Open House Event At Army-Base-Turned-Art-Park In Livingston

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Want to check out one of the “hidden jewels” of the Essex County parks system?

Essex County officials will host an open house and art sale at the Riker Hill Art Park on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 284 Beaufort Avenue in Livingston.

The 42-acre Riker Hill Art Park was a U.S. Army Nike Missile Base in the 1950s. Essex County purchased the property from the federal government in 1974 and converted the buildings that once housed army facilities into studio space for artists.

There currently are 38 artists in residence at Riker Hill Art Park.

• See related article: Army Base To Art Park: $1M Facelift At 'Hidden Gem' In Livingston

During the free event on Nov. 2 – which is open to the public – visitors can take a self-guided tour through the various studios, talk to artists, purchase artwork and view a compilation exhibition.

For more information, call 973-268-3500. Visitors can also find more info at www.essexcountynj.org, or www.rikerhillartists.org.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. encouraged people to take advantage of the event and get “an inside glimpse” into the local art scene.

“We invite you to discover this creative environment within our historic Essex County Park System,” he said.

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