In collaboration with Levitate Creative Services and Idea Cultural, Dover, NJ is set to launch the !Vivir, Amar, y Pintar! Arts Festival on Chestnut Street in Dover, NJ, on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The festival, taking place from 12 to 4 p.m., will commemorate the unveiling of a new 5,000 sq. ft asphalt mural and provide a platform for local artisans, vendors, and musicians to showcase their talents.
The event promises a diverse range of artists—from painters to sculptors—appealing to a variety of artistic tastes and styles. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to interact with the artists, gain insight into their creative processes, and even purchase their works.
Alongside the artistry, the outdoor festival will host a gathering of 20 artists and over 17 vendors. The festival will also feature a selection of food trucks, providing food and refreshments to attendees.
Prominent participants include The Kubert School—the nation’s sole graphic arts school dedicated to cartooning and comic book creation, which will engage children in activities. Noteworthy artists, vendors, and entertainment acts, including Bouncy Castles, kids’ art activities, stilt walkers, and live music performances by Tropy Band and Terry Grande, curated by Idea Cultural, will add vibrancy to the festivities, featuring a mix of genres so that everyone finds something they enjoy listening to.
Highlighting the event will be the unveiling of a monumental 5,000 sq. ft asphalt mural on Chestnut Street. The mural, a collaborative effort led by lead artist Mustart and Levitate Creative Services, will transform a plain asphalt surface into a visually striking masterpiece, utilizing the community as the driving force for creative flow. This historic launch of Dover’s first public art was made possible through grants from Morris Arts, and in partnership with the New Jersey State Council.
The festival’s significance extends beyond its artistic appeal. CANVS, an interactive platform specializing in documenting street art and artists, will capture the creation of the mural—facilitating the local community’s engagement with the artwork.
“The !Vivir, Amar, y Pintar! Arts Festival showcases the transformative power of public art and underscores the unity of creativity and community,” said Alex Dougherty, a City Planner for DPD and partner for Levitate. Together, they will complete Morris County’s first-ever asphalt mural, which will be arguably one of New Jersey’s largest.
The festival aligns with initiatives like Vision Zero—aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and injuries, making roads safer for all. Additionally, Avenues in Motion, a local nonprofit, will assess the impact of the asphalt murals on driver behavior and community dynamics. “City Planning is more than real estate and vertical development. When you plan and design your city with the pedestrian in mind, you’ll win every time,” said Dougherty of the mural.
Generous support from sponsors such as Home Depot, Boost Mobile and others, has enabled the creation of this inspiring atmosphere. The festival promises an exciting day filled with art, music, food, and community, providing an unforgettable experience for attendees.
While the event is free to the public, RSVPs are encouraged to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.
For more information and to RSVP, click here.
About the Author/s
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
