Meet Alaina Joy | Artistic, visionary & Gallery President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alaina Joy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alaina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I founded Painted Thingies to develope myself and my art as a brand to participate in shows and galleries to be able to get to the point to open my own inclusive diverse space for all artists. I have now founded JAMM Gallery, which is having it’s grand opening in April of this year, with a vision to transcend artistic boundaries and foster a sense of connection. Drawing inspiration from my passion for pop and street art, I aimed to create a space that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Through vibrant strokes and inclusive ideals, I aspire to use art as a catalyst for positive change, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering personal development. JAMM Gallery is not just an art space; it’s a platform dedicated to creating a brighter, more inclusive world through the limitless potential of artistic expression.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art via Painted Thingies at JAMM Gallery is a fusion of vibrant strokes and inclusive ideals, creating a space that celebrates pop and street art, community, and diversity. What sets me apart is the dedication to using art as a force for positive change, fostering love, outreach, and personal development. I’m most proud of cultivating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.

My journey hasn’t been easy; it’s been a process of overcoming challenges, from establishing myself as an artist, participating in over 300 shows the past two years, and establishing the gallery. I’ve learned that resilience and a commitment to positive impact are crucial. JAMM Gallery is more than just a business; it’s a platform for creating a brighter, more inclusive world through artistic expression. I want the world to know that at JAMM, art knows no bounds, and together, we’re on a journey of exploration, connection, and growth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone I considered a best friend was visiting the area for the first time I’d take them to the beaches and boardwalks around my home town of Seaside Heights, including a visit to a local restaurant close to Seaside in Tom’s River called MorningStar Cafe to have delicious food that is handcrafted by Chef Alex Tricarico with love and sample the baked goods she carries by local artisan Bakers Lisa Elsis and Amy Adler Scotti from Must Get Sconed Bakers and to see the local art that’s hung there. My next spot would be Asbury Park to see the historic music venues, visit the local shops and art galleries, and see the amazing vibrant art that’s been brought to the area via Wooden Walls Project. I’d then take them to the JAMM Gallery location in Marlboro NJ to see the local art and participate in one of our open paint nights or events with our local artists to foster a love for art within them by creating some themselves.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big shoutout to my incredible, ever growing art family! 🎨🌟 Your creativity, passion, and commitment to diversity inspire me every day. Together, we’re not just artists; we’re a force for positive change, using our art, collective voices, and inclusive ideals to paint a brighter, more inclusive world. Thank you for being part of this journey of exploration, connection, and self-discovery. Let’s continue to create as we begin the next chapter of growing JAMM Gallery together, where art knows no bounds and everyone is invited to shine!

Website: Www.paintedthingies.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/painted_thingies

Other: Www.instagram.com/jamm.gallery