ON THE NJ ART ROAD: MICHAEL MALPASS, SCULPTOR; EXHIBIT AT MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY    By Calvin Schwartz   6-21-2016

MICHAEL MALPASS

If you follow my writings over the past few years, here, there and everywhere, a resilient theme is self-evident; the presence of synchronicity in my universe, largely made up of central Jersey exigencies and wanderings. I continue to marvel at the inter connectivity and smallness of that universe. So I have a story to relate; beginning with the innocence of asking a stranger to take a picture with me and a NJ Discover broadcast intern and cameraman at a soccer match.

It was last Saturday evening June 11th at Rutgers Sky Blue Field. One of those top ten days; warm temperature, a few wisps of cirrus clouds and a setting sun. New Jersey’s Sky Blue FC Women’s Professional Soccer versus Kansas City. I was a roaming photographer for the sold-out match as well as hanging out with broadcast interns and a field cameraman along the sidelines. For posterity, we needed something better than a selfie, so I randomly asked two women near the end of the team warm-ups to take our picture. One of the women, a theater and performing arts major was going to sing the National Anthem(Mackenzie Malpass). Her mother took the picture. In the paucity of time left before the anthem, but enough for the discovery and six degrees of separation process, I learned that the women’s husband’s father is Michael Malpass, a renowned sculptor who died way too young but left a wondrous body of work which is now being exhibited at Monmouth University’s Pollak Gallery coinciding with the showing of Monmouth University Communication student’s produced documentary film (under the direction Erin Fleming) “Michael Malpass-A Great Circle.”

Three days later, on Tuesday, replete with my journalistic instincts, I walked towards Pollak Gallery and noticed magical spherical (Malpass’ specialty) sculptures on the grass to my left. Walking on the grass, towards the sculptures, observing their artistic splendor, I was now frozen, staring, haunted by the intricacies and detail of his work; one cast in stark celestial red. The anticipation of the exhibit was peaking for me. Fortunately, they extended this exhibit until August 18^th because of the demand/volume.

There is a wealth of information on Michael Malpass; let google walk you through it. My job here at NJ Discover is to share how his work emoted and elevated me; hyper sensitized my powers of introspection. It was quite an experience. Perhaps my arrival at 3 PM that afternoon, a gallery off hour, guaranteed my time of solitude and meaningful observation.  I’ve been to the Pollak gallery often, sometimes in conjunction with special musical shows and lectures at Pollak Theater. There’s something about the stark white walls, displays, and frames contrasted by the art. For me, it’s a sense of sterility and eternity (art for the ages).

There were the Malpass’ sculptured spheres.  He often said, “The sphere is the most perfect form. It is efficient, for example, with the most volume for the least surface area.” There were also his prints, collages and jewelry. I read that his art is a “revitalization.” For his welded spheres, now in front of me throughout the gallery, I saw that he used things that people discarded and changed them by recycling them into his mind and sculpture. For me, it evokes unique emotions in every piece. I can’t say/write it enough. This is so worth trips of many miles and minds to see in person. I marvel at great minds and creativity. I marvel at Michael Malpass.

I stopped in front of a sculpted sphere called ‘Squiggly.’ I day-dreamed that I was in the studio with him while he created it. We were laughing together. Then he got serious and ushered me away. I loved, ‘Traveler’ one of the most imaginative and perfect world of unions and coming together of formed pieces. It seemed so many stories were being told here; a perfection of function and form so simple yet intricate.  He was traveling and encountering so many foreign objects but made them(welded) in a smooth statement. He must’ve traveled far and wide to bring the ‘ingredients’ together. More sculpted magic of Michael Malpass. With each exhibited piece, I imagined and wondered about his mind and thought process during inception. So many questions to ask him. It’s a rewarding feeling to leave an art exhibit with unrequited love of the works of the artist. Each piece told me a story. It’ll tell you all stories.

