Wrapping Beaver Street (2019-2022) 
NANCY SALEME & PATRICIA CAZORLA

Since 2011, Nancy Saleme and Patricia Cazorla, have been part of Downtown Newark’s art community- becoming active learners and observers of this vibrant city and its’ people. The inspiration for Wrapping Beaver Street comes from a merge of inspirations and is driven from one of the most powerful passages of US history, The Great Migration.

Other influences include elements of Newark’s commercial landscape, such as its exuberant stores of African textiles, artifacts, and exotic foods. The artists were deeply inspired/energized by the fabric stores along Halsey Street.

Over the years, the duo has cherished the art of many local artists that nod to these ideas such as the late Mrs. Gladys Barker Grauer, and Dolores Stewart.

Wrapping Beaver Street is an imprint of Downtown Newark’s urban history. This ground mural depicts traditional African patterns incorporated into our own drawing patterns, giving a new dimension to this public piece and envisioning a celebration of the community’s heritage elements.

About the Artists:
Latinx, aunt, and niece Cazorla and Saleme have been living in New York and working in Newark, NJ, for over a decade. A painter and a sculptor who decided to blend their visions and talents to become an unstoppable artist duo. Their artworks are made from various mediums, creating bright color palettes. Behind their work's whimsical appearance, they approach and address challenging social issues, such as their extensive work on migration.

Besides their extensive exhibition record locally and internationally, Cazorla + Saleme have been granted awards and grants from important institutions such as the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures, the Puffin Foundation, UNIQLO/NYC Parks, and El Museo del Barrio. They have been commissioned public art pieces by the Garment District Alliance, the Department of Transportation of NYC, the John Michael Kohler Art Center, and the NYC Health + Hospitals Arts in Medicine.

They have recently been awarded a commission by Newark Artist Collaboration by Audible; City of Newark Creative Catalyst Fund Grant; City Artist Corps Grant/NYFA; Art Bridge Projects/NYC Cultural Affairs, and 4Corners Public Art Initiatives in Downtown Newark, NJ.

Cazorla + Saleme have been artist-in-residence at Vermont Studio Center, ChaShaMA NYC, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, and Gallery Aferro. Their work has been reviewed passionately on TimeOut NYC, The New York Times, Artdaily.org, Wescover.com, Secret NYC, GothamToGo, Fox 5, Newark Arts Journal, Univision News, Remezcla, EFE Spanish international news agency, New York Daily News, Riverdale Press, CUNY TV, News 12 The Bronx, and ArtNet News.

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