Exhibit showcases city’s rich multicultural vibe

Mercyhurst University will host a reception and artist’s talk for “DiverseCity, Photographs of an Urban Melting Pot” by award-winning photojournalist Jennifer Brown on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cummings Art Gallery. The exhibit is on display now through Monday, Dec. 12.

Brown is a photojournalist covering news, politics, and social issues. However, she is most passionate about telling the stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives. As the official city photographer for Jersey City, New Jersey, she says, “Only when I began photographing Jersey City on a daily basis … did I truly experience the rich customs, languages, holidays, dress, dance, and pride people have in their varied traditions. I have attended hundreds of events around Jersey City and I’ve always managed to find something completely new and different to my own experience … Having the space and freedom to express one’s own culture is what makes Jersey City ‘the most diverse city in America.’ But, to me, it is the coming together to celebrate one another’s cultures that makes it truly diverse.”

Brown has 20 years’ experience working for newspapers and online media including 12 years on staff at The Star-Ledger and NJ.com. She is the recipient of numerous awards from National Press Photographers Association, New Jersey Press Photographers Association and, in 2008, was named New York Press Photographer of the Year.  Brown was the recipient of two New York Emmy Awards for her work on an app and documentary about the impact of 9/11 a decade after the terrorist attacks.

She lives in Jersey City with her husband and son.

Thursday’s reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Closed on weekends and during Thanksgiving break, Nov. 23-27.

For more information, contact Cummings Art Gallery Director Jessica Stadtmueller at jstadtmueller@mercyhurst.edu; 814-824-2092.