![Trenton Social Presents "Homecoming" Exhibition Of Work By Thomas Kelly](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2021/Kelly1.jpg "Trenton Social Presents "Homecoming" Exhibition Of Work By Thomas Kelly")
(TRENTON, NJ) -- A solo art exhibition featuring New Jersey based figurative, narrative painter Thomas Kelly, at Trenton Social Restaurant and Night Club will open on November 5 and run through November 30. Kelly paints in acrylics on canvas and is represented by three art galleries in NJ and PA. Kelly’s work is narrative, colorful and well collected, with more than 300 original paintings now in private and public collections, including three museum collections.
Kelly and curator Brass Rabbit named the show Homecoming due to Kelly showing work in the same space many years ago. Kelly states “In 1999 when the original Trenton Social space opened as an arts café, bistro-style restaurant, performance venue, and art gallery, the owners asked me to show my work in an exhibition during the grand opening month. I was just beginning to exhibit with a body of work and this would be my second solo show. It was a little daunting, as it was and is a large space. They liked my work and took a chance on me when they opened their doors.
"My work and the café were well received and were both works in progress. When Brass Rabbit asked me to do a solo show, she did not know of my history with the building. When asked to do a show at the Trenton Social this November, it felt warm and embracing. It felt like coming home. A homecoming.”
![Trenton Social Presents "Homecoming" Exhibition Of Work By Thomas Kelly](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2021/Kelly2.jpg "Trenton Social Presents "Homecoming" Exhibition Of Work By Thomas Kelly")
An opening reception will take place at Trenton Social on November 5th from 6:00pm-11:00pm.
Brass Rabbit, an independent curator who works with Grounds for Sculpture and the Arts Council of Princeton, in addition to curating the Trenton Social space. She wishes to exhibit work that was upbeat and colorful for the approaching winter.
She states, “Kelly’s work is evocative of the meaning ordinary moments can have, his study of normative scenes from everyday life pull our attention to small details, slight smiles and invoke consideration on what calls us to focus and inspect further and what we allow to pass us by. He compounds his message by adding occasional surrealist elements and paints in a large scale with rich texture that demands to be examined in person. These distinct characteristics and his works' depiction of local scenes that stir strong fond association with many who live in and around Trenton made him a perfect addition to the 2021 roster. I am excited to welcome Thomas Kelly back to Trenton Social with Homecoming.”
Trenton Social is a restaurant, bar and nightclub located at 449 Broad Street in Trenton, directly across from the Cure Arena. The Social hosts art, music and poetry events. It is a true gathering place for the arts and culture aficionados of the Mercer County area. There is ample parking across the street at the Arena.
![Trenton Social Presents "Homecoming" Exhibition Of Work By Thomas Kelly](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2021/Kelly3.jpg "Trenton Social Presents "Homecoming" Exhibition Of Work By Thomas Kelly")
