"Apocalypse Garden" - silk screen print, 8 1/4 x 12 in 2024

(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Atlantic Highlands Arts Council presents an exhibition of new work by Robert O'Connor, Upward Toward The Light, from September 21 through October 26, 2024. Artist, composer and environmentalist, Robert O’Connor elevates the backdrop of our everyday lives - the trees and plants that populate our yards and towns.

New science has discovered that plants are more wondrous and sophisticated than we imagined. They communicate with each other through their root systems and chemicals in the air.  They warn each other of impending insect attacks, they transfer nutrients underground and older plants nurture their young.  These living things are communities within our communities.  They provide shelter and food for our native animals, migrating birds and insects.  They exhale oxygen so we can breathe.  They provide wood for our homes and paper for our busy lives.  But like so many other natural things, they are often taken for granted.

As Aldo Leopold wrote 75 years ago: “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”

O’Connor calls attention to this community.  Its fractal branches, roots, rhizomes, and flowers that weave together to form a living web, of which we are an integral part.  When we nurture this community, we nurture ourselves.  When we love and respect it, we move together, with it, upward toward the light.

There will be an Opening Reception on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The AHArts Gallery is located at 54 First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey.

The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (AHAC) is an all-volunteer organization comprised of a dedicated group of core volunteers who make up our Board of Directors, as well as many volunteers who gallery sit and offer their services on committees. Their mission is to strengthen community through the arts.

Formed in 2004, the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (AHAC) transitioned from acting as “Mayor’s Council on the Arts” in 2006 to an incorporated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization starting in 2007. Over the years, new partnerships and creative programming has blossomed. AHAC presents rotating exhibitions in their main gallery and window displays; an ArtSHOP boutique for local arts, wares, and jewelry; adult art classes and workshops; free summer art camp for youth; free Art Kits for Kids to local elementary and middle schools; community events; and our annual international and award-winning FilmOneFest. Founded in 2008, FilmOneFest is the Jersey Shore’s preeminent showcase for all forms of short film under two minutes in length.