Listen to this articleThe basics:
- AI Paint & Sip in Newark (Oct. 16) lets attendees create digital art using AI
- Interior Designer Speed Dating in Summit (Oct. 15) offers one-on-one home design guidance
- Both events are free, include refreshments & welcome beginners and creative enthusiasts
- Programs aim to make tech, interior design accessible while fostering networking
Unsure of how to get started using artificial intelligence? Looking for some advice about a home renovation project?
A unique pair of events coming up this week in New Jersey aims to help.
As part of Newark Tech Week, 1st Street Partnerships will host a free event featuring a guided session where attendees will use AI to generate their own digital art.
AI Tech and Tonic is scheduled for Oct. 16 between 6–9 p.m. at Equal Space ES89 Sharespace & Incubator in Newark. The evening aims to make an emerging technology fun, social and approachable for everyone — from tech lovers to tech curious. The event will also offer food, cocktails and live music, according to 1st Street Partnerships.
Brothers Monk and Ifiok Inyang founded 1st Street Partnerships in 2023. Since then, the two have dreamt about offering this type of event but were unable to secure the right partner.
The duo started their firm with a goal to future-proof equity by designing training programs on generative AI adoption that empower entrepreneurs of color by providing them with the tools and strategies needed to thrive.
Monk Inyang said, “This was one of our first ideas that we would pitch to people. We knew pretty early on that the paint & sip idea would be pretty massive and would help people a lot … in general, I think we’re still early in what does AI training look like. So, for the most part, when we would bring it up to people, they liked the idea, but they were still stuck on, ‘But, can we just get a lecture?’”
“I think the partners we brought it up to might’ve felt like it was too forward thinking and maybe they wanted something more traditional,” he mused. “And so, Equal Space was willing to do it as part of the bigger Newark Tech Week and it worked out really well.”
Something for everyone
Since generative AI hit the mainstream in late 2022, nearly every industry has started a journey to understand its power, reach and capabilities. And while 20% to 40% of workers already use it on the job, the AI boom has fueled anxieties across all sectors as employees worry over ethical usage, legal risks and job displacement.
Monk Inyang feels the upcoming program at Equal Space has potential to be “really transformative” for participants.
Besides having a relaxed vibe, the session aims to give attendees an opportunity “to play around with stuff and charge that creativity, which then translates to other things,” he said.
“Adults like to do creative things – even if they don’t consider themselves a creative. So, the difficulty of doing creative things is what holds them back. They like the idea of creating stuff, but feel like, ‘I can’t draw and I’m not going to make stick figures,’” he said.
The brothers will lead the class. They expect it to be the first of many other Paint & Sip programs held by 1st Street Partnerships.
AI Tech and Tonic will take place at Equal Space ES89 Sharespace & Incubator in Newark:
“I think it will naturally attract creatives because they are primed for things like this. And, there’ll be some attraction from business folks because of the AI aspect … I think doing these creative exercises and splicing how this applies to different things that you can do is really for people who are not super tech savvy but interested in tech and like trying different things,” Monk Inyang explained.
AI – ‘anchored intelligence’
The Inyang brothers believe the technology has the potential to break barriers for populations that have long lacked resources and opportunities.
Making its use more accessible, inclusive and practical could be a way to upskill the workforce, drive economic mobility and close digital divides, they feel.
Using a framework that Monk Inyang refers to as “anchored intelligence,” the model revolves around easing fears over AI as well as showing how the technology can make work more efficient, productive and human-centered.
Adults like to do creative things – even if they don’t consider themselves a creative.
– Monk Inyang, 1st Street Partnerships co-founder
1st Street Partnerships primarily focuses on AI education, AI implementation and AI executive coaching. It also collaborates with academic institutions, government and organizations. In less than two years, it has developed relationships with Morgan State University in Baltimore and New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, as well as a luxury premium tequila brand founded by actor-comedian Kevin Hart.
As they work with more people, Monk Inyang said he picks up on the concern they have about “what this transition will look like.”
“That pain of not knowing what you should be doing, how you should be preparing and getting either aged out or just moved on for a different set of skills is very scary. And I think that there needs to be more conversation and guidance for people so that it doesn’t just become survival of the fittest,” he said.
“I also think that companies have slowed down on their hiring as they’re figuring out what skill sets they think are or that they’ll need,” he said.
Interior Designer Speed Dating
After successfully debuting “Interior Designer Speed Dating” last year, Millburn-based real estate group Dwell New Jersey is preparing for the event’s return.
Scheduled for Oct. 15 at GreatHouse in Summit, the offering brings together top local interior designers, architects, color consultants and more to offer guidance on any home project in a “speed dating” format.
The free event begins at 7 p.m. Light bites and drinks will be served.
Interior Designer Speed Dating will take place at GreatHouse in Summit:
According to Dwell New Jersey, the evening is geared toward individuals who have a project in mind and don’t know where to start, or have specific interior design-related questions. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, pictures, blueprints, and inspiration boards for their chats with designers and décor specialists.
Additionally, the Dwell New Jersey team will be on hand to answer any real estate questions when it comes to renovations and design upgrades.
Participating experts include Cherry Home Designs, AHD&Co., Ellie Mroz Design, Megan Pisano Design, Jessica Hobson Design, Nicole Forina Home, Rotelli Interiors, Cathryn Lindsey Designs and Curate Home Interiors.
Dwell New Jersey owner Steph Mahon credits Cherry Home Designs founder, owner and principal designer Christine Escribano for coming up with the concept. The “speed dating” offers a “one-stop-shop for anyone looking to connect with a designer and simplify the process from inspiration to execution.”
Last year’s event drew about 50 “homeowners, design lovers, and renovation-ready attendees all eager for fresh ideas and trusted guidance,” said Mahon. She noted that many went on to book consultations or full projects afterward.
“It’s an unmatched networking opportunity. Designers get to showcase their style and make meaningful client connections in just a few hours,” she said. “ … It’s the kind of event that sparks lasting partnerships.”
