New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC presents "SLADE: A Family Affair"

originally published: 01/23/2023


(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- It is often said that art inspires more art. That is certainly true for Kelvin and Corrine Slade, father-and-daughter artists featured in SLADE: A Family Affair, an exhibition at The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC, on display from January 26–March 5. Kelvin, who takes photographs of Jazz performers, has an undying love for the musical genre, while Corrine taps into her admiration for Jazz when creating comforting abstract environments in her oil paintings. In celebration of Black History Month, this exhibit portrays the influence that Black music, particularly Jazz, has had on the artists.

“This exhibit will be unique, thought provoking and a wonderful juxtaposition of the mediums of paint and photography,” says Jeremy Moss, curator for The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery. While the Gallery has previously presented an exhibition from sister artists, this is the first time the works of a father and daughter will be displayed side-by-side. While Kelvin’s photographs are often black-and-white, Corrine’s paintings incorporate the entire color wheel. While Jazz has been a springboard for Corrine’s art, the genre is the backbone of Kelvin’s work.

“Jazz is an inspiring force deriving from a place of hope, joy and spirit,” says Kelvin. Many Jazz artists, “have fired up my soul. Thelonious Monk encouraged us to get outside of ourselves and let go of imagined restrictions. Charlie Parker let me know I can soar. Ella Fitzgerald told me the world is full of many possibilities.”

Through his camera lens, Kelvin seeks to “capture just a smidgen” of the meaning behind the music by “humbly preserving a moment of it,” he says. “My response to this refined art is art in and of itself: photography.”

Kelvin’s passion for Jazz rubbed off on Corrine over time.




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



Jazz has been a part of my life from the beginning,” says Corrine. “The sounds of Nancy Wilson or John Coltrane were the backdrop to pancakes and grits on a Sunday morning.”

As a child, Corrine thought Jazz was “a cacophonous racket.” In retrospect, the genre molded her artistic practice.

“It was roaring, piercing, crooning, sweltering, jutting and consoling,” she says. “Vibrations of catharsis and spirit. It was all the things that make an ideal painting. Jazz encompasses everything through sound that I seek to convey visually.”

Corrine, who has a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, creates dream-like paintings depicting black women. “The spaces I construct are environments of solace that do not exist in this reality,” she says. “Flora and fruit are symbols of abundance, growth and fertility that appear in my work. The growth of the natural world is intrinsically linked to that of the human spirit.”

Their shared affection for Jazz is a key aspect of Kelvin and Corrine’s relationship.

“With each year that passes I feel more of a kinship with the music,” says Corrine. “I wouldn’t be the artist or person I am if my dad didn’t know the wonders of Jazz.”

If visitors are interested in making a purchase, they can contact Linda Beard at (973) 382-1035 or lindab@sopacnow.org.




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



There will be a free opening reception on Thursday, January 26 from 5:00pm-8:00pm.

The gallery was initiated by beloved SOPAC Board Member Milly Iris. Both Milly and her husband Herb were longtime supporters of SOPAC, avid collectors, and devoted arts advocates. The family legacy continues through the generous support of Herb and Milly’s daughters, Roreé and Kerry, along with The Iris Family Foundation. The Gallery is located on the second and third floors of the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The Gallery is free and open from Monday-Saturday, 12:00pm– 6:00pm.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in northern New Jersey. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events, and education programs for all ages.  SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

PHOTOS by Kelvin Slade; ARTWORK by Corrine Slade

EVENT PREVIEWS

Hand

Hand Paint a Shorefront Souvenir at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

(SURF CITY, NJ) -- Express your love of shore life with a handcrafted memento to adorn your home or to give to someone special. Join a wood painting workshop, "Dreams are Made of Sand and Sun," at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The workshop begins at 7:00pm.



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.



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


 

Tuesday

Tuesday Night Book Club - Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:30pm
VIRTUAL




 

Straight

Straight No Chaser - Summer: The 90’s Part 2

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631



Vivid

Vivid Summer Solos: Where is Everybody?

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901



Free

Free Summer Event: Country Line Dancing with Paul Stoddard

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Pioneer Park at Headquarter's Plaza
3 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960



Frisson

Frisson Winds

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960