Newark: An Uncovered City of Art
Last summer, to celebrate Newark’s 350th anniversary, several long time artists and local residents joined together to beautify their community. 
Each artist contributed an important message unique to Newark’s history and diverse population, which was translated into a mural twenty-five football fields long. Since the riots in 1967, Newark has been struggling to identify itself as a thriving city with the potential to return to its former stability and economic strength.
When I spoke to Holli Schorno, a collagist and citizen of Newark, she stated “The mural represents the diversity and poetic nature of the surrounding city, as well as establishes Newark as an up and coming community.” Following the riots, artists turned to activism; they would express their emotions in a more contemporary way, using words and symbols as their new found art form.
Today, locals have a different focus. Determined young artists and gallerists who have seen Newark’s rising potential give momentum to the youth. 
In turn, energized citizens are creating non-profit organizations, such as City Without Walls and Newark Print Shop, to help substantiate the forward trend. “Newark’s economy has been struggling since the 60’s and just recently parts of it are resembling a real developing community, “ said Mrs. Schorno. Newark’s art scene has never before had such a driving force. The art of former Newark artists and long-time residents tells the story of the heart and soul of the community. This groundwork is an inspiration for budding artists on which to base their ideas.
Mayor Ras Baraka, whose father, Amiri Baraka, was a significant poet and contributor to the foundation of the art scene in Newark, has recently encouraged and supported art expression in all aspects of the community. 
His backing of the Newark Arts Council and the Newark Art Museum has provided space for Newark’s art program to grow and branch off into different and unexplored directions. His take-action attitude and goal oriented leadership continues to push the boundaries of some of Newark’s most rooted cultural aspects, as well as makes room for new perspectives and opinions to flourish. Newark has come a long way from the setbacks caused by the riots. Every day, locals are coming together to express their concerns and contributions for the purpose of reinventing Newark’s image. There is a long way to go before Newark can completely escape its dark history, and art is just one of the many ways to accomplish that.