There was a magical collage, ‘Grass and Water.’ Of course I stared and tried to find ways to jump inside. It’s hard to explain visual emotions. The reality of a can of sardines, some money, olives and a local map; there’s a special frivolity here and a New Jersey breath of especially fresh air; Point Pleasant Beach on a receipt. And there is the ‘Chickenmen Gallery.’  I could go on here expressing, digressing, progressing but you have to see it for yourself; there’s plenty of time until August.

Perhaps now, I’ll share some background biographical information after all art is for the beholder.

“Michael Malpass-A Great Circle.”   Trailer/You Tube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIsGWMoUVdM

THIS COMING SATURDAY June 25th. A chance to see the documentary ‘Michael Malpass-A Great Circle’

Art Walk and Michael Malpass Film Screening

June 25, 2016 | 4:00 PM

Free Event

This event will include a tour of the sculpture on campus including the new J. Seward Johnson pieces and the Michael Malpass Retrospective in Pollak Gallery. There will also be a screening of the new documentary about Michael Malpass titled “Michael Malpass – A Great Circle” created by Monmouth University Communication Students under the direction of Erin Fleming, Director of Production Services. The documentary will be screened in Wilson Auditorium at 4:00 PM and the guided tour immediately follow at 4:45.

Free and open to the public but RSVP required. To RSVP please call 732.263.5715

MICHAEL ALLEN MALPASS

        1946-1991

www.michaelmalpass.com

Michael  Malpass was one of the most respected sculptors of the 20^th century. Monmouth University is having a retrospective of his work from March 8 – June 30. The opening is April l from 6-8 pm.  His sculpture, prints, collages and jewelry will be on display. At the same time a documentary about his life will be shown.

Michael studied Fine Arts at Pratt Institute. His career commenced in 1977 when he had his first solo exhibition at Betty Parsons Gallery on 57^th Street in Manhattan. Just two years later Michael found his work on the cover of ART news Magazine.

He primarily explored the sphere using found metal objects. Applying traditional blacksmithing techniques, he literally manipulated tons of steel. The industrial shapes are composed of iron, steel, brass, bronze and copper that were forged and welded together to form the sphere.

Throughout the eighties his career flourished. He accelerated his creative efforts, broadened the scope of his sculpture and accepted increasingly challenging commissions, including those from General Electric, Exxon/Mobil, Trammel Crow Company, Benenson Developmental Corporation and TRW.

In 1987 Michael left his full-time position at Pratt Institute to concentrate full-time on his sculpture. This was a leap of faith since we were raising four children. He had many exhibitions and commissions in New Jersey including The Noyes Museum, The Paterson Museum, The Morris Museum, Ocean County College, Stockton College, Island Heights Cultural Center, The Educational Testing Service, New Jersey Institute of Technology, State of the Arts – NJ Television, Artworks/Trenton, James Yarosh Gallery (Holmdel), Laurel Tracey Gallery (Red Bank), Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts, Grounds for Sculpture, Clifton Art Center & Rutgers University. The year before his death in 1991 he was working simultaneously on four different commissions from The State of New Jersey, The State of Connecticut, The Hechinger Collection & Exxon/Mobil.

Michael was a pioneer scraping pieces of metal and transforming them into art.

Cathleen Malpass cmalpass593@comcast.net

The exhibit at Monmouth University of one of the most respected sculptors of the 20th century, Michael Malpass (1946 – 1991) taking place in the Pollak Gallery from March 8 through June 30, has been extended until August 18th due to the heavy volume of people attending the exhibit. Premiere screenings of a new documentary Michael Malpass – A Great Circle created by Monmouth University Communication students under the direction of Erin Fleming, director of Production Services, can be available on request.

The Pollak Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. All gallery events are free and open to the public.

For more information about this exhibition and all Monmouth University Center for the Arts events visit www.monmouth.edu/arts or call 732.263.5715.

INTERESTED!

