Jersey Art Book Fair Returns for its 2nd Edition in Jersey City, February 3–4, 2024

Jersey Art Book (JAB) Fair, presented by Dense Magazine, is set to make its highly anticipated return to Jersey City on February 3–4, 2024. The fair will be hosted at the historic Railroad Terminal Building in Liberty State Park, a venue rich in history, mirroring the diverse narratives found in the art showcased.

This two-day extravaganza will bring together over 100 exhibitors, offering a curated selection of art books, zines, posters, and other print ephemera for purchase. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with book artists, independent publishers, and small presses from the United States and Europe, representing a wide range of emerging and established practices across genres.

The JAB Fair is not just a marketplace; it’s an immersive experience with a full Schedule of Programs spanning both days. The schedule includes workshops, demos, readings, panels, Q&A sessions, and presentations. The fair will be guest curated by Christopher and Kathleen Sleboda, publishers of the award-winning Draw Down Books.

Highlights of the weekend include “Kim’s Office,” hosted by Paper Magazine co-founder Kim Hastreiter, a Q&A session with award-winning photographer Kris Graves, a climate healing session with Nocturnal Medicine, and a pop-up paper-making residency hosted by Newark artist Amanda Thackray.

The fair offers more than just a feast for the eyes and mind; attendees can also enjoy book readings and signings in the Listening Room, coffee by local roasters Modcup, and a variety of food trucks throughout the day, including El Chilango Taqueria 2, Empanadas by Lady G, Gigi Halal, Jerkin Chicken, and Ms. Fu’s Yummy Food.

The celebration doesn’t end with the fair hours! Attendees are invited to the JAB Fair After Hours Party, where they can chill, dance, and connect with fellow print enthusiasts, art book collectors, and zinesters. The evening’s vibe will be curated by DARK.LOUD, Jersey City’s own mood makers. Please note that the After Hours Party is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older.

In addition to the main venue, JAB Fair extends its celebration of print to three off-site locations throughout the weekend, accessible by the fair’s Shuttle service. These include:

• “Old School, New Worlds” Art Exhibition at SMUSH Gallery (340 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ) from January 21 to February 15, 2024.
• Paper Trail Art Market & Documentary Screening at Deep Space Gallery (77 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City, NJ) on February 3–4, 2024.
• “The Politics of Eternity” Exhibit by Dustin Yellin in partnership with Liberty Science Center (222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ). JAB Fair ticket holders can avail of a $5 discount on entry until February 28, 2024.

JAB FAIR TICKETS

JAB Fair offers three admission tiers to enhance the experience and support the event:

1. Free Admission (Sunday, Feb 4 only):
   • Free same-day programs on a first-come, first-served basis.
   • Shuttle access.
   • Free parking in Lot 8 during fair hours.
   • Timed entry with options at 11 AM, 1 PM, or 3 PM.
2. General Admission (Saturday, Feb 3 only):
   • $5 per person.
   • Same-day programs on a first-come, first-served basis.
   • Shuttle access.
   • Free parking in Lot 8 during fair hours.
   • Timed entry with options at 11 AM, 1 PM, or 3 PM.
3. VIP Admission (Saturday and Sunday, Feb 3–4):
   • $75 per person.
   • Unrestricted access to the fair (no timed entry).
   • Entry to After-Hours Party with a 3-drink tab.
   • Reserved seating at up to 6 events (at check-in).
   • Priority shuttle access.
   • Free parking in Lot 9 during fair hours.
   • JAB Fair tote ($15 retail).
   • Latest issue of Dense Magazine ($27 retail).
   • Collectible Scratch n Sniff Turnpike Map ($15 retail).
   • Limited ticket quantities available. Must be 21 or older.

Children aged 12 and under receive free admission under adult supervision. There is a purchase limit of 4 tickets per person for any ticket type. All tickets are non-refundable. Ticket holders can show their tickets for a $5 discount on Liberty Science Center entry through February 28, 2024. Tickets must include the full names of all attendees for access to the JAB Fair Shuttle. Attendees can either print their tickets or present the digital version.

NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS!

Expressing love for print doesn’t have to stop at the fair! Attendees can continue the celebration at two special events:

• After Hours Party (Saturday, Feb 3, 7 PM–11 PM):
  • $25 per person.
  • Admission includes a 2-drink tab, live DJ sets by DARK.LOUD, and a nibbles buffet all night.
  • Hosted at The Terminal Building. Must be 21 or older.
• FUNDRAISING EVENT: “Book & Bread x JAB Fair” (Saturday, March 23, 6 PM–10 PM):
  • $350 per person.
  • Presented by artist and chef Leon Johnson of LODGER.
  • Features a three-course, locally-sourced meal made in-house-produced dinnerware.
  • Includes bookbinding demonstrations and instruction, where each guest binds a blank 16th C Monastery Journal using archival papers and Irish linen tapes.
  • Natural wine pairings by Grape Collective Wine Director Brittney Abell.
  • Limited to 10 guests. Must be 21 or older.

All proceeds from ticket sales support Dense Fellowship programs, which cultivate and amplify New Jersey’s emerging, underrepresented voices for locally-grounded change.

MAIN VENUE

Jersey Art Book Fair will be held at the historic Railroad Terminal Building in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. This iconic venue, accessible by the fair’s shuttle service, bike lanes, and easy car access from the Holland Tunnel and NJ Turnpike, has witnessed hope, violence, and renewal, making it a fitting setting for elevating stories that empower new futures.

For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.

For more New Jersey adventures and New Jersey Events, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.