“Bridge of Angels, Rome, Italy” by Barbara J. Kraemer

(BARNEGAT, NJ) -- The Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch is pleased to present “Europe!,” an exhibit of watercolors, acrylics, and mixed media works by Jersey Shore-based artists Barbara J. Kraemer and Suzi Hoffman, throughout the month of August.

After a career of more than 40 years in the private sector, applying her love of art to interior design, facilities upgrades, and designing and writing corporate publications, Barbara Kraemer returned to painting full time in 2013. The award-winning painter has studied with renowned artists, and exhibits her work in shows and galleries, from New York to Florida. Many of her paintings are held in private collections. 

Barbara says that she “…loves color, photography, nature, writing, cooking, and sharing it all.” She paints from life in a broad range of media, finding subjects in whatever catches her eye and sparks her imagination. “I want to bring color and smiles to our world, and painting is a good way to do this,” she said.

Additionally, Barbara helps others free their creative spirits by teaching art in private classes and nursing homes, and hosting paint-along parties for children of all ages. She helps new artists expand their horizons into the world of exhibits and art shows.

Suzi Hoffman has placed her pieces in corporate and private collections throughout the United States, and is regularly seen in art shows along the Jersey Shore. She served on the Pine Shores Art Association Board of Directors, belongs to the Garden State Watercolor Society, and is a Past President of Kentucky’s Paducah Art Guild and Gallery.  

Suzi majored in art at Endicott College in Massachusetts, and continued art studies at the Corcoran Gallery of Art School, Washington D.C; Lake Placid Center for Music, Drama and Art, New York; Paducah School for Art and Design, Kentucky; and the Yellow Barn Studio and Tilghman Island Studio, Maryland, under the direction of Walt Bartman.

“Venetian Wine Delivery, Venice, Italy” by Suzi Hoffman

“Europe!” is free and open to the public during normal Branch operating hours. No registration is required. For more information, visit the OCL Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street, or call (609) 698-3331.