On Thursday, November 16, Project for Empty Space (PES) hosted the inaugural edition of FALL BALL, a dance party to celebrate the past, present, and future of Newark’s ever-growing cultural community.
Co-chaired by PES trustee Melissa Osterwind, President at SRI Fine Art Services; and Ron Norsworthy, Artist In Residence alumni and Co-Founder of DARNstudio, this year’s gathering took over PES’ new 2,500-square-foot gallery and artist incubator space in Newark, N.J. The inaugural FALL BALL leaned into the organization’s expansion message, ARTISTS MAKE FUTURES.
The festivities brought together members from across the city’s creative scene, from soulful musicians to renowned DJs, visual artists of all disciplines, dancers, and beyond.
Attendees showed up in fabulous fall-hued attire and enjoyed small bites by local chefs, drank autumnal cocktails and danced to the energetic tunes of FORSA!/DJ MD and Max October. The program kicked off with a special performance by two-time Newark Artist Accelerator recipient Newark Dances, featuring Company of Collaborative Artists (CoCA). A special installation by current Artist In Residence, Layqa Nuna Yawar encouraged guests to take photos with designed props presenting the 'Artist as Future Maker.'
The 2023 FALL BALL Host Committee includes Alexandra & Bryan Scotland, Amy Goldrich & Nick Kline, Bari Wiley, Cat Dawson, Citi Medina, John Schreiber, Jonathan Gardenhire, Kambui Olujimi, Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Linda Morgan, Marcy DePina, Robin Reynolds Roche, Sherrese Clarke Soares, Shoshanna Weinberger, Tamara Remedios, and Tiana Webb Evans. This group of cultural practitioners and art supporters have been a special part of the Project for Empty Space family, through generous support.
Food and cocktail partners included Le Kool Champagne, Supergay Vodka, Casa d’Paco, All Points West Distillery, and Newark Local Beer.
FALL BALL was made possible by SRI Fine Art Services, RBH Group, HarbourView Equity, Edison Properties, PSEG, Bao Essentials, Buy Weed From Women (BWFW), Casa D’Paco & PACO LUCA, NJPAC, Greater Newark Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Have You Met Newark, The Newark Museum of Art, The Nork Project!, Melissa Osterwind, Redens “Rex” Desrosiers, Ron Norsworthy and USTAWI.