Media Contact

Kelly Barratt, Assistant Director, Center for the Arts

732-263-5114

NEW JERSEY HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT ASBURY PARK’S ICONIC CONVENTION HALL ON NOVEMBER 13, 2014     By Calvin Schwartz

The New Jersey Hall of Fame announces the 7th Annual Induction Ceremony and Red Carpet will be held at the Asbury Park Convention Hall on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 7:00 PM.  The event will honor 12 of New Jersey’s most distinguished citizens as new inductees into the New Jersey Hall of Fame family, including: Brian Williams, Governor James Florio, Alice Waters, and The Shirelles.

As of 3:30PM November 6th:  Press Release:

The New Jersey Hall of Fame is proud to announce that Dionne Warwick, the legendary five-time GRAMMY Award winning songstress, will be in attendance as a presenter and performer at this year’s 7th Annual “Red Carpet” Induction Ceremony.

A New Jersey native, Warwick was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2013, and will make her return to the stage this year to honor the new class of inductees. The famous “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” singer perfectly complements the musical lineups planned for this unique award ceremony. “We’re thrilled that Dionne Warwick will be performing at this year’s event. It’s going to be a very memorable tribute in honor of the new class of 2014,” said Gail Gordon, Vice Chair of the Hall of Fame Commission and the event’s co chair. NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will also be in attendance as a new inductee at this year’s ceremony. John Graham, Gordon’s co-chair added, “We’re more than pleased to welcome Brian Williams into the New Jersey Hall of Fame family, and we’re very excited that he will be able to share in this special night with us.”

There will be a special tribute to new inductee James Gandolfini from David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, and several cast members from the celebrated show, including Vincent Curatola, who will also serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.  Additionally, #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben, a New Jerseyan himself, will have the honor of inducting legendary writer Dorothy Parker.

“This year’s NJHOF Induction Ceremony will be the best one yet, featuring live musical performances, moving tributes, and plenty of special surprises,” stated Bart Oates, Chair of the Board of Commissioners and former New York Giant.

“We wanted an upbeat awards show with an emphasis on music, which is why we brought the show to Asbury Park this year,” said Gail Gordon, Vice Chair of the Hall of Fame Commission and the event’s co- chair.  John Graham, Gordon’s co-chair added, “We expect a great turnout of over 1,000 people, including special guests, sponsors, and members of the media.  The event is anticipated to raise over $200,000 for the educational mission of the New Jersey Hall of Fame.”

Established in 2006 by the NJ Legislature, the New Jersey Hall of Fame honors New Jerseyans who have made invaluable contributions to society and the world, helping to inspire state pride in the young people of New Jersey through powerful local role models.   The organization selects inductees based on five categories: Arts & Letters, Enterprise, Performance Arts, Public Service and Sports.

Since 2008, some 70 notable New Jerseyans from 15 fields of human endeavor have been inducted including: Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Woodrow Wilson, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep, Tony Bennett, Martha Stewart, Whitney Houston, and Yogi Berra.

The ceremony will keep with the “taste of the shore” theme, offering food stations reflecting the best of Jersey Shore food and beverages to be sampled by sponsors and guests.  There will also be an opportunity for attendees to meet this year’s inductees and celebrity guests.

Induction Ceremony tickets and premium sponsorship packages are available through NJHallOfFame.org. Performance Only tickets are $50 plus fees and are on sale via Ticketmaster or the Stone Pony box office in Asbury Park.

This year’s inductees are: Dorothy Parker, Brian Williams, Howard Katz, Alice Waters,
Dizzy Gillespie, James Gandolfini, The Shirelles, Governor James Florio, Peter McGuire,
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Patrick Ewing and Maud Dahme.

For more information on the 2014 Red Carpet Induction Ceremony, please contact Karen Geisel at karen@princetonscgroup.com or 518.421.3435.

