Jersey City, N.J. – October 12, 2017 – Saint Peter’s is proud to unveil the latest mural in a series of outdoor exhibits in Jersey City on the University’s West Campus. This summer, world-renowned Italian street artist Peeta, created a large mural on an outer wall of Rankin Hall, the building that houses the Saint Peter’s University Department of Fine Arts, which is located on Montgomery Street and West Side Avenue. The project is part of the Jersey City Mural Arts Program, which was initiated in 2013 and is funded through an anti-graffiti grant.
The mural was commissioned in order to celebrate the legacy of the arts at Saint Peter’s University. The façade of Rankin Hall was selected to give the fine arts building a better visual identity on campus. The goal of the project is to inspire students and the community with the original art.
“The rich tapestry of art and culture that exists in Jersey City adds tremendous value to the Saint Peter’s University experience,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “We take pride in our relationship with the city and this project is an excellent product of that connection.”
The Jersey City Mural Arts Program, funded by a Clean Communities Grant, links established and emerging local, national and international mural artists with property owners city-wide as part of an innovative beautification program that reduces graffiti, engages local residents and is transforming Jersey City into an outdoor art gallery.
“The Mural Arts program has completely transformed neighborhoods by creating an outdoor art canvas throughout Jersey City,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop H ’14. “We were aggressive from the onset to commission more than 100 murals and make a meaningful contribution to the arts. Whether it has been welcoming international artists like Peeta or the dozens of local artists, the Mural Arts Program connects artists, neighborhoods and institutions to enrich the cultural scene in Jersey City.”
Peeta, also known as Manuel Di Rita, is known for his larger-than-life, 3-D murals. He has been a graffiti artist since 1993 and currently lives in Venice, Italy. His work explores the potential of sculptural lettering, both in painting and sculpture. He has participated in festivals and art shows all around the world. “The intent of the work is to match the environment. I hope that it’s inspiring to students and people who walk by,” he said.
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