/her), SMUSH Gallery Co-Artistic Director & multidisciplinary artist. Email hello@smushgallery.com with questions or access needs!

Fall Sessions
September 14
October 19
November 9
December 7
all sessions are Sundays 6:30-9p eastern, held on Zoom

Gallery Hours - All Our Friends and Them

Gallery Hours
Sept 13 | 12-6p Extended hours - Bergen Square Day!
Sept 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 | 3-6p
Oct 4 | 12-5p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 5 | 12-6p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 | 3-6p

A group photo show of candids and intimate moments, featuring photos by Raul Barquet, Ally Brosnan, Jahmar Chance, Gabe Chiarello, Dorie Dahlberg, Jasmine Delgado, Christian Gallo, Stephanie Guillen, Katelyn Halpern, Jordan Hughes, Lynn Husami, John Kenneth, Will LaPorte, Jason Logan, Rachel Murdy, Ray Schwartz, and Ryan Treppedi. Opening night is part of JC Fridays, produced by Art House Productions! On view September 12 – October 26.

We’re open for JCAST!
JCAST Hours Sat. Oct 4, 12-5p* | Sun. Oct 5, 12-6p
*Join us for AAAfter Dark – Art, Animation, Anything on Sat. 10/4, Doors 6:30p!

The Trees Are Watching: An Overbrook Photo Walk [OFF-SITE]
October 19 | 2p
Tickets $12-35 sliding scale
Rain Date Oct. 26

Join us for a guided photo walk through the grounds of what was once the Overbrook Psychiatric Hospital in Cedar Grove, NJ, featuring scenes of stark beauty contrasted with chilling history. Led by photographer Sawyer Conlon, explore where the photographs of Conlon’s Overbrook were taken and try your hand at bringing that history and beauty to light.

Our walk is over partly rocky, unpaved terrain, and expected to last between 2 and 2.5 hours. Wearing layers, long pants, and long socks is recommended! You are also invited to join us in cleaning up litter throughout our walk. Trash bags will be provided - BYO gloves. Meeting point address will be provided to ticket holders.

Transportation options:

• Public transportation from Jersey City: Take the PATH to Newark Port Authority, walk 15 minutes to Washington St at Market St, and take NJ Transit Bus 11 toward Wayne Willowbrook. Destination is a 20-minute walk from the Pompton Ave at Myrtle Ave bus stop.

• Or, instead of walking from Newark Port Authority to Washington St at Market St, take the Newark Light Rail to Bloomfield Avenue, then catch NJT Bus 11 at Bloomfield Ave at 4th St.

• From New York City: Take the NJ Transit Bus 195 from Port Authority Bus Terminal toward Cedar Grove Willowbrook. Destination is a 20-minute walk from the Pompton Ave at Myrtle Ave bus stop.
  

ABOUT OVERBROOK
Overbrook, shown at SMUSH Gallery in March 2025, is an immersive, interactive photography exhibition by photographer Sawyer Conlon (@sawyerconlon). Participants navigate through this interactive exhibition and immerse themselves in the ghastly everyday occurrences at Overbrook Psychiatric Hospital in the early 1900s. Based on both true story and personal experience, grounded in reality and surrealism. Read about Overbrook

Gallery Hours - All Our Friends and Them

Gallery Hours
Sept 13 | 12-6p Extended hours - Bergen Square Day!
Sept 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 | 3-6p
Oct 4 | 12-5p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 5 | 12-6p Extended hours - JCAST!
Oct 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 | 3-6p

A group photo show of candids and intimate moments, featuring photos by Raul Barquet, Ally Brosnan, Jahmar Chance, Gabe Chiarello, Dorie Dahlberg, Jasmine Delgado, Christian Gallo, Stephanie Guillen, Katelyn Halpern, Jordan Hughes, Lynn Husami, John Kenneth, Will LaPorte, Jason Logan, Rachel Murdy, Ray Schwartz, and Ryan Treppedi. Opening night is part of JC Fridays, produced by Art House Productions! On view September 12 – October 26.

We’re open for JCAST!
JCAST Hours Sat. Oct 4, 12-5p* | Sun. Oct 5, 12-6p
*Join us for AAAfter Dark – Art, Animation, Anything on Sat. 10/4, Doors 6:30p!

Happening @ SMUSH: Monthly Crafting Circle, hosted by JC Crafting Circle
October 18 | 12-2:30p
Free!
Website | JC Crafting Circle IG

Bring your crafts and join the JC Crafting Circle for an afternoon of crafting, tunes, snacks, and nice people. Extra supplies provided.
Email jccraftingcircle@gmail.com for accessibility needs.