About the New Jersey Hall of Fame

New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society and the world beyond. Since 2008, some 80 notable people from 15 fields of human endeavor have been inducted including: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Toni Morrison, Buzz Aldrin, Frankie Valli, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Tony Bennett, Queen Latifah, Carl Lewis and Yogi Berra.

The Hall of Fame reinforces the message to children that they can and should strive for excellence in any endeavor of their choosing. By presenting significant and powerful role models and teaching young people about the voting process, the Hall of Fame is a source of learning, inspiration and hope for children. The New Jersey Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization with two collaborating boards working jointly: the New Jersey Hall of Fame Board of Commissioners, administered by the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, and the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Trustees. For more information on the NJHOF and a full list of the inductees, go to www.njhalloffame.org

(Artist Nation TV)

Asbury park, NJ- the Stone Pony

Last night at the Matisyahu concert, I saw in the corner of my eye, a young man painting while Matisyahu was performing. I immediately introduced myself and was greeted by Tim- the co-owner of Haven Art Studio. He had a tiny stand by the side of the stage selling his paintings which turned out to be incredible. It was obvious that this type of work took a lot of time and patience and I just had to find out more about him.
It turns out he works along side his brother Jon, their strategy is to work (literally) side by side on the SAME canvas in order to feed off of each other’s ideas. It was amazing!

The best part of the night was seeing them paint together during the concert; feeling the music while making their choices in color then taking their brushes and going with the flow of the sound. I’ve never seen anything like it, I instantly fell in love.

After only speaking to them for an hour I was hooked on their work and their story. I wanted to buy this painting they made, that happened to glow in the dark, but I told Tim that if I didn’t spend all my money on alcohol I’ll come back and buy something. Unfortunately after several beers and needing the rest of my cash for the cab home I didn’t buy the painting. But I know for certain that this won’t be the last time I see this dynamic duo in action.

If you’re interested in seeing their work- check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HavenArtStudio/info

Haven Art Studio is based in California
By: Noelle Ciumei

A SPECIAL NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT ON JERSEY STRONG: MEET MARIA SAVARESE:  MOTHER, ARTIST, AND SURVIVOR.    By Calvin Schwartz    January 5, 2014

For some time I’ve been contemplating the notion of developing a series of articles for NJ Discover spotlighting people here in New Jersey who become unforgettable and indelible in my journey to define the energy source of Jersey strong. This is that first article.

So where did I meet Maria Savarese?  At a local college art museum or bookstore on Route 18 or at a trendy Wi-Fi equipped coffee shop a few miles away from the bookstore? Actually we met on Facebook through the synchronicity and exigencies of social media; we probably had some of the same friends or perhaps Facebook nudged or poked one of us to friend the other. Well it happened; we friended and discovered; I like using the word ‘discover’ after all I write for NJ Discover. And there was Maria’s Facebook picture wall replete with her essence as a modern artist, young mother and breast cancer survivor.

Maria Savarese is a perfect spotlight personality. In our early days of friendship, strictly digital and fortified by our posts on Facebook walls, I began to notice her unique aura and zest for life. Her art intrigued. Exact chronology escapes me but after months of absorbing her art, suddenly one morning, we were talking on the phone; a logical inevitable extension of the phenomenon of Facebook friending. And more logical extensions; one morning Maria, Tara-Jean Vitale (my co-reporter at NJ Discover) and I were sitting at a diner in East Brunswick, coffee still steaming and eggs cooling, as our conversation took us deeply into Maria’s world of art and being a breast cancer survivor and how we could share her story;  a perfect depiction of Jersey Strong. Then a few months ago, I visited her studio just as an autumn chill was heralding Halloween.

