For many Hoboken residents, Ricardo Roig is probably a familiar face. With his enthusiastic personality and original paintings throughout town, this outgoing artist is leaving his mark in Hoboken.

Ricardo has been dabbling in art since he was a young child, experimenting with oil paintings and other mediums. It wasn’t until seven years ago, after attending art school, that Ricardo realized he could make a living off of his hobby. In 2005 he had his first art show at Newark Essex County College, marking the beginning of his career as an artist. For Ricardo, painting is all about giving to others. “I’ve realized my art has nothing to do with me; it’s for others. I’m so blessed that people enjoy my paintings and I just want to make art that people will appreciate.”

Ricardo worked at the Elysian Cafe for two years where he was able to see Hoboken from “a different view.” Working at Elysian gave Ricardo the opportunity to sketch a few of his favorite subjects: people, interiors, and light falling through windows. “Working at Elysian I was able to step out and watch people communicate from a different perspective. I would gain access to people’s minds and edit my paintings to say something.”

Hoboken has played an important role in Ricardo’s artistic journey, not only through the Elysian Cafe, but through the opportunities the art scene in Hoboken has to offer. This past year Ricardo has had about nine art shows in Hoboken, in venues like D’s Soulful Cafe and the Monroe Center for the Arts. His work is also on display for purchase in the Clam Broth House and Imago Beauty Salon. Ricardo is in such high demand in Hoboken that people come up to him on the street or in restaurants asking him to do personal paintings for them. “Today I was by the Pier sketching and a policeman stopped me, saying they were looking for me and asked if I would paint during the National Night Out.”

Ricardo credits Director of Cultural Affairs for Hoboken, Geri Fallo, for a lot of his success in Hoboken. “She’s pushed me to not only do the Arts & Crafts Fair, but also the studio tour back in November, where I sold about seventy-five percent of my work.” With the help of Ms. Fallo, Ricardo also has a mural at the Hoboken Recreation Center and is in the works to put his artistic touches on the PATH station with another mural.

When Ricardo’s not busy commissioning his artwork or booking a show he tries to be an active member of the community by fundraising for the Elysian Charter School and the Rotary Club of Hoboken. Ricardo believes he “can have a positive effect through art and help make a difference.” One thing he would like to see in Hoboken are more art galleries and spaces for artists. Ricardo may be the change he wants to see, noting that he might like to one day open his own gallery here in Hoboken.

While Ricardo would eventually like to break into the New York City art scene, he believes Hoboken is the best place for him right now. It’s easy to see how much Ricardo loves Hoboken- his face lights up just talking about all Hoboken has given him. “Hoboken understands art and knows the value of it. People here enjoy art and want to be part of that conversation.”

Ricardo’s goals for now are to continue to soak up the world around him and the rich history it comes with, while keeping his work relevant. He wants to continue expressing the feelings and beauty that surround him through colors and art. Saturday, August 27th Ricardo will be having a big show at the Monroe Center. Attendees will be able to admire every work of art Ricardo has ever created (and still has) and purchase their favorite piece.

He may have a lot on his plate, but it seems this colorful artist never stops working- he already has an art show scheduled for the beginning of January through the Hoboken Historical Museum and is planning one at the Monroe Center October 22nd. Ricardo’s future is filled with endless possibilities and Hoboken will be there to cheer him on and support his journey. To see more of Ricardo’s artwork or contact him, visit his site at www.ricardoroig.com.

Every week hMAG posts Faces articles featuring someone from the community because, after all, hMAG is all about the community.

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