Nucci

"Nucci" Cantrell (Lady Dottie and the Diamonds), Bill Coomes (Citizen Band), Barbara Nesbitt,

Expecting Rain 2008

Nucci, a painter and interior designer, helped start the gallery two years ago, when her co-founder pitched Steve Valiotis on a shop that would feature works by local artists.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

Earlier this year, Nucci found a hit with "Tina Babies" -- homemade stuffed animals dressed in infant clothing crafted by a woman named Tina, who was then pregnant and living in a homeless shelter.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

Finances aside, Nucci described Paterson's biggest challenge as its bad reputation as a place of poverty and crime.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

Other work by the gallery's 72 artists is highly skilled, but all artists tend to be both from the area and strangers to the art world, said Nucci.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

"People don't plan ahead of time for Christmas here," Nucci said.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

Asked whether the gallery was making money, Nucci responded: "We're still here!"

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

Nicola Nucci, 31, one of the co-founders of Center City Galleries, an art gallery and studio space in the mall, says the mentality of the consumer in Paterson is completely different than in other malls.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

"Business is great on the first day of the month when people get their welfare checks," Nucci said.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011

But even if occupancy rate increases and rents rise, Valiotis asserted that the identity of the mall has been permanently colored by the circumstances of its launching: She plans to maintain the community focus, and the tight relationship with local businesses like Nucci's.

At Mall Of Big Dreams, Few Shoppers 2011