She mostly grew up in Old Bridge and lives in Spotswood now where her studio is located. Actually the studio is a converted detached garage. When she first saw the hundred year old property, weeds had overgrown everything but she sensed it was all perfect just as she heard a woman playing a guitar on the other side of bushes and vines; their young daughters would become friends. Several times during our interview, she said, “a child is living inside me.” I understood that it was energy, spirit and exuberance (and a hint of innocence) reflected in her art which surrounded me. I reminded her about a Facebook picture of herself standing on a fallen tree perhaps 40 feet above a ravine and asked if she was scared. “Not at all; it was fun. It’s life.” Then she said, “to beat cancer is a gift. And I live my life now with that gift.”

She was originally from Flushing, Queens and took art lessons when she was eight and tried being a gymnast. “My hands always had to be busy so I made a lot of doll’s clothes. And I always see something inherent in things.”  Then I said, “I can easily see this energy inside you.” She added, “I made my prom dress in high school after I took sewing. It’s still hanging in my closet.”

Cut to adult times. Maria got a job working at the Flemington Craft Festival. “They helped me make jewelry, work with clay and ceramics. When I was at Brookdale College, I also learned pottery. And this summer I finally got my kiln.” Her smile is magic and effusive as she pointed, “my grandmother’s chest of draws is over there.” I commented on the vast array of materials and props in her studio. “Everything has a purpose. We should stop throwing things away. I’m like an environmental artist. I use things from the environment in my art which means I love to work in collages and mixed media.” Art drives her. She loves to bring families together, help children and make the world a better place. That certain smile persisted throughout our interview.

Maria talks about her daughter with more than pride; with amazement as her daughter reads and writes incessantly. “Emma is growing up.” Again her smile warmed the studio. I asked about her environmentalism. “I don’t use pesticides in my garden and love the Native American way of life.” Her work has appeared in an art exhibition in New Brunswick and in other galleries and has sold fast. A deep breath followed; a smile changed to introspection. “The main thing going forward for me is I’m looking for my art partner and looking for something different. And people are now finding me and my art.”

Maria recently started teaching at the Office of Aging in Spotswood. “I have a 90 year old student. “I work with clay with her and she loves it. I’m into give back and pay it forward and reaching into the community. I also worked at a camp last summer; the other end of the age spectrum.” During the winter she’ll be available for private lessons. I told her how much she inspires me just listening. “For a 38 year old young woman to be beat breast cancer and to have taken it on with such vigor and to continue expressing herself with art and to inspire her daughter is all so special to me.”

One of my favorite songs is ‘Reason to Believe.’ One of my reasons to believe in Maria’s art is a new expressive venture (more formal information after this article) called, “Grandma’s Purse.”  Inventiveness and creativity came together in a stunning vision. As Maria explained to me, “What if a grandmother passes suddenly and the relatives are confronted with deep loss and a need to remember and remind. So they call me in and I learn and feel as much about the person as I can. Then I go through her purse (and wherever else) and retrieve personal and sensitive items. I go introspective and see things. I gather together pieces of a life. And it becomes a collage of loving personal memories of that Grandma.”  I thought it all brilliant as people can commission Maria to create this art. Better yet,  they get a chance to meet her as I have.

We walked around her yard. She loves animals. I think they love her. A group of squirrels were nearby. They’re regulars there. Her two small puppies greeted my shoes.  I asked Maria what inspires; “Teaching, communicating, being in the moment when something triggers an idea. Working with senior citizens and young children,”  “And what about your art goals?” “I would love my art to be understood and appreciated and for it to be in more current shows. It’s not about money but about being who you are and not afraid.”  Maria also just finished learning to weld to broaden her reach as an artist. Back inside the studio she showed me her mixed media work, “Motherboard” which I loved and then a vintage functioning cash register brought over from her father’s restaurant in Greenwich Village. I could easily sense her passionate pride.

