In Newark, beautiful things are sometimes hidden by crime and poverty. One of the most beautiful things here is the city’s thriving art world. And for two Rutgers-Newark students, this beauty must be noticed.
Rebecca Jampol and Deana Haggag met in class a year ago and realized that they had something very special in common: a dream to open a contemporary art gallery in Newark.
From that moment on, there has been nothing but exhausting work, all of it being worth the final outcome at 77 Orange St., the home of Jajo Art, Inc.
For a few years now, city officials have been trying to jump-start a revival in Newark. Haggag and Jampol will be making a significant contribution to this effort.
Haggag and Jampol want to give emerging artists a place to showcase their art and gain recognition. Both have strong backgrounds in art. Haggag, an art history major with a minor in political science, focuses mainly on the business aspects of the gallery. Jampol, a Rutgers graduate with a degree in graphic design, focuses on the design aspects. The partners balance each other out perfectly. Haggag says, “I feel like I’m married to Rebecca.”
They are at a very young age to take on this financial responsibility. Most college kids are worrying about how to pay for groceries, let alone finance a business.
Taraneh Naderi, a Rutgers student says: “I think that it’s very admirable, but it’s a huge risk, especially considering their age. But I think it’s giving a lot of neglected kids in our area a good opportunity to possibly flourish.”
Newark is full of aspiring recording artists, rappers, artists, graffiti artists and photographers. These people now have an outlet to get their voices heard.
Jampol and Haggag are offering internships to anyone who is just as excited about art and helping people in this city as they are. They are also giving back to the community by having a group of young adults come to the gallery every Saturday to help mount art for showings and learn techniques in design and drawing.
For now, the gallery’s expenses are fully supported by Haggag and Jampol with a few donations. As of yet, they have no firm financial backers. Their hopes are to have the gallery open for business by the end of this summer.
Jen Kwan, also a student, says: “I am a graphic design major and to have an outlet to meet people, to have a place to intern and to have an outlet for my work is great. I know that many students here take opportunities like this for granted. But when you see students your age doing something significant like this, you can’t help but be inspired.”
From a student’s standpoint, this gallery is going to open our eyes to a whole new aspect of Newark. These two students are getting commended for all of their efforts, along with a few comments of utter disbelief.
To have a positive place for students and kids from the area to go to is going to have a huge influence. We don’t see many kids our age voicing their opinions or giving back to the community in such a big way.
Let’s not take this for granted. It is happening right in front of our eyes. Newark is becoming better than it has ever been—with a little help from our friends.
Selin Senyilmaz is journalism major at Rutgers-Newark. Posted August 2008.
