Belmar & Our Neighbors Reception

Tonight was the opening reception for the latest exhibition at the Boatworks.  Belmar & our neighbors (sponsored by Councilwoman Jennifer Nicolay & Family and the OceanFirst Foundation) features Fine Art and Fine Crafts inspired by Belmar and our surrounding shore community.  More than 50 artists have contributed work to this show, which fills all three rooms of our building.

From the very start of the reception, we had a good crowd today, a constant flow of visitors for the whole two hours, and more arriving as we were cleaning up.   Unlike most of our exhibitions, this one is being conducted as a cash and carry; if you see something you like, you can pay for it and take it home immediately.  More than a few people took advantage of the opportunity.

In addition to all the art objects, the reception featured a spoken word performance from Carla Beuthe (above) and live music from the Belmar Bums (below)

The show organizers chose seven works for awards in some creative categories:

Best Representation of the Show Theme

Sandy Huston

The Inlet

oil painting

Funniest Depiction of a Fish

Lois Kiely

Ancient Fish Migration

acrylic

Best Use of Shells
Alexandra Martin
sculptures

Best Inclusion of Sea Glass

Nicole Vincenti

Rolling in the Deep

mixed media

Most Interesting Integration of the Written Word

Carla Beuthe and Sandy Cook

A Day at the 'Squan

Poetry and Photography

Most Awesome Sunrise

Richard Rappleyea

Morning Surfing

photograph

Best Use of Humor

Bonnie Smith

Hitchhiker Surfboard

mixed media

The Belmar & our neighbors show will remain on display through August 23, 2013.  The Boatworks has extended gallery hours through the summer- 1 to 5 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 1 to 7 pm on Friday and Saturday.   Artists can replace anything sold during the show, so be sure to visit again, as you may find something new.  Admission is free.