The Newsmagazine of Long Beach Island and Southern Ocean County

By Victoria Ford | on July 27, 2022

SALTED: Kathleen Sky Art is fresh, coastal, modern. See her Sea Folk collection at the Ann Coen & Friends Pop-Up this Thursday. (Artwork by Kathleen Sky)

Southern Exposure: The Ann Coen & Friends Pop-Up in Beach Haven continues its Thursday evening cultural events in the gallery space with “Sea Folk,” an exhibit by painter Kathleen Sky on July 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. Kathleen Sky Mancini, born and raised in Manasquan, attributes her style to her love of the outdoors, both coastal and rural.

“I want my art not only to evoke the beauty that surrounds me, but to do so with a fresh and modern perspective,” she said. “I want my art to feel wild, brave and free with no limitations or rules. If it makes you happy and appeals to your imagination, then I have succeeded.”

The pop-up gallery is located, only for this summer, at 110 North Bay Ave., Beach Haven.

Solar Power: Glass artist Mary Tantillo, owner of SwellColors Glass Studio in Surf City, has announced her latest and final installment in a four-part series of stained-glass panels based on the sun in four seasons. Her new collection, “Limoncello” (the fall edition), opens July 29.

As a whole, the opus is a love letter to the sun, and to a life fueled by it. Tantillo created an individual panel for each day of the year. The project took her four years. The idea had come to her upon learning that she had multiple ancestors named Ciro, meaning sun.

“I started thinking about where I came from, and how I got here, to be working as an artist who works with a material that filters sunlight,” she explained. “I felt this deep resonance between my mind and my heart. I wanted to explore that connection between my past and present. I decided to make a year of sun-inspired pieces. Doing a different design each day is very challenging, but it was also important to me to do, so I could convey moments in time.”

SwellColors will host an opening reception party on Friday, July 29 from 5 to 9 p.m., with all the pieces on display and for sale. The event will have live music, refreshments, “and my mom’s rum cake,” Tantillo said.

New Digs: Pine Shores Art Association at Tuckerton, the new annex to PSAA headquarters in Manahawkin, is officially open to association members. A public grand opening is set for Saturday, Sept. 17, noon to 4 p.m. (rain date Sept. 18). The new space, inside the former Tuckerton borough hall at 140 East Main St., has undergone interior cosmetic and functional updates such as fresh paint, appliances and furnishings.

On Saturday afternoon, July 23, the new space was christened with a party, complete with lunch, dessert and cake, and artists dropped off artwork to display in the main room. PSAA member and handyman Ed Rennar has installed a wall-mounted picture rail hanging system, and Transition Committee Chair Dee Turba has filled every available inch of wall space with members’ art. Association President Tom Rutledge has a vision for the new site that involves more sculpture than the organization has previously offered, in addition to the paintings and other two-dimensional work.

“Many organizations don’t even have a place, like we have – but here, now we have two,” he said.

Rutledge said two bits of feedback he’s received are: the members’ artistic talent and skill grow from year to year, and lately a lot of new faces are showing up – a promising sign. They are all thankful for the borough of Tuckerton’s generosity in allowing them to open the annex.

“We don’t have everything all figured out yet,” he said, “but we’re looking forward to what we’re going to do here, and I hope all of you come along for the ride.”

Free recurring monthly events continue at PSAA headquarters on Stafford Avenue in Manahawkin. On Thursdays are “Do Your Own Thing,” 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and “Artists Helping Artists,” 2:30 to 5 p.m. (call 609-713-7337 to register for either); and untutored portrait drawing sessions with a live model, 7 to 9 p.m. Drop in for a $5 model fee. An additional DYOT session has been added on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. (email pvh3dwh@aol.com to register). Also free on Monday afternoons, noon to 3 p.m., DYOT with PSAA at Bay Avenue Community Center. Water-based mediums only, no oils or solvents.

Tuckerton-based Art Chat, now an official part of the PSAA, meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Tuckerton branch of the Ocean County Library, to share what they’re working on and receive feedback if desired or “just to see what everyone else is doing,” according to founder Nancy Glines. Newcomers are welcome. The only “rules” for participation, she said, are to be kind, helpful and encouraging to fellow artists. For more information, contact Glines at dun.roamin@verizon.net.

First Friday: Momentum is building for “First Friday” in Surf City, a monthly, walkable art scene, where galleries open their doors and art and music spill into the streets to enchant passersby. Solace Studio and Gallery owner-artist Franny Andahazy is on a mission to galvanize other galleries into joining the effort. The next one is Friday, Aug. 5. “Come and hang out,” Andahazy invites. Visit solacestudiolbi.com.

See Them All: The 16th annual LBI Artist Open Studio and Gallery Tour is set for Aug. 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Presented by the LBI Arts Council, this summer’s tour features 32 artists and galleries up and down the Island from High Bar Harbor to Beach Haven, organizers Carol Nussbaum, Joan Gantz and Fred Ballet have announced.

“It’s a free event and a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet some incredibly talented, creative, renowned artists who happen to have studios on LBI,” Nussbaum said. Artists will demonstrate their processes, and works on display will be for sale. A tour map and examples of work can be found at lbiartists.com, along with brochures at participating studios and galleries.  —V.F.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

The SandPaper 1816 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City, NJ 08008-5461 Phone Number: (609) 494-5900 • Fax Number: (609) 494-1437

Our Hometown DMCA Notices Newspaper web site content management software and services