Artist Jennifer Levine Bonds With Her Community

With Montclair artist Jennifer Levine, community counts. And it's because she believes that an artist should contribute to the community in a creative fashion that this this talented painter and puppeteer (known as "Princess Moxie") has found several ways to share her work with the town she loves.

"I enjoy having my work displayed where I live because it is a point of connection," Levine said. "It makes a small town feel like home, bringing a warmth to everyday
experiences."

Currently, her mural depicting the scene at Terra Tea Salon is hanging in the store for all to see. "Jennifer's mural of the Terra Tea Salon is an uplifting and energetic addition to our store," said Grace Grund, one of the owners of the popular shop that features Fair Trade items. "Our customers notice this work of art and comment on it frequently.

"The artist captured the essence of Terra Tea in a way that we could not duplicate in a photograph," she noted.

Another original work by Levine, "Sweet Life Montclair," is on display at Next
Cleaners, 58 Church Street. Levine donated her painting, "The Montclair Human Needs Pantry" — that was inspired by her visit there — to this vital community resource. She has also led art workshops at Bradford Elementary School.

On Friday, October 8, she will celebrate the publication of the Montclair Times' "Montclair Townscape" — featuring her painting "Food Pantry Beauty" on the cover — with a reception and wine tasting at Amanti Vino, 30 Church Street, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event.

Then, on Saturday, October 9, Levine will conduct a mural-making project with
children at Terra Tea Salon, 10 Church Street, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in conjunction with Montclair's "Independent Retail Week" program that encourages Montclair residents to shop locally. The children will create self-portraits that will be incorporated into an original mural with the theme "Montclair and Me." Materials will be supplied and the mural will be displayed prominently in a public place.

"Montclair is a town that really appreciates the ripple effects of art. The Montclair Arts Council and Studio Montclair are great organizations that work hard to connect the larger community with local artists," said Levine, a member of both organizations. "Right now there is a lot of public art in and around Church Street."

For more information about Jennifer Levine's art, go to www.princessmoxie.org