A New
Jersey couple is on a mission to revitalize the Orange Loop section of Atlantic
City one house at a time. But before they demo their next renovation project,
they are letting artists use the blank space as their canvas.
“We
had a goal of having no blank spaces. So they filled in every space that was
left. So you’ll see walls, stairs, back doors – it’s all painted,” says
Kate O’Malley, operations manager of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation.
The
work of nearly two dozen artists is featured inside of the row home on South
Ocean Avenue in Atlantic City.
“I
really enjoy reusing or repurposing items like paper. Instead of drilling
anything into the walls, I use tape,” says artist Heather Deegan Hires.
The
Atlantic City Arts Foundation sponsored the pop-up exhibit. It was thanks to a
local couple who bought the home with the intent to renovate it and help
revitalize the city.
"This
street specifically, actually, was the worst street in Atlantic City. What
would happen is they would let parolees and Megan's Law offenders in rooms
because these were all rooming houses,” says O’Malley.
Beth
Kwart is one of the owners.
"We
were able to acquire this property and work with the city to shut down the
rooming house and then we intend to turn it into a vacation rental because it's
on a fantastic beach block in Atlantic City that is right next to the Orange
Loop where there are incredible restaurants and a great live music scene,” she
says.
The
arts foundation is hoping that these exhibits and rentals help people explore a
side of Atlantic City that many have not seen before.
“Come
off the boardwalk and come out of the casinos and come into the community,
because we’ll surprise you,” O’Malley says.
Anyone
who wishes to check out the art installation can do so on Saturday and Sunday
from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The home will then be turned into an Airbnb.
Once
renovated, the Kwart family says it will be their third rental home. Their goal
is to add a few more before next summer.