Opening Reception for New Jersey Gents Exhibit Featuring 19 Artists

From 1:00 until 4:00

At AAHMSNJ Newtonville (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center)

661 Jackson Rd., Newtonville, NJ 08904

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) will host an opening reception for "Jersey Gents" Sunday, October 5, from 1 to 4 PM. The reception will take place at the museum's location at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 661 Jackson Road in Newtonville, NJ. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and engage with their work. All works on display are original pieces and available for purchase. 

The opening reception will feature music by DJ Hammer, setting a vibrant atmosphere for the afternoon. Light refreshments will be served, and guests will enjoy  convenient free parking on-site.

Jersey Gents will be on view from October 4 through December 27, 2025 at the Museum’s Newtonville location. It features 15 local male artists and offers a rare collective exploration of creativity, identity, and cultural expression through a variety of mediums and perspectives.  

The exhibit spotlights featured artist Patrick Freeman (pictured right), 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 (his Hint of Ebony is pictured above), Wilmer “Butch” Swigget, Tony Nelson, Ruben Garcia, Sidney B. Gary, John Morris, Romare Wilson, Melvin Irons, Jay Campbell Phillips, Ronald “Squirrel” Croudy, Jeffrey Davis, Fred Bacon, Lawerence Faust, and Leonard Wilkinson. Together, these artists form a powerful roster whose work spans painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

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.