“TUSCANY”: This painting by Kathleen Zwizansky is part of HomeFront’s ArtJam 2021, running October 15 through 30 at 19 Hulfish Street in Palmer Square. The pop-up gallery will feature more than 75 artists and include paintings, sculpture, pottery, and other original works.

HomeFront’s ArtJam 2021 launches on Friday, October 15 and runs through October 30 in Palmer Square. The art event will bring life and color to an empty storefront by creating a pop-up gallery that combines undiscovered artists who have experienced homelessness, professional artists, and the community in a celebration of creativity, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

ArtJam 2021 benefits ArtSpace, HomeFront’s therapeutic art program for those experiencing homelessness. HomeFront is a nationally recognized program that supports Mercer County’s families that experience or are at risk of homelessness by providing housing and resources.

“This event is a labor of love by many supporters — our volunteers, artists who contribute their works, and local businesses. We deeply appreciate that the community comes together to produce and support this artistic, fundraising event,” said Ruthann Traylor, director of Artspace and its sister program, SewingSpace, at HomeFront. “We have learned to navigate uncertain times, and we have proven over and over the arts can lift spirits, empower our artists, and enhance their self-esteem.”

The pop-up gallery will feature more than 75 artists, and includes paintings, sculpture, pottery, and other original works. SewingSpace participants will be selling hand-sewn creations.

Connie Mercer, founder and CEO of HomeFront, said, “HomeFront is a holistic program which supports those experiencing homelessness, and the arts have been part of helping many individuals overcome poverty and achieve a stable lifestyle over the years. Now more than ever, we are immensely grateful for so much community support through donations, fundraisers, and volunteer efforts.”

Recognized as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, 92 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to HomeFront’s comprehensive programs and services. In light of the economic strain imposed by the pandemic, HomeFront is serving more and more families under financial hardship. Clients can use ArtSpace’s studio located at their safe haven for homeless families to participate in art programs that help them work through trauma, find new entrepreneurial skills, and discover themselves as artists.

ArtJam 2021 will be using a satellite location at the HomeFront Family Campus in Ewing (the Blue Garage Gallery) to house a special collection of oversized artworks too large to display in its Palmer Square location. Visit artjamnj.org for details on the artists and pieces available for sale there.

The gallery, located at 19 Hulfish Street, opens October 15 and runs through October 30. Gallery hours are Monday through Wednesday 12 to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, ArtJam plans may need to be revised. Visit artjamnj.org for the most updated information.