(CALIFON, NJ) -- This summer, The Gallery at BEX in Califon is proud to present Traditions Reimagined, a solo exhibition by local artist Melissa M. Pepin. On view from June 7 through September 27, 2025, this vibrant and culturally rich installation explores the intersection of heritage, design, and contemporary art.
A Califon resident and lifelong creative, Melissa grew up in the Hungarian community of New Brunswick, NJ, where she developed a deep appreciation for traditional motifs and crafts. Her latest series, Kezimunka, serves as the heart of Traditions Reimagined. Inspired by a striking hand-embroidered doily, Melissa distills the floral forms of this heirloom textile into bold, modern compositions. Painted onto canvases, these motifs are transformed, honoring their folk origins while bringing them into a fresh, contemporary dialogue.
Melissa holds an MFA in Fine Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Non-Toxic Printmaking from Rochester Institute of Technology. Formerly an adjunct professor of printmaking and traditional media, she now works independently as a digital designer, specializing in web, package, and marketing design.
With Traditions Reimagined, Melissa invites viewers to explore how cultural memory and personal history can be reinterpreted through modern aesthetics, breathing new life into the past.
The public is invited to celebrate the opening with at the Artist's Reception on Thursday, June 19, from 6:00pm–8:00pm, featuring complimentary beverages and bites by Chef Becky Geisel. Mingle with the artist, savor delicious local flavors, and immerse yourself in the unique energy of her newest body of work. The Gallery at BEX is located at 56 Main Street in Califon, New Jersey.
Chef Becky Geisel is a celebrated local chef and event curator known for her farm-to-table cuisine and commitment to creating meaningful, community-driven experiences.
The Gallery at BEX, a vibrant community hub in Califon, regularly hosts art exhibitions and gatherings curated by Chef Becky Geisel, known for her community-focused events, and the venue is also available for private bookings.
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