Contemporary artist Jen Hager creates social commentary through portraits of inspiring figures in politics, history, and pop culture. Hager began her art career in high school, drawing and selling chalk pastels to tourists on the streets of Washington, D.C. Her blend of activism and culture runs deep in her family. “Social commentary was ingrained in me by my anti-establishment grandparents, who fled to a Maine community of artist peers in the 30s, and my journalist dad, who covered the civil rights movement in the 60s, and his activist wife. They provided a home where advocating for equal rights was paramount. It became the core value that drives my work.”

After studying art history and fine art, Hager found herself in fashion, where she traveled the world to source materials for Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, Kate Spade, and others—until March 2020. “The pandemic when my hobby really exploded into more of an obsession. As we all locked down I started painting rocks as thank-yous to the essential workers.” Hager’s obsession morphed into “The Wall of Gratitude,” a collection of painted rocks outside her Edgecliff Road house memorializing our collective experience. “The paintings were my way to account for what was happening and create tributes to people in a positive light.”  

 As the pandemic wore on, Hager was struck by the elegant exuberance of Dr. LaVerne Wimberely, a Tulsa native and active 1960s de-segregationist, who became a sensation for her insistence on dressing up for remote church services. “She inspired people to get out of their sweats and she inspired me.” Hager painted Wimberly’s portrait on a denim jacket and the two became fast friends. This March Hager was featured in Wimberly’s book, My Sunday Best (Thomas Nelson) and the painting was recently highlighted on the Tamron Hall Show.

Hager, a longtime Montclairian, has raised three children in her Edgecliff Road home. Her work has been featured on TV and local publications including The Montclair Times, Montclair Neighborhood Magazine, and Star Ledger. To see more of her pieces and shop the collection visit @iamjenhager.

Jen Hager