‘Art Is Meant To Be Shared’: Community Mural Unveiled At Living Home In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Monmouth Arts, the official county arts agency of Monmouth County and a leading arts nonprofit, recently unveiled its latest community art mural at Coffey Residence on Thursday, a congregate living home in Red Bank owned and operated by HABcore Inc.

The mural project is part of Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions Arts & Wellness Program, a county-wide initiative that uses the arts to address the rise in mental health issues in youth, seniors and other adult populations in need.

Through the program, teams of teaching artists and mental health professionals deliver free art activities directly to organizations, senior centers, and locations such as HABcore’s two congregate living homes.

HABcore provides permanent housing and supportive services to approximately 800 families, veterans, and individuals with special needs.

The organization has two boarding homes, Coffey Residence in Red Bank (which houses 21 formerly homeless individuals with disabilities) and Laurel House in Asbury Park (which houses 30).

The mural project was inspired by over a year and a half of regular Creative Expressions workshops with those who live at Coffey Residence, officials said.

Jude Harzer, an accomplished muralist, fine artist, and educator, was brought in to spend time with the residents to create art and gather the ideas and imagery for the mural she painted in the dining room, which serves as the heart of the home.

The large mural, titled "Safe Haven of Belonging and Beauty,” greets those who enter the room and gives viewers the feeling of being immersed in the setting.

"Creating this mural was a project of the heart, inspired by the stories and hopes of the residents,” Harzer said. “With a whimsical landscape, protective tree, and a rainbow symbolizing hope, I wanted to offer not just a safe space but a beautiful one. Art is meant to be shared, and I’m grateful to have used my skills to bring comfort and joy through color and care.”

Cathay Pugliese Sivo, chair of the HABcore Board of Trustees and a member of the Monmouth Arts Board of Trustees, said HABcore is “incredibly grateful” for its partnership with Monmouth Arts.

“The Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions & Wellness Program has become a cherished and vital part of our residents' lives,” Pugliese-Sivo said. “Seeing the joy it sparks and hearing how much our residents look forward to it is simply wonderful. This mural serves as a wonderful and permanent tribute to what a truly amazing community partnership can achieve.”

Michelle Moore, the site manager of Coffey Residence, added that the mural has given residents “a sense of peace.” Throughout her time at the residence, Moore said she’s noticed residents spending a lot more time in the dining hall and even catches them smiling at the mural.

Harzer collaborated on the mural planning with Devan Brash, Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions Manager, and Hannah Jaffe, a mental health professional with the program, who has been conducting regular art sessions with residents since early 2024.

An exhibit showcasing the participants’ work was held last July at Monmouth Arts gallery and community space in Red Bank.

“Monmouth Arts is proud to support HABcore through the creation of this mural, providing residents with a vibrant and inspiring work of art to enjoy in their home,” Monmouth Arts Executive Director Teresa Staub said. “We believe art has the power to uplift and bring comfort, and we hope this mural adds beauty, joy, and a sense of pride to the residents' daily lives.”

Since 2021, Monmouth Arts' Creative Expressions Program has been supported by funding from Impact 100 Jersey Coast, the Mary Owen Borden Foundation, Monmouth Park Charity Fund, and others.

A Monmouth County Community Block Grant funded the mural and other aspects of the program in 2025, with a second mural scheduled to be created in the fall at HABcore’s Laurel House in Asbury Park.

Monmouth Arts has created murals for both the Red Bank and Asbury Park units of the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County.

To learn more about Monmouth Arts, you can visit their website. To learn more about HABcore, you can click here.