ANNUAL MEMBER EXHIBITS
The 2024 Charles Sills Memorial Group Art Exhibit:
Terra Incognita (An Unknown Land)​
This show asks the artist: What is the Terra Incognita or unknown within your art practice? Is this a particular subject, approach, aspect of method or process, or theme that no matter how many times you’ve contemplated and addressed it may still remain elusive, yet is always worth considering?
Monmouth Arts is pleased to be showcasing this year’s group exhibit in the Oyster Point Hotel on the Navesink River in Red Bank. The Oyster Point is one of Monmouth County’s most celebrated venues for art and gatherings, featuring exhibits and an innovative artist in residence program.
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Terra Incognita is guest curated by George Bates, a globally recognized artist within public art, fine art, and private collector commissions. After many years living in New York, George is now based in the Asbury Park area. We share this comment from George Bates:
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"It has been a pleasure to curate and experience the work of such a diverse array of artists through this theme. This year has brought in the highest number of submissions to date for Monmouth Arts, which could have easily yielded three distinct exhibitions. ​I was particularly struck by the prevalence of abstract and non-objective works among the submissions, a defining characteristic of the exhibition. I understand that not everyone will resonate with every piece on display; some choices were made to provoke uncertainty. However, I invite you to take an extra moment to engage with any work that challenges your preferences. Consider the artist’s selection, the significance of their decision to present this work, and what it meant for them to take that risk, starting from a blank canvas, spark of intuition, or idea."
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​Exhibit Dates: November 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024​
Oyster Point Gallery, 146 Bodman Place, Red Bank, NJ
​About Charles Sills
Now in its seventh year, the Monmouth Arts annual member exhibit was renamed in 2022 in memory of Dr. Charles Sills, who was a painter, sculptor, collector, and supporter of the arts. He retired from his role as the Chief of Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch in 2000. His work has been shown at many galleries in Monmouth County and he won awards from New York's Allied Artists of America as well as Knickerbocker Artists.
PAST EXHIBITS
The Charles Sills Memorial Group Art Exhibit: Reinvention
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This exhibition examined the theme of Reinvention and its relation to art, creativity, community, and our professional and personal journeys. The act of reinvention may bring a sense of renewal, a focus on sustainability, or be a simple act of giving new life to an object or idea. All of the exhibited art is the work of 44 Monmouth Arts members, who represent the creative, vibrant spirit of Monmouth County.
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Monmouth Arts was pleased to host the curated group exhibit in the Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center, a historic bank building that experienced its own reinvention when it was transformed into a gallery and community space in 2021. The exhibition was guest co-curated by Tara Collins, an area artist with deep connections to the arts community.
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The Charles Sills Memorial Group Art Exhibit: Belonging
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This exhibition was an exploration of how our community imagines and celebrates a collective vision of Belonging. Through art we can tell new stories and further important conversations that enrich our sense of community. These connections can help us transcend crises, empower and connect us. All of the art is the work of Monmouth Arts members, who represent the creative, vibrant spirit of Monmouth County.
Monmouth Arts was pleased to be showcase the exhibit in the Center for Visual Arts Gallery at Brookdale Community College. The exhibition was curated by Elisa Elorza, CVA Gallery Coordinator.
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Journey
In recognition of our 50th Anniversary, Monmouth Arts is reflecting on the journey we’ve been on over the past half-century as well as where we’re headed. Journey is a group exhibition to be held at Monmouth University’s Pollak Gallery. This exhibition will showcase works that express Journey as it relates to the artist’s experiences. Where have you been and where are you going? Contributing artists are all current members of Monmouth Arts.
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Monmouth University's Pollak Gallery
400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch
December 2, 2021 - January 27, 2022
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Sanctuary
Sanctuary is a virtual group exhibit of Monmouth Arts members with a physical pop-up exhibit to be held in December at 10PRL, an arts and events space in Long Branch. For some, “sanctuary” may not be a physical structure or shelter but a community or a representation of what makes an individual feel safe or protected from the outside world. This exhibition expresses the experience of sanctuary as it relates to the artist's world, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
10 PRL
515 Bath Ave, Long Branch
December 7, 2020 - January 2021
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Out of the Blue
An eclectic collection of local artwork
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Out of the Blue is a showcase of artwork by 40 members of Monmouth Arts, including everything from drawings to paintings to sculpture, from the fantastical to the emotional to the photographic. Held in the Bungalounge, the bar and gallery of the Bungalow Hotel in Pier Village, this show is a visual celebration of our creative community. The opening reception was a big hit. Read more on our Artzine.
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The Bungalounge @ Bungalow Hotel, Pier Village
50 Laird Street, Long Branch
November 7, 2019 - January 24, 2020
Structure
Interpretations of human-made structure through the perspective of painting, drawing, photography, and more.
This group show of Monmouth Arts members, put together by Guest Curator Bart Lentini Photography, will be installed at the Upper Gallery of the historic Spring Lake Community House & Theatre, located at 300 Madison Avenue, Spring Lake.
The Upper Gallery @ Spring Lake Community House & Theater
300 Madison Avenue, Spring Lake
December 1, 2018 - March 22, 2019