Independent Arts News Reporting 
Pictured Above: Herman ‘Shorty’ Rose. Photo Credit: Contributed.
From Soup Kitchen to Studio: Art, Community, and Second Chances in Trenton
By: Chrysa Smith
In Trenton, creativity is on the move. A refuge for the underrepresented, underprivileged, and economically disadvantaged turns hardship into community and a common purpose: creation.
Herman ‘Shorty’ Rose wasn’t always an artist. In fact, at 72, he says he’s just been at it for the last two decades or so. He stumbled upon it at the mere suggestion from his sister, Annabelle, who ran the Trenton Area soup kitchen (TASK), As Trenton residents would gather for a meal, something beautiful would happen. Art. And that was the beginning of the Trenton Community A-Team, affectionately known as TCAT.
You might say that TCAT stands for art team, but it also stands for an A-Team—the first, the best. And it just may be. Because it gives those with financial, mental and other life challenges an opportunity to do something deeply rewarding and express themselves using paints, canvasses and comradery with others.
According to Anthony Catanese, Site Director, “In the community, people see stories being told through art. When you see ordinary people do it, you learn to believe you can do it too.’ Shorty is a testament to that. During a period of incarceration, he learned some basic skills. “I got involved in making picture frames out of cigarette wrappers and old newspapers,” he says. “After some encouragement and a little help from a volunteer with an art background, I now tell others to keep at it; to keep it up. I have now brought other people in to create their own art.” Lisa is just one of them. And they’ve become more than two community members working on similar creative projects, they’ve become downright friends. In fact, “Shorty’, as he’s called, twice called me by mistake, looking for Lisa.
Pictured Above: Artists of TCA . Photo Credit: Contributed.
Anthony says, “Shorty showed people that it’s possible to create yourself, even if not formally trained.” In fact, none of the 30 something regular artist who use the space aren’t. They have some brief introduction, but it’s really all coming from them; from within. TCAT sees about 50 artists in total.
While you’ll find brushes, canvases and other artist’s tools, Anthony claims it’s a comfortable place just to chill. In fact, the community and relationships forged are what has made the group grow over the past 25 years. It all began with a small group of like-minded people. Susan Darley is the woman who you might say spearheaded the group. “Susan’s influence goes all the way back to the very beginning of the program,” Anthony says. “She was one of the first volunteers to help organize and run the art program at TASK (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen), playing a major role in shaping what would eventually become TCAT. Susan was part of the ‘Extra Helpings’ program there at TASK where they threw around the idea of an art cooperative. Once there were a handful of interested people, it was time to give them a name. Each person threw their suggestion into a hat. One was picked out and the Trenton Community A-Team was off and running. During the pandemic, Susan stepped down and Anthony took the reins.
“Art is often seen as a kid’s thing,” says Anthony, “But it’s really art therapy—a way to express themselves never done before.” And at 51 Stockton Street, creating art is just the beginning. Next stop is exhibition. There is the artwork hung on the walls where it’s produced using a variety of mediums, the majority being paintings. The work is on the community’s website and at galleries, pop -ups and for special events scheduled on weekends spring through fall. As you might expect, funding is needed to keep such a program running, and that comes from both grants and generous donations. When art is sold, either at the gallery, show or online, the artist will keep 70% of the selling price, set by the artists themselves. Anthony is there to help, determining the size of the piece, the materials used, and the amount of time invested, Anthony is there to lend his guidance, saying, “In some cases price may also be adjusted depending upon the venue or the setting where the art is being exhibited. The remaining 30% goes back in the pot for supplies.” You might say it’s a circular program, both funding itself, and receiving a bit of help from state and arts grants. Art is created, sold and profits split, with the excess refueling the program.
Their two-story converted carriage house has room for changing mural boards out front—a great way to promote the program to area residents and other artists. Presently, a graffiti artist, Leon Rainbow (Perfect name for an artist) is scheduled to be there. Anthony is working hard to bring in new blood, younger people. And he hopes that will be accomplished through shows at a local coffee shop, calling them slam and brews. Additionally, an expansion program is coming with a mobile art bus. Anthony is excited about taking TCAT beyond the soup kitchen and in-house gallery. “We’ll be teaming up with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, joining them where they have a food truck. Area residents will be encouraged to create themselves, thereby coloring the city.” Other programs include featuring the artist’s work on maps at the Trenton train station. “We’re looking to expand outside of Trenton too; promoting Trenton more and building as much visibility as possible.” The funding for these programs is coming from an EDA grant (Economic Development Administration).” Once the purchase of the bus is complete, we’ll fully overhaul the vehicle and turn it into a mobile arts studio,” he says. “At the same time, we’re working with our artists to come up with a standout name that reflects the spirit and mission of TCAT. Our goal is to have the bus on the road — sharing art and spreading TCAT’s message throughout the community — by late spring or early summer”
About 95% of the artist reside in the city. But even those who have moved on have not forgotten it, returning to see who and what is new. Kudos to Anthony for all his input. As a graphic designer and video editor, he has a finger on what is possible through art. “I have my own company which produces music videos. I knew one of TCAT’s board members who said they needed help. They knew I have a history in art and creating posters.” Tony Googles says. That’s a nickname he received from his history of not wanting to be called plain old Tony, along with his oversized, dark rim glasses he wore since playing in a band.
Pictured Above: Charles Smith. Photo Credit: Contributed.
“People get so much joy out of this,” he says. “Being a part of something brings the community together.” Well, they say Trenton makes, the world takes. Perhaps next time you find yourself in or near the Trenton Area, consider popping in. You just might take away some joy and art yourself.
Be sure to visit their website at www.TCAteam.org.
For more information:
Trenton Community A-Team
51 North Stockton Street
Trenton, NJ 08618
609-421-0793
