Jennifer Gonzalez's passion for art comes from her grandmother, Cuban artist Dalia Condis.
"My grandmother emigrated from Cuba in the '60s," Gonzalez says. "She studied at the well-known San Alejandro University in Havana. There, she created the curriculum that I now use in my own studio."
Condis ran an art school in Hudson County for more than 40 years. She often joked that Gonzalez was "born with a brush in her hand, ready for action!"
"Everything I learned about painting and teaching, I learned from my grandmother," Gonzalez says. "She is my biggest inspiration even to this day."
When Gonzalez moved to Rutherford, there were no art studios open in the area.
"I wanted to be the first in my town to create a space that provided quality art education and engaged with the community while having fun in the process."
Painting On Park (104 Park Ave., Rutherford; paintingonpark.com; @paintingonpark) is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It offers art classes after school and on weekends. You can also book private events, fundraisers, summer camps and birthday parties.
"Our curriculum was created back in the 1940s in Cuba," she says. "I’ve modernized and personalized it to give it a fresh take all while working with each student individually. We believe Painting On Park should be the highlight of everyone’s week and we aim to make each time in our studio memorable."
Gonzalez chose Rutherford for its small-town feel and walkable downtown. "It’s diverse with a great mix of professionals, artists and families," she says. "Plus, it's close to New York City."
Before opening the studio, Gonzalez worked for more than 10 years as the Art Production Director at GQ Magazine. "I always wanted to connect with my community and own my own business," she says. "I started my first business in 5th grade. I ran a craft club where I would sell what I made to my classmates. The business model was shaky, but the entrepreneurial spirit was always there!"
Here are a few of Gonzalez's favorite things to do in Rutherford.
Breakfast
Steve & Andrea’s (298 Park Ave.) iconic pancakes are the highlight of our weekends. Bring a bottle of bubbly to enjoy them with mimosas at this BYOB spot.
Lunch
My go-to when I want something healthy on the go are any of the delicious salads and soups at Be Well Cafe (6 Highland Cross).
Dinner
The spaghetti Carbonara at Suprema Italian (92 Park Ave.) is simply amazing. And don’t miss their arancini for a great appetizer. They specialize in absolutely delicious and authentic Italian cuisine.
Coffee and Dessert
Ara Coffee (6 Ames Ave.) has the best coffee and desserts. Their banana bread is my absolute favorite and their staff always brightens my day with their giant smiles.
Working Out
40 Park Pilates (40 Park Ave.) is a gorgeous, newly renovated space where they focus on the reformer machine. The owner, Spiro, is extremely passionate about Pilates and inspires everyone who goes there.
Outdoor Activity
I enjoy going to Lincoln Park (115 Highland Cross) and listening to the rotation of bands who play during the Summer Concert Series. And don't miss Rutherford Day.
Indoor Activity
Painting, of course! There is nothing better than creating when it’s too cold to be outside or too hot to walk around. Painting on Park (104 Park Ave.) stays busy all year round.
Shopping
Goffin's Hallmark Shop (64 Park Ave.) is hands down the best store offering any kind of gift you could need.
Joram Mushinske is the art director for (201) Magazine. He also writes monthly columns in (201) about local influencers and asks business owners to share their favorite things to do in Bergen County. Joram is a Ridgewood native and his work appears regularly in The Record and on NorthJersey.com. He also manages the @201magazine account on Instagram. Click here to have (201) Magazine delivered to your mailbox each month.