New Jersey Gents Exhibit Featuring 15 Local Male Artists

At AAHMSNJ Newtonville (Martin Luther King Center)

661 Jackson Rd., Newtonville, NJ 08904

 The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) celebrates the return of "Jersey Gents," a dynamic and thought-provoking exhibit that showcases the artistry and vision of men in the arts. The exhibition features 15 local male artists and offers a rare collective exploration of creativity, identity, and cultural expression through a variety of mediums and perspectives.  Jersey Gents will be on view from October 4 through December 27, 2025 at the Museum’s Newtonville location in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center at 661 Jackson Rd. in Newtonville, NJ.

The exhibit spotlights featured artist Patrick Freeman (pictured left), whose lifelong dedication to service, mentorship, and creativity shines through his art. Freeman, born in Atlantic City into a family of musicians and athletes, has dedicated his life to service, mentorship, and creativity. In Camden, New Jersey, Freeman played a vital role in community development, supporting programs that promoted youth engagement, wellness, and public health. Known affectionately as “Coach Pat,” Freeman co-founded a youth football league that shaped generations of young athletes, teaching lessons of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His artwork reflects the same spirit of resilience, community, and creativity that has defined his life’s journey. 

In addition, Jersey Gents honors the talents of 14 other artists: Quinton Greene, Wilmer “Butch” Swigget, Tony Nelson, Ruben Garcia, Sidney B. Gary, John Morris, Romare Wilson, Melvin Irons, Jay Campbell Phillips, Ronald “Squirrel” Croudy, Jeffrey Davis (Faces of Chicken Bone Beach photograph pictured above), Fred Bacon, Lawerence Faust, and Leonard Wilkinson. Together, these artists form a powerful roster whose work spans painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. 

Museum founder Ralph Hunter calls Jersey Gents a tribute to the depth of talent among male artists in New Jersey and beyond. “By bringing together 15 unique voices, the exhibition forms a powerful conversation about creativity, history, and community. It’s an invitation to witness how these men use art to reflect not just their own journeys, but also the shared experiences that shape us all.”

The exhibition reflects a wide spectrum of artistic practices and personal stories, weaving together themes of resilience, cultural pride, masculinity, community, and the complex beauty of everyday life. By highlighting both individual voices and the collective strength of male artists, Jersey Gents offers audiences an inspiring look at the role of art in shaping identity and heritage.