New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Meet Artist Mark B. Retacco at Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch on April 20th

originally published: 03/30/2023


Mark Retacco with “Space Pup Ozzi,” based on his Wire Fox Terrier Ozzi. Photo by Mark Uriarte

(BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library will host a reception featuring South Toms River artist Mark B. Retacco on Thursday, April 20 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Retacco's art will be on display in the Branch's meeting room throughout April and May. 

“My paint brush takes me on a journey of happiness, despair, and self-discovery,” Retacco said. “At times, I just glide along, losing my fears, without boundaries or inhibitions! It is my sanity and independence from this world. My superpower is my uniqueness. Your superpower is your uniqueness.” 

Exhibitions of Retacco’s works will also take place in June at OCL’s Lacey Branch, in August at the Toms River Branch, and in September at the Barnegat Branch.

Retacco’s extensive career includes work for 20th Century-Fox, Paramount Studios, and Turner Classic Movies. In 1995, he received recognition from President Bill Clinton for his painting Blind Venus Goes to the White House, which now resides in the Clinton Library and Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. Retacco’s work was featured on MTV’s Real World Boston House in 1997. 




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



In 2011, Retacco presented writer, broadcaster and Asbury Park native Wendy Williams with his painting Wendy Williams Statue of Liberty. He anchored and hosted programs for the Ocean Happening online magazine, and taught art at Creighton School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

In 2013, Retacco received a proclamation from the Office of the Freeholder (now Commission) Director of Ocean County, extolling his “dynamic creativity” and “unmatched passion for advancing the arts community of Ocean County.” Two years later, he led a walking tour of historic downtown Toms River under the auspices of the Toms River Business Improvement District..

The exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public, requiring no registration. The exhibit can be viewed during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, visit the Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, Bayville, or call (732) 269-2144.   




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

The

The Art House Gallery presents "Art Outside of Architecture" - a group exhibition featuring the Architects that designed The Hendrix

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions presents "Art Outside of Architecture," a group exhibition showcasing the work of the architects that designed The Hendrix building where Art House Productions resides. The exhibition will be on display at the Art House Gallery from July 5-27, 2025 and features twelve architects stepping out of the structural realm and into a world of personal expression in this dynamic group exhibition.



Geoffrey

Geoffrey Doig-Marx's "Portraits in Color and Light" opens at the Gallery at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey - A Fusion of Comedy and Heart

(MADISON, NJ) -- New York-based artist, educator, choreographer, and self-described "Renaissance Man" Geoffrey Doig-Marx (GDM) brings his dynamic exhibition Portraits in Color and Light to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as the second art installation in the Theatre's 2025 Season. This striking collection of twenty-six original paintings debuts with the Theatre's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], running July 9–27. It's a pairing that promises a bold celebration of irreverence, reflection, and artistic energy.



Ocean

Ocean County Library Toms River Branch presents Laurelton Art Society Exhibition

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Works by members of one of New Jersey's venerable art associations will be on display throughout the month of June in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch. The Laurelton Art Society Exhibition will occupy the Second Floor Gallery, June 9 through July 29, 2025.



Union

Union County presents "Art of All Abilities Exhibit" in Celebration of Disability Pride Month

(ELIZABETH, NJ) -- July is Disability Pride Month, and in recognition of the occasion, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to visit the 2025 Art for All Abilities Exhibit. This special exhibit features 20 original works created by Union County residents of all abilities and will be on display throughout the month of July at the Commissioner's Gallery.



Rowan

Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum Announces NJ Arts Annual Artists

(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum is excited to announce the participating artists who will be included in the 2025 New Jersey Arts Annual for Fine Art, presented in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, opening Saturday, June 7th from 4:00pm-7:00pm, and on display through August 2, 2025.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Art

Art on Screen: The Danish Collector

Monday, July 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: art


 

The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748




 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736



A

A Broadway Tour of America

Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754



Art

Art on Screen: The Danish Collector

Monday, July 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764



FREE

FREE SUMMER MOVIE: Moana 2

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 @ 7:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901





Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info