Sewing! Intermediate: Worker’s Trousers

Oct. 13 | 5:30-9:15p
Oct. 14, 16 & 17 | 7-9:15p
*includes Sewing Office Hours 5:30-7p!
$275-475 sliding scale

Wouldn’t it be cool to own a pair of great fitting pants? And wouldn’t it be cooler to make those great fitting pants?! You will love these work trousers- zipper front, pockets all around, loose enough in the thighs, plus a leg width that’s adjustable to be tapered, straight, or wide. Your favorite pair of pants are about to be the ones you sewed this fall :)

PREREQUISITE: students should be comfortable with basic stitches and sewing pockets and zippers. (Our Patchwork Fall Coat class will teach you these skills.)

Full Details & Class Registration

Sewing! Drop In Office Hours

Sept. 23, 25, 29, 30 | 5:30-7p
Oct. 2, 14, 16, 17 | 5:30-7p
*ends promptly at 7p to accommodate the classes that follow!
$10-25 sliding scale per drop-in day

Working on a project that you could use a hand with? Wish you could ask someone in-person for sewing advice? Now you can! Swing by for any of these office hours to hang out with kind, creative people and ask Meagan for sewing advice! No RSVP or registration in any other course required for dropping-in, just come on by!

Pay when you drop in: Cash, Card, Venmo

Sewing! Intermediate: Worker’s Trousers

Oct. 13 | 5:30-9:15p
Oct. 14, 16 & 17 | 7-9:15p
*includes Sewing Office Hours 5:30-7p!
$275-475 sliding scale

Wouldn’t it be cool to own a pair of great fitting pants? And wouldn’t it be cooler to make those great fitting pants?! You will love these work trousers- zipper front, pockets all around, loose enough in the thighs, plus a leg width that’s adjustable to be tapered, straight, or wide. Your favorite pair of pants are about to be the ones you sewed this fall :)

PREREQUISITE: students should be comfortable with basic stitches and sewing pockets and zippers. (Our Patchwork Fall Coat class will teach you these skills.)

Full Details & Class Registration

Sewing! Drop In Office Hours

Sept. 23, 25, 29, 30 | 5:30-7p
Oct. 2, 14, 16, 17 | 5:30-7p
*ends promptly at 7p to accommodate the classes that follow!
$10-25 sliding scale per drop-in day

Working on a project that you could use a hand with? Wish you could ask someone in-person for sewing advice? Now you can! Swing by for any of these office hours to hang out with kind, creative people and ask Meagan for sewing advice! No RSVP or registration in any other course required for dropping-in, just come on by!

Pay when you drop in: Cash, Card, Venmo

Sewing! Intermediate: Worker’s Trousers

Oct. 13 | 5:30-9:15p
Oct. 14, 16 & 17 | 7-9:15p
*includes Sewing Office Hours 5:30-7p!
$275-475 sliding scale

Wouldn’t it be cool to own a pair of great fitting pants? And wouldn’t it be cooler to make those great fitting pants?! You will love these work trousers- zipper front, pockets all around, loose enough in the thighs, plus a leg width that’s adjustable to be tapered, straight, or wide. Your favorite pair of pants are about to be the ones you sewed this fall :)

PREREQUISITE: students should be comfortable with basic stitches and sewing pockets and zippers. (Our Patchwork Fall Coat class will teach you these skills.)

Full Details & Class Registration

Sewing! Drop In Office Hours

Sept. 23, 25, 29, 30 | 5:30-7p
Oct. 2, 14, 16, 17 | 5:30-7p
*ends promptly at 7p to accommodate the classes that follow!
$10-25 sliding scale per drop-in day

Working on a project that you could use a hand with? Wish you could ask someone in-person for sewing advice? Now you can! Swing by for any of these office hours to hang out with kind, creative people and ask Meagan for sewing advice! No RSVP or registration in any other course required for dropping-in, just come on by!

Pay when you drop in: Cash, Card, Venmo

Sewing! Intermediate: Worker’s Trousers

Oct. 13 | 5:30-9:15p
Oct. 14, 16 & 17 | 7-9:15p
*includes Sewing Office Hours 5:30-7p!
$275-475 sliding scale

Wouldn’t it be cool to own a pair of great fitting pants? And wouldn’t it be cooler to make those great fitting pants?! You will love these work trousers- zipper front, pockets all around, loose enough in the thighs, plus a leg width that’s adjustable to be tapered, straight, or wide. Your favorite pair of pants are about to be the ones you sewed this fall :)

PREREQUISITE: students should be comfortable with basic stitches and sewing pockets and zippers. (Our Patchwork Fall Coat class will teach you these skills.)

Full Details & Class Registration