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“Train Tracks” Virtual Mural by Gabriela Gomez Mestre `20 to be Showcased at Canopy by Hilton in Thriving Jersey City Arts District
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | (NJCU), in a partnership program with Panepinto Galleries and , Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) lifestyle hotel brand, has announced that “Train Tracks” virtual mural by emerging Hudson County artist Gabriela Gomez Mestre `20 will be making its debut at the hotel on February 25, 2021.
The program, which will run through April 26, showcases the exceptional work of talented local artists and supports the robust culture of the Jersey City Arts District at the nearby Canopy by Hilton, the area’s first truly elevated hospitality offering, providing a new hub for the fast-growing creative community.
Spearheaded by the hotel’s Art Curator, Stefania Panepinto of Panepinto Galleries, NJCU faculty, alumni and staff participated in a Call for Art for a Virtual Mural at the hotel’s featured Reception Area. Artwork by Colombia native and current Hudson County resident Gabriela Gomez Mestre, emerging artist and NJCU 2020 alumna, was chosen based on her content and imagery.
“After seeing my work, I want the viewers to think more about their surroundings, consider their time in any space and not let everyday life become the ‘background’ so easily,” said Gabriela Gomez Mestre about Train Tracks. “I’m inviting people to think outside the box, start a conversation, and allow people to come to their own conclusions. Part of my work process is to let my intuition and subconsciousness take charge. I also want my art to invoke an emotional experience or a memory in my audience without trying to make them feel a specific thing.”
Dr. Sue Henderson, President of NJCU, added, “We are appreciative of the continued creative collaboration between Canopy by Hilton, Panepinto Galleries and the NJCU Center for the Arts. This partnership continues to enhance the flourishing arts culture of our city. We are extremely proud that the work of one of our young alumni, Gabriela Gomez Mestre, will highlight this virtual mural. It is a tribute to the preparedness of the arts education she and other creatively inspiring students have developed through their studies at our institution. I look forward to the debut of Train Tracks.”
The area’s dynamic history and energy shine through the colorful murals by Ricardo Roig and Jenna Morello, who pay homage to the Powerhouse Arts District and industrial Jersey City of the past, all curated by Panepinto Galleries.
“Train Tracks’ exudes the spirit and energy that is uniquely Jersey City. We are delighted that our partnership with Canopy by Hilton and èƽ exemplifies the excitement, energy, and vibrant art scene that grows stronger each day right here in Jersey,” said Art Curator Stefania Panepinto. “We are extremely proud that our collaboration with the èƽ tells one of the many stories that touches all of our lives here.”
A key feature of the hotel’s art program is a meticulously curated ongoing rotating art collection that is infused throughout Canopy Central. This artwork is displayed in three distinctive areas within the hotel, collectively coined the Canopy Central Art Studios, giving local artists a place to create new works while providing guests with a real-time opportunity to witness the creative process, from the painting studio at the social seating area and the photography/print studio at the retreat to the sculpture studio at the café. Here visitors are able to go on a self-guided tour throughout the hotel just like in a museum. QR Codes at every art piece detail information about the artist and how to purchase their work. Artists include: Adam Weston, Augusto Fanjul, Benjamin Keating, Candy Le Sueur, Catherine Hart, Cheryl Gross, Elaine Lorenz, Eliana Perez, Glenn Garver, Howard Nathenson, Joe Velez, Megan Maloy, Mr. NYC Subway. Sculpture pedestals by Bear Claw Designs.
Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District is surrounded by endless restaurants, inspiring galleries, public art projects, and unique shopping offerings. As the Canopy brand’s first property in the New York Metropolitan area, the hotel serves as a gateway to experience Jersey City like a local while offering proximity to New York City.
Limited edition silkscreen prints by Gary Lichtenstein inspired by the Dixon Mills Pencil Factory are displayed in all guestrooms, while the corridors are brought to life with original acrylic paintings by Candy Le Sueur and hand-made cyanotype prints by Tatsuro Nishimura.
èƽ NJCU
èƽ is an institution of higher learning with an audacious goal: the development of our students, our city, our communities, our state, and the world beyond. We are a game-changing force for our students and their families. Whether our students are enrolled in one of our 50 undergraduate, 28 graduate or three doctoral programs, NJCU provides an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty—all of which prepares them to be critical thinkers in a global landscape.
We’re also changing the game for our city, our communities, and our state. As the educational anchor institution in Jersey City, we’ve established partnerships to ensure the area’s growth directly benefits our students and community members. We seek to improve the lives of everyone in the Garden State, whether creating a home for the arts, bringing educational programs to K-12 students, offering bachelor’s degrees in partnership with community colleges, or providing professional development opportunities for adults.
At NJCU, we’re not just educating minds, we’re nourishing souls and lifting communities. We’re changing the game.
èƽ Panepinto Galleries
Panepinto Galleries was founded by Stefania Panepinto in 2011 as a collective space to host gallery exhibitions, photo shoots and film screenings. Once located in the heart of the Powerhouse Arts District in Jersey City, NJ, the gallery and artist’s studios have been a vital influence in nurturing a vibrant community for artists, local residents and visitors from the surrounding metro area. Through Panepinto Fine Art, Panepinto also assists corporate and private clients in acquiring art collections for residential buildings, hotels, offices and homes by offering a personalized service creating a comprehensive and quality collection focused on contemporary art. For further information and to join our mailing list, please contact the gallery: art@panepintogalleries.com | T: 201.521.9000. Follow us! @panepintogalleries
èƽ Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,100 properties with more than 977,000 rooms, in 118 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world’s most hospitable company,
Hilton welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2019 World’s Best Workplaces list, and was named the 2019 Global Industry Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, more than 106 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy, plus enjoy instant benefits, including digital check-in with room selection, Digital Key, and Connected Room. Visit for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
èƽ Canopy by Hilton
Hilton’s lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton, is a place in the neighborhood to relax and recharge, offering simple guest-directed service, comfortable spaces and thoughtfully local choices. Each hotel is designed as a natural extension of its neighborhood and delivers a fresh approach to hospitality and the guest experience. There are 15 Canopy properties open around the globe and more than 40 under development across 14 countries and territories. Experience a positive stay at Canopy by booking at or through the Hilton Honors mobile app. Learn more about the brand at, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Contact:
Ira Thor, Senior Director of University Communications and Media Relations | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301