THE CITY OF PERTH AMBOY BRINGS VIBRANT AND EXCITING TRANSFORMATION TO ITS DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

PERTH AMBOY, NJ, JANUARY 5, 2023 — Today, the City of Perth Amboy unveiled a brand new and bold mural representing its diversity and culture in its downtown district, located at 272 Smith Street, alongside the artist, community partners, residents, and city officials.

Perth Amboy-based artist, Julisa M. Mugica, was the artist recommended by the Perth Amboy Arts Council to the City Council to complete the mural concept, Generations of Hope, She Is Within Me, a colorful and vibrant piece celebrating the intergenerational of women and their ancestral line.

The mural’s location, scaled at 16’ x 70’, is in Perth Amboy’s shopping district, which has a high level of visibility and pedestrian and commuter traffic. Alameda Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare owns the property.

The Perth Amboy Mural Project is an initiative led by Mayor Helmin J. Caba, funded by the Perth Amboy Neighborhood Preservation Program and Perth Amboy Business Improvement District, supported by the Arts Council, to bring new public art of high artistic quality and enduring value to our downtown district. The primary purpose of this project is to beautify downtown Perth Amboy; to revitalize the arts and cultural identity while encouraging economic development by creating inspired spaces that make the downtown district an exciting area for residents and visitors to shop, dine, work, live, and connect.

“This mural celebrates our diverse community, displays hope, and helps memorialize the history impacted by women, said Mayor Helmin J. Caba.  “Thank you, to the artist and Alameda, for turning this space into a beautiful landmark for all to enjoy.

“Art and Public murals not only tell a community’s story but are economic drivers for urban cities,” said Tashilee Vazquez, Director of the Office of Economic and Community Development.  “It attracts tourism, increases foot traffic, inspires change, and increases citizen engagement.”

This is the second mural project to be completed due to the partnership forged between the BID and OECD through local and state funds, which we have leveraged to maximize our investment in the downtown area,” said Noelia Colon, Executive Director of the Perth Amboy Business Improvement District. For over 25 years, the BID has supported business and economic development by providing resources for the success of our business owners by investing in capital, promotional, and beautification projects.”

“Alameda has constantly worked to be an outstanding asset to the city of Perth Amboy, and we are proud for our wall to be the bearer of such an inspirational mural,” said Dassy Schechter, VP of Marketing and Business Development Paramount Care Centers. “On behalf of Mr. Abe Kraus, our esteemed CEO, Mr. Michael Czermak, COO, and the entire Alameda Rehab Center, we thank you for the opportunity to partner again with the City of Perth Amboy in the beautification of our city.”

As a female artist, I wanted this design to represent the strength within women,” said Julisa Mugica, Artist.  “This piece was possible with the support of Solanyi Pena, another influential female artist in our city, for working together on this mural piece.”

The piece will be Mugica’s largest painting covering almost 1,100 square feet.

Link to release with photos available at: https://www.perthamboynj.org/community/news/what_s_new/press_release__downtown_district_transformed