A particular painting kept catching my eye. I beheld a self-portrait of Maria; intense, contemplative and hypnotic; I wondered what she was thinking when she painted it. I forgot to ask her. I did ask if we could talk about her battle with breast cancer. “It started 2 ½ years ago when I discovered it. It was attacked aggressively in a month with surgery. And I beat it. There are lessons to be learned. You have to be diligent with your body. I was 35 years old. Who would have ever thought I was a candidate. But I know you have to take care of yourself. It’s a powerful lesson for my young daughter to be aware as she gets older.” It was a good time to ask who her life’s heroes are. “Ellen Degeneres; she represents strength, inspiration, life and change for so many people. Then she makes you smile and laugh as well.”  My thought process told me that’s exactly what Maria Savarese does to people in her world; provide strength and inspiration. Kind of like a complete circle and a good place to shut off my reporter’s microphone/recorder.

What’s also important here is to provide all the contact information for Maria and her art.

Facebook: Maria Savarese(Mia)

Website: http://miaartonline.com/   Of course check this site out for a panoply of Maria’s art.

AND NOW HERE’S AN INTRODUCTION AND OFFERING OF MARIA’S “GRANDMA’S PURSE” COMMISSIONED ART. Yes you can commission her to create and preserve personal memories of loved ones.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMISSION AN ECLECTIC NEW JERSEY ARTIST TO CREATE ENDURING PERSONALIZED ART!

As a journalist covering art, (and music, environment and hunger) here in Central Jersey, I’ve had numerous opportunities to absorb the aura of local and global artists including yesterday’s wondrous discovery of Middlesex County artist, Maria Savarese.

I observed her passion to create multi-media art (she works in paint, pottery, collages and welding) which translates to expressions from deep within her spirited soul. When she showed me some of her introspective collages, one in particular called ‘Mother Board,’   our concentric circles of commonality came together. We talked for a long time in her studio. As a journalist, now enthralled with her art, zest for life, everything I saw in her studio and immediate world, I asked if she would ever consider doing special commissioned work on a limited basis. Maria then excitedly told me about her dream to create art which she called “Grandma’s Purse.”  She went on to explain.

“Imagine a grandmother passing away and the family gathering very personal belongings, even items from her purse and then they contact me. We get together and I learn as much as I can about the loved one. I study their photographs and begin to feel and sense things.  I talk to the family for a long time. It’s an in depth interview. With my feelings and sensibilities gathered and the loved one’s belongings, I can create a warm enduring collage or other artistic expression of tribute to their loved one. Of course, it’s time consuming and intricate.  But it’s a precious loving way to preserve and enhance memories.  So yes, I would entertain commissioned projects.”

I’ve done my journalistic due diligence writing about this extraordinary affordable opportunity to personally commission an artist, Maria Savarese, for family remembrances.

You can begin to feel and see the energy of Maria Savarese on Facebook and at her website. Give her a call or email.

Website:  miaartonline.com   you can friend Maria on Facebook: Maria Savarese   Facebook: Mia Art

Phone:  732-353- 6681

Thanks,

Calvin Schwartz, writer, NJ Discover.com

December 30, 2013

Lately I’ve been pondering how curious topics arrive at my computer keyboard. Earlier this week, I wrote about Monmouth County Cemetery Chasing because NJ Discover writers (me) have been on the grounds of several local cemeteries for rather serendipitous reasons. At NJ Discover we’re all over Monmouth County doing our job description; discovering, elevating and exploring our home county. Last month, I’ve also immersed myself into the art scene in Asbury Park and an hour ago, I realized that I should be telling a tale of art discovery.

Through the magic of Facebook with never ending stories of networking and events, last month I heard about an ‘artsy’ item at Asbury Lanes called Dr. Sketchy Asbury Park and decided to click the JOIN button after getting an invitation from Tim. I checked Google first; a new tool of investigative reporting. “Since 2005, Dr. Sketchy’s has been the name in alternative drawing. From illegal flash mobs to the Museum of Modern Art, Dr. Sketchy’s has brought artists a rule-breaking cocktail of dames, drinking and drawing. Dr. Sketchy’s branches draw in over a hundred cities around the globe, from Akron to Zagreb. Whether you’re an art star or a scribbling newbie, Dr. Sketchy’s is the perfect place to get your fill of life-drawing.”

