“Walking Around Hoboken 40 Years Later”

November 16 - December 23, 2025

As a young boy, Kevin McCloskey was exposed to the world of art thanks to the “Learn to Draw with Jon Gnagy” TV Show, which was filmed in the Empire State Building.

A pivotal moment in his development as an artist was when he was allowed to draw on the blackboard during recess in Mrs. O’Brien’s Kindergarten class. She was so taken with Kevin’s drawing that she left it up for the next class to see. Kevin considers this to be his first exhibit! Recognized for his emerging talent, Kevin began taking drawing classes with the artist Hannah Hoffman in Elizabeth, NJ.

Kevin went on to study at the School of Visual Arts in 1985 and 1986. He was focused on the field of visual journalism, which enabled him to draw for the New York Times and Village Voice. A highlight of his education was taking a course with Art Spiegelman, the author of the graphic novel Maus.

During this time, he developed an idea for a book called Walking Around Hoboken. This book was his masters thesis and consisted of 52 pages of original illustrations depicting Hoboken. Kevin conducted research at the Stevens Institute of Technology to develop this guidebook. Some highlights include drawings of the Clam Broth House, Mayor Vezzetti, and a home on 12th Street where 11 people perished during the period of the Hoboken fires.

It is the 40 year anniversary of the publishing of Kevin’s book. The Museum is proud to feature Kevin’s groundbreaking illustrations from Walking Around Hoboken in the Upper Gallery. This exhibit is a precious time capsule reminding us of Hoboken’s past.