Monmouth Arts Presents "Stamped Stories: A Century of Moments, Moods & Memories at The Basie Center"
Original artworks by regional artists capture a century of history, creativity, and unforgettable moments at the iconic Red Bank venue
October 20, 2026 (Red Bank, NJ) – Monmouth Arts invites the public to experience Stamped Stories, an exhibition and auction of original artworks commissioned as part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ Centennial Celebration. The collection commemorates 100 years of history and creativity at 99 Monmouth Street, offering a unique artistic perspective on the people, performances, and milestones that have shaped the venue’s legacy.
A reception and auction will take place on Friday, November 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at ArtSpace, located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the collection, celebrate a century of stories, and discover original artwork available for purchase both online and in person.
The original artworks will be on view beginning Thursday, November 5, with scheduled collection previews throughout the following week.
RECEPTION & AUCTION
Friday, November 13 | 6–8pm
ArtSpace, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ
COLLECTION PREVIEW HOURS
Thursday, November 5 | 2–6pm
Friday, November 6 | 2–6pm
Saturday, November 7 | 2–6pm
Tuesday, November 10 | 12–4pm
Thursday, November 12 | 12–4pm
One venue. Ten decades. Countless memories.
Launched in 2025 through a collaboration between the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Monmouth Arts, Stamped Stories began as a postcard project celebrating the Basie Center decade by decade. The project has since evolved into a collection of original artworks that invite audiences to connect with the venue’s remarkable history and bring a piece of that legacy home.
From its earliest days as the Carlton Theatre to its evolution into the iconic Count Basie Center for the Arts, the collection offers a colorful, personal, and unexpected look at a century of artistic and cultural milestones. Among the stories represented is a young Bruce Springsteen’s first performance at the venue in 1974.
Each work reflects an individual artist’s interpretation of a particular era, memory, or defining moment, bringing together diverse perspectives to celebrate the enduring impact of this landmark institution.
Meet the Artists Behind Stamped Stories
The collection features original works by talented area artists, each offering a distinct portrayal of the Basie Center’s history:
Present Day: Michael White — Count Basie Center Façade
Holiday: Brittney Mallon — Whispered Memories
2020s: Eva Marie Faith — A Bright Future at the Basie
2010s: Molly Gaston Johnson — Bouncing at the Basie
2000s: Robert + Elisabeth McKay — The Show from the Stage
1990s: Gail Kolflat — Count Basie Theatre: 2,217 Red Velvet Seats from Carnegie Hall
1980s: Mike Quon — Lights, Music, Memories – The Basie
1970s: Emily Walling — Monmouth Arts Center, 1975
1960s: Priscilla Gandel — Recital
1950s: George Severini — Carlton ‘51
1940s: Kristin Künc — Peace at The Basie
1930s: Michael White — Lights Coming Up, Carlton Theater, 1930s
1920s: Kathleen Beausoleil — Opening Night, 1926
Through Stamped Stories, Monmouth Arts and the Count Basie Center for the Arts celebrate the power of art to preserve memories, connect generations, and honor the cultural landmarks that continue to shape the community.
About Monmouth Arts
Monmouth Arts is a leading, independent 501c(3) arts advocacy organization that delivers needed programs and services to artists, member organizations, and arts affiliates to ensure the arts thrive in and throughout Monmouth County. As Monmouth County’s official county arts agency, its mission is to enrich the community by inspiring and fostering the arts. Monmouth Arts's programs are made possible in part through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Commissioners, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and others. For more information on Monmouth Arts, call 732-212-1890 or visit www.monmoutharts.org.
Monmouth Arts is fully committed to providing equal access for all of its patrons, employees, and the public. Upon request, Monmouth Arts will make the necessary accommodations to allow individuals with special needs to participate in Monmouth Arts services, programs, and activities to the fullest extent possible. For more information, refer to the Accessibility page on our website www.monmoutharts.org/accessibility.
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