Finding the Modern Spirit in Tradition: The Sculpture of Liu Shiming at Mason Gross Galleries

by Ilene Dube, JerseyArts.com - published 2023-08-17
From time to time, a wise thinker comes along, helping us contend with existential mysteries. Liu Shiming, celebrated as a sculptor in his native China, thinks and speaks like a philosopher. "You should look at life like a child does," he wrote in his diary in 1982. "When you take the perspective of an innocent child, all love and everything in life feels fresh and lovely."

Sun, Sand, and Artist Open Studio Tour on Long Beach Island

by Ilene Dube, JerseyArts.com - published 2023-07-27
Summertime, and many head down the shore to the barrier island and summer colony known anachronistically as LBI. Surfing, sailing, cycling, or swimming may be on the agenda, along with snorkeling and summer concerts, but on the weekend of Aug. 12 and 13, the LBI Artist Open Studio Tour will add to Long Beach Island's cultural amenities.

Out of the Park Exhibit Showcases Asbury Park Artists and Gallery Owners at the Monmouth Museum

by Carolyn M. Brown, JerseyArts.com - published 2023-07-20
Asbury Park is known for its art scene. Not readily known are the founders, directors, and curators behind the galleries responsible for managing exhibitions of the works of local artists. Many of these gallery owners are exhibited artists themselves. In celebration of the artistry and entrepreneurship of Asbury Park, the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, New Jersey, is hosting "Out of the Park," an exhibition highlighting a group of multidisciplinary artists and gallery owners who helped define the cultural Renaissance of Asbury Park.

Ellarslie Open Celebrates 40 Years of Award-Winning Artists

by Ilene Dube, JerseyArts.com - published 2023-07-13
​​​​​​​Forty years – it can seem like a very long time if, say, you’re waiting for a bus or Uber Eats delivery. On the other hand, if you’re watching something grow – like the Ellarslie Open, the annual signature event at the Trenton City Museum that draws accomplished artists from the greater New Jersey region, you may be wondering: where did the time go?

Reykjavik Fringe Diary #3

by James "JPAT" Dalton - published 2023-06-29
James Dalton, a performer and songwriter from New Jersey, is performing his show "Asbury Park & Me" at the Reykjavík Fringe Festival in Iceland. He will be blogging for NJ Stage from the festival. Here is his latest post.

Music, Art, Sights, and Sea with Smooth Cruise New York

(NEW YORK, NY) -- On June 22nd the Cornucopia Majesty sets sail in New York harbor for the return of the Smooth Cruise New York with performances by Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright. Added to the experience is a showing by Artist of the stars, noted painter Bernard Jackson.

Earthsongs Ceramics Unveils New Peace Mural in Metuchen as a Benefit for Ukraine

by Ilene Dube, JerseyArts.com - published 2023-06-08
Though taking up less than 3 square miles in the heart of central New Jersey, the borough of Metuchen boasts a robust public art program. Among painted storefronts, sculptures both historic and contemporary, hanging banners, and artfully painted pianos and Adirondack chairs, a new mural is about to be unveiled.

When the Candy Dish Itself Becomes the Confection

by Ilene Dube, JerseyArts.com - published 2023-05-11
Ever since childhood, Amber Cowan has known she wanted to be a glass artist. Not just any artist – 2D, admittedly, is not her thing – but specifically, an artist who works in glass.

The Passaic County Arts Center hosts "Everything's Fine" by NJ artist Gwenn Seemel

(HAWTHORNE, NJ) -- The Passaic County Arts Center hosts "Everything's Fine" by New Jersey artist Gwenn Seemel from April 22 through July 16, 2023. The artwork is from a series of surreal paintings about mental health.