JERSEY CITY.-Jersey City Museum's Sixth Annual ArtRageous Ball was held on April 30th, 2009 at The Westin Jersey City. With 200 guests from the worlds of real estate, financial services, the arts, and government, the evening began with a cocktail reception featuring the drink of the evening: the "ART-tini." Cocktails were followed by dinner, music and dancing, a Silent Art Auction featuring work by 20 artists from the region, and a Luxury Prize Raffle.

Fidelity Investments served as the Lead Sponsor of the event. Congressman Frank J. Guarini, JPMorgan Chase, Hughes Hubbard & Reed,, Panepinto Properties, SK Properties, Bank of America, The Provident Bank, PSE&G, The Exeter Property Company, Sovereign Bank and United Water were also among the sponsors of this year's event.

Nancy Shannon, the Museum's Director of Development, commented, "We are delighted with the success of the 2009 ArtRageous Ball. Even with the challenging economy, our most loyal supports made the effort to be here this year, which demonstrates their commitment to the museum and their understanding of importance of our service to the community. Beyond that, the ArtRageous Ball brings together the people who care about sustaining the arts in Jersey City. And here in this magnificent new hotel, they get to meet and rub elbows with artists and City leaders like Mayor Healy, and Councilman Mariano Vega, who are two of our greatest advocates."

Among those attending this year's event were Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, Deputy Mayors Leona Beldini and Rosemary McFadden, Council President, Mariano Vega, Jr., Councilman William Gaughan, and William LaRosa of Hudson County's Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, as well as local glitterati Jerry Walker of Team Walker and Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Jersey City Museum's exhibitions and programs, which serve over 25,000 visitors each year, including the 11,000 children who attend arts education programs.

If you are interested in more information or photographs from the event, please contact Rita Salpietro, Communications Manager, at 201-413-0303 ext. 1044 or rsalpietro@jerseycitymuseum.org. More information can also be found at www.artrageousball.com.

Founded in 1901, the Jersey City Museum is the major presenter of contemporary art serving the people of Jersey City, Hudson County and the region. The museum organizes many group and solo exhibitions every year, featuring works by culturally diverse, contemporary artists and from its 10,000-piece collection of regional significant art and historical objects. Through exhibitions, educational initiatives and programs, the museum welcomes over 25,000 visitors each year, including 11,000 school-aged children and youth.

Jersey City Museum's gallery hours are Wednesday though Friday from 11am to 5pm, Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12 and museum members. Admission is free for all on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8pm. Jersey City Museum is located at 350 Montgomery Street at Monmouth in the Historic Downtown District of Jersey City, within walking distance of the Grove Street PATH and Jersey Avenue Light Rail stations. For more information, visit www.jerseycitymuseum.org or call 201-413-0303.