New Art in Belmar

We had two new shows open at that Boatworks this week.

In the front gallery we have the latest edition of the Winter Solstice Artisan Market.  A wide variety of products created by our artist members, suitable for holiday shopping needs, or for giving gifts to yourself.

Available items include jewelry, candy, dog treats, leather work, ceramics, hand made soaps, baskets, small works, home decorations, and too many other things to mention.  

As items sell, creators have the opportunity to replace them with new items, so make it a habit to stop by and see what is available.  Perhaps lured in by Small Business Saturday and some weekend specials, we had a never ending stream of visitors today, some browsing, and some buying.

And then in the back gallery we have a new exhibition curated by the Arc of Monmouth, a non-profit agency that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The show includes works by 15 people, a wide variety of subjects, mediums, and styles.  Artist biographies and examples of their works can be seen at their web page.

There will be a Meet the Artists Reception on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, from 5 to 7 pm.

Both exhibitions remain on display during regular gallery hours (Wed to Sat, 1 to 5 pm) through December 22, 2016.  Admission is free.

Fall Clean Up

Last Saturday our friends from Troop 258 were back at the Boatworks to help us with our ongoing improvement of the property.

Keeping nature at bay is a never ending battle.  This past summer the various weeds that had sprouted in the dirt and sand surrounding the building were threatening to consume our whole building.  And while I personally enjoyed the three dimensional aspect this brought to our Undersea mural, it had reached a point where it was out of control.  In recent months a bunch of volunteers have contributed to efforts to cut back the wild plant growth, which by this past summer was looking like what you see above.

So a lot has changed since the summer, and while the coming winter weather should slow down the formation of another jungle, this latest effort from an Eagle Scout from Troop 258 will also help.

Our large collection of cast concrete creatures, which emerged from the ocean along Belmar beach right around the time we moved into the Boatworks, were temporarily moved so that the rest of the weeds could be removed and a weed barrier could be put down.  Then they were returned, clearing the brick path, but still allowing us to see the mural.

Also done as part of this was the installation of this colorful fence, created by Katie, one of our summer interns, which keeps our garbage cans out of view and can inspire people to make some art.

Next time you stop by the Boatworks, take a few minutes to walk around the outside and see all the improvements.

some photos provided by Nicole Vincenti

BelmarArts goes to Spring Lake

Over the summer BelmarArts put out the call for something new- an exhibition of art originating in Belmar, but the show itself being held in Spring Lake.  The proposal got a very good response, and almost 80 artworks were selected.  About a week ago the chosen artists made the 24 block journey south from the Boatworks to the Spring Lake Community House (home of the Spring Lake Theater and the Spring Lake Library, among other things) to deliver the work.  The show was installed and opened to a good crowd on Sunday the 20th.

The gallery is upstairs in the Spring Lake Community House, a large brick building on 3rd Avenue (which is the continuation of Belmar's Main Avenue), between Madison and Brighton.  There are no posted hours of operation, but someone working there told this blog that the building is open pretty much every day.  Based on the number of activities going on in the building, this sounds plausible.

The space is not set up like a typical art gallery, but with salon style hanging, room was found for all the art.  As with most shows in our own space, mostly paintings, with some drawings, photos, prints, and sculptures.  As can be seen in the photos, a lot of furniture is also in the room.  It is regularly used for meetings and other events, so the artwork will have had quite an audience by the time the show ends on March 12, 2017.

No specific theme to this show, just good art and a lot of familiar names.  And just like the Boatworks, admission is free.  Just get there before it closes on March 12th.

Much to be Grateful for in Belmar

Today a new exhibition opened at the Boatworks, a show called "Gratitude."  Artwork that says thanks.  It contains about 2 dozen works overall, a mix of paintings, sculptures, photos with a common theme.

Next to most pieces is a card where the artist could list various things they are grateful for, which may relate to the image in the art, or may not.  Most are in the front gallery, but a few can be found in the back room, which also contains more of the Art on a Line pieces.

Gratitude can be fleeting, and this show is too, only up for about 2 weeks.  So come enjoy it while you can.  Open during regular gallery hours, Wednesday to Saturday from 1 to 5 pm.  Admission is free as always, another thing to be grateful for.