Hudson County Community College Foundation Art Collection Celebrates Major Art Donation from Benjamin Ortiz and Victor P. Torchia, Jr.

March 19, 2026

March 19, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) received a landmark gift to its Foundation Art Collection from collectors Benjamin Ortiz and Victor P. Torchia, Jr., who donated more than 200 works of art in honor of the College’s 50th anniversary. Much of the donated artwork focuses on work by women artists and artists from Latin America and the Caribbean. This major donation significantly expands the breadth and depth of the College’s already extensive permanent collection, bringing new paintings, prints, sculptures, antiquities, and a bevy of antique photographs to the College’s campuses, where students will encounter and enjoy the art as part of their daily lives at HCCC.

According to Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Torchia, “Our collection consists of works on paper across all media. We regard ourselves not as owners of these artworks, but as their stewards. For over four decades, we have approached the acquisition of art with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to preservation. It is our privilege, as collectors, to make these works accessible, ensuring they serve as enduring resources for education and scholarly inquiry by students, faculty, researchers, and the broader public. We are honored to have formalized this commitment through their inclusion in the 50th Anniversary gifts to the Hudson County Community College Foundation Art Collection.”

“Untitled” (Bus, Crowds of People, and Buildings) by J. Clarke, 1982, Oil on Canvas, 19” x 28”

“Untitled” (Bus, Crowds of People, and Buildings) by J. Clarke, 1982, Oil on Canvas, 19” x 28”

The generous gift includes 171 antique photographs as well as 44 paintings, prints, sculptures, and antiquities, far surpassing the donors’ original plan to contribute 50 works. The pieces reflect decades of thoughtful collecting. Mr. Ortiz grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He started collecting art at the age of 13 and developed a lifelong passion for collecting Caribbean and Latin American artwork. This led to a career as an independent curator and becoming a renowned collector of art from the Americas. His partner, Mr. Torchia, had a successful career in global equities trading.  

The wheels for this donation were put in motion when renowned artist Victor Baldassano introduced Foundation Art Collection Coordinator Dr. Andrea Siegel to Ortiz and Torchia.

Ortiz and Torchia have long been passionate about connecting art with audiences who might not otherwise have access to it. This dynamic donation was not the first time Torchia and Ortiz have supported a college – in fact, over the years, they have been strong supporters of many college art collections throughout the country.

For Ortiz and Torchia, the decision to donate to HCCC reflects a belief that art should be accessible and impactful. By placing these works in a learning environment that serves a large and diverse group of college students, they hope to ensure the art reaches audiences who will see it, engage with it, and benefit from it, demonstrating that great art belongs not only in prestigious museums, but also in accessible spaces where it can inspire the next generation.

The two partners wanted to support a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a school serving working-class students and artists, and this description fit HCCC perfectly – HCCC is a Federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, and over 50% of students are Hispanic. The College serves many students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, including student parents, adult learners, and other nontraditional college students. The College also serves the most students in need of financial aid of any college in New Jersey. Himself a community college graduate, Ortiz understands the experiences of today's HCCC students.

“HCCC is deeply honored to receive this inspirational donation from Benjamin Ortiz and Victor P. Torchia, Jr.,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “It is especially gratifying to work with donors whose commitment to expanding access to art aligns so closely with our institution’s mission and values.”

HCCC’s Foundation Art Collection, which features more than 2,200 paintings and other works displayed throughout the College’s two campuses in Jersey City and Union City, remains one of the area’s most distinctive college art collections. The Foundation Art Collection continues to grow through relationships and word-of-mouth among artists, collectors, and donors who support the College’s mission.

The HCCC Foundation Art Collection invites community members, alumni, and supporters of the arts to help sustain its impact. Collections of this magnitude serve as teaching tools for HCCC students studying art, culture, and the humanities, while also providing a resource for K–12 students and the broader Hudson County community who engage with the College’s campuses and programs.

A collection of this scale requires ongoing conservation, framing, transportation, and professional stewardship to ensure the works remain accessible and preserved for future generations. To support this work, the HCCC Foundation is building an endowment for the Foundation Art Collection and seeking philanthropic support to help preserve, interpret, and share these works with students and the community for years to come.

Please consider supporting the Foundation Art Collection financially by making a gift or emailing foundationFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE for more information on how you can help.