Using the Arts and Culture to Aid in Recovery

“I have not forgotten that it is you who were the first to teach me to understand and to see.”   Claude Monet (1840-1926) said of his mentor, Eugene Boudin (1824-1898).

      I chose this quote from Monet to start my artist blog, as it proves a concept far beyond the realm of art and culture on several levels. However, the purpose of this effort is to provide information about local cultural efforts however the creative venue presents itself. Having been fortunate enough to have had some mentors in my life, I understand the value of passing along information. And I also know that both the artist and the viewer are interconnected and need each other, and I have personal experience in the power of art to heal. Additionally, I hope this is not a one-sided conversation, as this blog is meant to be inclusive of all arts and culture, please feel free to share information here. The more, the merrier!

     In my new adventure into the local art scene, I couldn’t help but notice there was no single thread that tied together the high level of skill and talent we have here in our local area. Just stop by any show at the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts and Sciences or the Pine Shore Arts Association and you will see visual art talent that is of very high quality. Visit the Stafford Township Art Center at the Stafford Township McKinley Avenue School, the Ocean Professional Theatre Company, at the Barnegat High School or the Surflight Theater in Beach Haven, and you will find top notch performing artists. Look at the talented musicians playing at the local taverns and restaurants.   We have an abundance of creative and talented people in our area!  

      Recently, the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts and Sciences received a planning grant from the National Endowment of the Arts to plan a cultural “district” on Long Beach Island. This is a vital step in actually moving forward to a Cultural Alliance for the many venues and artists in the region.  Yes, the grant only covers the geographical area of LBI, but the mainland and the island are tied at the hip in many ways.  A perfect example is those LBI businesses that suffered severe losses after Sandy and reopened on the mainland, now choosing to keep their mainland locations open and return to their original locations on LBI.    According to the US Census records, the year-round population is on the decline on LBI, meaning tourist dollars must stretch further, right?  The Causeway Bridges are not meant to separate the Island from the mainland, but to connect them. Now,  wouldn’t art and culture be the perfect way to enhance that connection?   

    On Monday, June 10th, the LBI Foundation will be holding a second public meeting; the location has yet to be determined.  I would encourage anyone interested in art and culture in our area to attend this meeting and share your thoughts.  You don’t have to be from Long Beach Island to attend.  You just have to care about supporting the arts. Contact Marianne Gellman at 609-494-1241, ext. 108 for more details.  However, once the location and time is determined, I will also post it here on the Patch.

     And, on another note, on June 1, the Art House Gallery at 182 North Main St, Manahawkin is hosting an artists reception. The show entitled,“ Three Artists” includes "Neighborhoods", a show of monotypes by Diane Tomash in Gallery II ;  Contemporary Handcrafted Furniture by John Richie in Gallery 1;, and "As you were", paintings by gallery owner, Samantha Palmeri.

    This will be the last exhibition to be hosted at The Art House Gallery. Celebrate with Live Jazz music by local duo Greg Trout and Nick Burdge, Food & Cocktails. The show is on view June 1-30.   Samantha and her husband Jon, have had some great events, so please try to join everyone, on Saturday, June 1, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.  Visit their website www.arthousegallery.net for additional information.

    And while you are out and about, after leaving the Art House Gallery, take a drive over to Matt Burtons’ Clay Studio and Gallery, at 19th and Long Beach Blvd in Surf City for the artists reception for A Shore Cause, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.  This show will run from June 1 to July 8th with all work being donated by artists, far and wide.  Matt’s effort as a local business owner in raising money from his art community is to be applauded and is a fine example of art helping to enhance the recovery effort of our area.  Visit Matt Burton’s Gallery at www.mtburtongallery.com.

     This is enough information for me to pass along to you at this sitting.   I’ve given you three creative outlets to support -  two galleries to visit on June 1, the Art House in Manahawkin and Matt Burtons Gallery in Surf City and a chance to have your voice heard at The LBI Foundation’s public meeting on Monday, June 10th.  Don’t let any of these opportunities pass you by if you care about the arts.

    Let us help make the arts play a vital part in our areas recovery and let’s use the Causeway Bridges as the connectors. As Eugene Boudin mentored Claude Monet, so should we continue support each other and cause our communities to rise up. And, to my many mentors over the years, I say, “Thank you”. You have taught me to enjoy the sand between my toes, the smell of warm pine and the ability of my art to heal.  

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