“Drawings of Hoboken: Changing and Enduring Places by Darren Kall”

Darren Kall was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in East Paterson/Elmwood Park. From a young age, Darren was incessantly drawing. His artistic vision was so strong that he was inspired to draw on the walls of his childhood home and on the bottom of furniture. To redirect his prodigious creativity, Darren’s family encouraged him to adopt some more palatable mediums. He remembers one of his first art projects being a decorated cork coaster that he made at the age of 7, and a handmade clay pot, which his mother used to display flowers for the rest of her life.

Darren was clearly passionate about art. He found a supportive community at Rutgers College in New Brunswick, where he studied studio art in their interdisciplinary program. His training consisted of painting, drawing, art history, printmaking, photography, and sculpture. He fondly recalls his summer jobs of working on a variety of special commissions while a student there. His diverse coursework provided the foundation for the artist he is today.

After completing school, Darren was searching for a community that he could call home. He was drawn to the cultural vibrance of Hoboken. The city was teeming with artists, musicians, and creatives. His goal was to become part of this special community, and he moved here in 1985.

In 1986, Darren wanted to have something to show and sell at the River City Fair, an early version of our Hoboken Arts Festival. His idea was to capture not just the building storefronts of Washington Street, but the active life of the city as well. Darren was doing artwork for individuals and companies in Hoboken, some of which were detailed drawings. This approach would be difficult to do if he wanted to finish his project before the arts festival! 

Like a court reporter, Darren started to quickly sketch the west side of Washington Street, moving up and down the street to capture the first floors, the people, and the events that occurred in those moments. Pad and pen in hand, he would use a folding chair for his moving art station.

People were very curious about Darren and his project. They would stop to chat and observe him sketching. One elderly Italian man became a regular companion! The first day he saw Darren, he asked what he was doing. After Darren explained his project, the gentleman said, “you crazy,” and walked away shaking his head. But, he came back the next day, and the days after that, to observe Darren’s progress and show him off to his friends.

The final product was the Hoboken Poster, which was composed of 19 strips. It took him 2 weeks to complete. Darren sold his poster at the festival, and later at a gallery in town. The poster was prominently displayed in several stores on Washington Street. Because of the popularity of the poster, Darren was commissioned to do more detailed house and business drawings around Hoboken. Darren shared, “At the time, I had no idea that the poster would have a lasting impact on the people who viewed it.” Darren has donated all of the remaining posters to the Hoboken Historical Museum. It is now the only place where people can purchase an original 1986 printed Hoboken Poster. A framed poster greets visitors in the museum walkway.

Darren’s exhibit “Drawings of Hoboken: Changing and Enduring Places” is a joyful continuation of his work in the Hoboken poster and pays homage to the unique urban landscape of our city. It consists of 15 black and white ink drawings that depict not just storefronts on Washington Street, but also ornate residential buildings that showcase our city’s exquisite architecture, along with beloved community hubs. Some places remain, such as the Brass Rail and Stan’s Sports Center. Others are long gone, such as Cafe Louis and Hoboken Farmboy.

Darren’s work reminds us about the ephemeral nature of life. Change is constant, but love for community always remains.

“Drawings of Hoboken: Changing and Enduring Places by Darren Kall” will be on display from September 8-October 27, 2024. All are invited for the Opening Reception on Sunday, September 8 from 2pm-5pm at HHM. 

As part of the exhibit, HHM will produce an online Artist Talk with Darren Kall and HHM Director Bob Foster on Thursday, September 5 at 7pm, which will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. A special thank you to the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development for supporting this exhibit.