SOLO number 1- Brittany James

We have had a tradition here in recent years, solo shows awarded to individuals who go through a competitive application process, two per year.  This year's first such show opened tonight- the work of local artist Brittany James.

The artist earned her BFA at Montclair State University, but has since relocated to Asbury Park, where she lives and makes her art.  Her medium is oil paint, as one might guess from the glow that seems to come from within the images.

In this body of work (which represents the past few years) the compositions are mostly built around central figures, though much detail is included in the space around them.  She mentioned an interest in lucid dreaming, and that idea of the link between a dream state and reality seems to inform her work.  She sometimes refers to the work as being about escaping reality.  (in fact, the name of the exhibition is "Escaping Reality") Surrealism and fantasy, psychology and mythology, all seem to be playing a part in the creation of these paintings, as well as skills in rendering and use of color.

Apparently she is not done working in this way or with this subject and has paintings going right now, so don't be surprised to see more like this in future group shows.  After all, this solo show competition is available to paid members.

This thought provoking and visually interesting exhibition will remain on display in the back gallery through December 14, 2017.  Admission is free.  At the same time you can check out the new Winter Solstice Artisan show and sale- handmade items from our members, filling the front room gallery, also very popular this evening.  Regular gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 pm.  The second solo show will open on the 16th of that month, but we'll talk about that after it's up on these walls.

Winter Solstice Market is Back

The air is getting a bit chilly of late, and the days are getting shorter.  Most stores are decorated with all the things associated with Christmas.  One exception is the Boatworks, home to the annual Winter Solstice Artisan Market.  Once again our front gallery space is loaded with handmade crafts from our members, all in time for your holiday shopping needs, yet with a minimum of evergreen trees, red ribbons, and other things that some stores will try to overload you with.  At BelmarArts, we just give you things you may want to see, and maybe purchase, as gifts for others, or for yourself.

Click on any photo to enlarge, or better yet, just come by to get a better look at the displays.

What do we got?  What don't we got?  A quick walk around the room revealed handbags, book covers, tea wallets, hair clips, all kinds of jewelry, handmade baskets, soaps, bath salts, greeting cards, ceramics, items made from glass, ornaments- just to name a few things.  There are small artworks that can hang on walls.  There are candy and cookies for both people and dogs, made by the same place.  A list of the artisans represented can be found here.  Plus we still have stuff in the display case in the back room.  And as our custom, the artists are encouraged to replace anything that sells with new items, and even have the option to replace something that doesn't sell with something else, so returning regularly during the duration of the market is encouraged.

The Winter Solstice Artisan Market opened today, and will remain open through January 12, 2018.  It will be open during the regular gallery hours, so Wednesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 pm, and sometimes when there are events going on in the space, such as tomorrow night's gallery reception.  Parking and admission are free as always, so come browse, and maybe find something exciting.