Arts & Entertainment
The Patch Q&A: Meet Jim Peskin
Getting to know Jim Peskin, executive director of the Montclair Arts Council.
Jim Peskin, executive director of the Montclair Arts Council, has been working hard to retain funding for the organization. The Town Council's new budget, if approved this month, would cut $20,000 from the MAC's budget. The amount represents a huge chunk of the $72,000 in municipal funds the MAC had expected to receive this year.
On a lighter note, Patch sat down to chat with Peskin who - although a resident of South Orange - has a passion for all things Montclair.
Q) What do you enjoy doing in your free time on the weekends?
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A) A couple of weeks ago we walked through the [Presby] Iris Gardens and they were just lovely. We also regularly go to the Montclair Art Musem. There is always something there I want to see.
Q) You rave about Montclair's restaurants. What are a few of your favorites?
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A) We like Table 8 and [Restaurant] Blu ... but the list is long as they are all terrific.
Q) What's something people don't know about you?
A) That I have an unusual hobby ... I like to explore the various means of travel you can take between New Jersey and New York. I take boats, trains, ferries ... I like the ferry the best.
Q) What's your favorite TV show?
A) I like Mad Men and The Sopranos and most recently I watched The Pacific [on HBO] and really enjoyed it. The quality of writing was great.
Q) I know you have a background in the theater. What's your favorite play this year?
A) Unfortunately I've only seen one play this year and it was A View From the Bridge and it was a really good one. It was the first play I ever did in high school so I know all the words.