For me, all a new world; in the past I’ve thought that if Christopher Columbus had approached me way back in my medicinal and potions medieval shop, a mile from where Queen Isabella lived, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity for a long ocean voyage. Crazy after all these years; so I still jump.

Cut to a recent Sunday afternoon; fellow producer and writer Tara-Jean Vitale and I arrived at Asbury Lanes for the Dr Sketchy’s Asbury Park sketching session themed as vampire motif with young female models. Asbury Lanes is as close to back to the future, 1950’s ambience, as I’ve seen since Michael J Fox drove a Delorean car. An old self photo booth, bowling ball rack with the top shelf filled with candles, a vending machine, the kind you pull the handle to release (four selections available) set the mood for ambience. A bar that almost reminded me of the ‘The Shining’ was off to the left; neat eclectic art work on the walls; an image of Springsteen, Henry Winkler and a rhinoceros and four rows of liquor in a bright showcase. A sign in the snack bar read, “Menu on counter. Booze in back. Vegetarian eats too.” Even the water fountain arrested eye contact.

Then we met congenial and inventive Tim, the host of Dr. Sketchy and Christopher Fitzgerald, an extraordinary artist and force field. Meanwhile 60 real artists with sketch pads positioned over ten vacant bowling alleys did their thing drawing the beautiful ‘dames’ posing in vampire suggestive poses on a stage. Finally, posing for an old fashioned photo-op with striking model Tricia completed my day in a brave new artistic world.

A few weeks later, Tim invited me as a journalist to cover a special photographic shoot at a private studio in Asbury Park. Of course, there wasn’t much processing just what this shoot was all about. Entering a vestibule (neat descriptive word), I rang the doorbell of suite five, was buzzed into a voice calling down a flight of stairs. “I’m from NJ Discover,” I yelled towards the voice. Next, I entered the photographic artist studio of  amazing Andrei Jackomets; a frenetic universe of sets, props, and four models being meticulously made up for a vintage art-deco classy pin-up shoot. More brave new world explorations for this reporter.

Tim was thrilled with my effort of being there. I was thrilled to be standing on the deck of the Santa Maria, so I thought; another Columbus voyage for me.  Time and energy expended into creating this shoot amazed. I asked permission to photograph what was witnessed. Works of Andrei lined the walls; an extraordinary artist. Everyone was gracious. Space was tight and most of the time, I couldn’t find a place for my 6’5” frame. Andrei and I saw eye to eye; he asked me to pose and then he posed with a model for my camera. I remember what Winston Zeddmore said at the end of ‘Ghostbusters.’ “I love this city!” And I do love the invention of Asbury Park. And thanks Tim, Dr Sketchy.

Last Saturday, March 24^th the new Bangs Art Gallery (congratulations Doug Z’illa) in Asbury Park celebrated an opening. Christopher Fitzgerald displayed his dazzling mixed-media collages before its multi-gallery tour. Rather than describe; check out pictures.  With artist Kortez, from Freehold; I stared at his mixed media/canvas and was transported far away; I like when art makes you think by reaching for an often misplaced social conscience. The gallery was crowded and folks talked not only about present art but how great it is to see Asbury Park alive. Prior to the gallery opening, we grabbed a sandwich on Cookman Avenue and afterwards walked across the street to The Press Room for Live Asbury Park’s presentation of ‘An Evening with Dusty,’ which recreated a 1969 concert experience with the original pop Diva and blue-eyed soul singer, Dusty Springfield.  Dusty was delivered by “powerhouse singer Kirsten Holly Smith, complete with peroxide beehive and panda eye shadow, backed by a trio of pop-soul doo-wop girls who step out for their own funky star turns.”  By the way, what a night; those that confine souls to the sedentary couch TV ought to know this entire evening in Asbury Park cost me $24.75 for two for everything.