(STONE HARBOR, NJ) -- She has been called “one of the most important artists of her generation” by the Walt Disney Company and “a creative genius” by the Discovery Channel.  Ocean Galleries welcomes back the incredible, young artist Autumn de Forest with “Autumn de Forest – The Journey Continues.” The exhibit opens on Friday, August 5 and runs through Sunday, August 7, 2016.

Autumn de Forest has been a professional painter for more than half her young life and has had an incredible journey.  At the age of ten, Autumn held her very first solo exhibition at Ocean Galleries and has had a whirlwind of projects and new artwork since then.  Often described as a child prodigy, the talented 14-year-old artist made history this spring as the youngest painter ever to have a solo museum exhibition when her works were displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art (Butler, PA).  "Autumn de Forest gives us hope for the future of American art," said Dr. Louis Zona, Executive Director and Chief Curator for the Butler Institute of American Art.

Her wide-ranging projects have included creating artwork for a line of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars™ (sold exclusively at Nordstrom stores nationwide) and being honored by the Vatican for her creativity, humanitarianism, and charitable works.  This past year, Autumn was extended a private audience with Pope Francis, where she presented him with her painting "Resurrection,” which now resides in the Vatican.

The multitalented and poised teen artist has commissioned six-figure works of art and has garnered national and international acclaim for her imaginative artwork.  Her artistic style has been compared to iconic abstract painters including Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso.  In fact, at The Butler Institute of American Art, Autumn's paintings hang among artworks by these very Masters. Autumn’s exhibition at Ocean Galleries will feature a collection of all new artwork, with many paintings created specifically for the show.

“We were fortunate to have met Autumn when she was only nine-years-old and were extremely impressed by her amazing talent.  It was clear to us that Autumn was immensely gifted,” said gallery owner Kim Miller.  “Over the past few years, Autumn has continued to develop as an artist, using her talents to communicate and connect to people.”

Although most recognized for her artwork, Autumn has always had an innate ability to inspire those around her with the wonder of creativity and the beauty of self-expression.  Miller added, “She is very much at ease sharing her articulate inspirations, observations, and insights with adults and children alike.”  Since she was a young child, Autumn has been extremely compassionate about helping the world with her art.  She has traveled the country speaking on the importance of arts in education and continually uses her artwork to raise funds for charitable organizations.

The “Autumn de Forest – The Journey Continues” exhibit will be at Ocean Galleries Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with all artwork available for acquisition.  Autumn de Forest will make special gallery appearances at receptions from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM on Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6, and from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 7.

In addition to an extraordinary collection of artwork and custom-framing, Ocean Galleries also offers a variety of hand-made crafts from local, regional, and national artists in America, such as glass, pottery, jewelry, and furniture.  All summer exhibitions take place at the Stone Harbor location of Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue), which is open daily from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.  The Avalon, NJ location of Ocean Galleries (2199 Ocean Drive) is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  For more information or directions, call 609-368-7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com

TOP: Ocean Portrait, Copyright Autumn de Forest; BOTTOM: Many Faces, Copyright Autumn de Forest