One of New Jersey’s largest art centers is having a virtual open house to showcase a variety of artists during the pandemic.

Digital artist Amir Jahanbin says that he hasn’t let the quarantine stop him from creating art.

“It’s really important, I think especially now when we’re all so separated. It’s a real great opportunity to feel like we can stand together,” he says.

Jahanbin has been an artist since he was a child growing up in England. He now lives in Ridgewood. He will be among the artists featured in the virtual open house.

“I really enjoy using computers to make things that don’t adhere to this normalized idea of perfection…making something messy, exciting,” he says.

Jahanbin is among the dozens of artists who have studios inside Mana Contemporary in Jersey City. It is a sprawling cultural center that has been closed to the public since March because of the pandemic. Through Sunday, Mana Contemporary is hosting a free virtual open house showcasing the artists and art.

While artists won’t be able to speak face to face with the public, the virtual platform being used includes chat rooms were people can ask questions and even bid on artwork.

Jersey City artist Amy Wilson says that she hopes that her works, which include topical social messages, spark a conversation.

“Art makes us feel less alone. Even when you’re talking about political art, it’s really, really powerful for people to see, ‘Wow, I’m not the only one who feels this way,’” Wilson says.

More information about the open house can be found on the Mana Contemporary website.