About the Experience

House Blends: Joy At Home is a four-day penthouse takeover curated by Forsa La Familia (Marcy DePina + Tawana Meck) as part of Newark Arts Festival 2025. Transforming a newly renovated two-story penthouse with a wrap-around patio and sweeping city views, this exclusive hospitality suite serves as a premium hub for key partners and VIP pass holders.

Blending sound, ritual, art, healing, and curated design, the experience features immersive rooms, live activations, DJ sets, and private gatherings - all exploring how joy lives at home, and how space can hold community, creativity, and care.

The space will showcase original works and curated rooms by a powerful roster of artists and designers, including Bailey Li, Zora Obi, Ikechukwu Amos, Eshinlokun Wasiu, Okereke, Armando Diaz, Noelle Lorraine Williams, Ané Clothier, Alpha Studios, Kween More and Matt Gosser.

This intimate celebration of culture and imagination is a featured anchor of Newark Arts Festival 2025.

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  • Hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    Step into The House Blend: Joy At Home, with an intimate first look at the Newark Arts' VIP hospitality experience. This soft opening welcomes participating artists, curators, sponsors, press, and Newark Arts Festival special guests for an afternoon and evening of art and connection. Enjoy light refreshments from Dutch's, coffee by Invited Coffee, and assorted tea tastings. Explore installations and meet the creative minds behind the rooms while vibing to a curated playlist and evening DJ set by Forsa La Familia.

    Music: DJ Set by Forsa La Familia (7–10PM)

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  • Daytime Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Evening Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    Daytime offers time to reflect, record, and discover —featuring Whisper Room audio prompts, readings with Lauren LeBeaux, and FUN with Festivals United. As the sun sets, we gather for Eat Pray Grind—an intimate mixer featuring a bourbon tasting hosted by Isaiah Kelsey and Edmond's Honor, bites from The Yard, and curated DJ vibes. This evening sets the tone for joy, exchange, and the good energy of Newark Arts Festival all night long.

    Daytime (12PM–4PM): Readings, Art Kit Activities, Whisper Room Recordings
    Evening (6PM–10PM): Eat Pray Grind Mixer, Bourbon Tasting, Bites from The Yard, Guest DJ

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  • Daytime Hours: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Evening Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    The afternoon features a healing-centered program with an immersive conversation on the “Science of Joy” with Dr. Cassandra Hutchins alongside the artwork of Bailey Li, and audio reflections from the Whisper Room’s “Dear BlackMan” series. At night, we transform the space into Needle & Thread—a pop-up speakeasy featuring cocktails, art, and a full DJ experience by Forsa La Familia × Guest DJ.

    Daytime (2PM–4PM): "Science of Joy" immersive convo, Whisper Room Activations
    Evening (6PM–10PM): Needle & Thread Speakeasy, Cocktails, DJ Sets by Forsa La Familia × Dele

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  • Daytime Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Evening Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    Our final day brings a grounding and joyful close. The morning begins with a coffee ceremony and brunch from Afro Taco, joy-centered prompts in the Whisper Room, and intimate reflections. In the evening, we honor the Newark Arts team with a final celebration and toast to the community that brought The House Blend: Joy At Home to life.

    Daytime (12PM–4PM): Coffee Ceremony, Afro Taco Brunch, Whisper Room Reflections
    Evening (6PM–10PM): Newark Arts Festival Closing Celebration

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