A beloved public art initiative is back, transforming everyday spaces into powerful galleries that highlight social justice issues across New Jersey. Now in its eighth year, Windows of Understanding pairs local artists with nonprofits to tell stories of community impact through visual art, with a distinct theme every year.

This year’s theme, "Mobilizing Change," focuses on urgent local efforts providing essential resources like food, health care and immigration support. One highlight comes from artist Alfred Dudley III, whose work is displayed outside the Brighton Avenue Community Center in Perth Amboy. Dudley’s art showcases a project bringing solar power to families in Puerto Rico, symbolized through imagery like the coquí frog to reflect the island’s spirit empowered by electricity. “Really inspirational, to use my talents to reflect the work being done by these organizations,” Dudley III said of participating in the initiative. Windows of Understanding is a collaborative effort including the New Brunswick Community Arts Council, Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts, the Highland Park Arts Commission and other local partners. The partnership in Perth Amboy includes the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, which brings solar power generators to families in need on the island.

Executive Director Kim Victoria Ruiz praised Dudley’s work.

“Alfred did an amazing job illustrating our energy equity project in Puerto Rico," Ruiz says. Installations can be seen in towns like New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Rahway, South Plainfield and Highland Park, until the end of this month.