Art lovers have a lot to be excited about this summer thanks to three new exhibits at Burlington County’s galleries.
One exhibit offers the opportunity for viewers to experience a rare glimpse of concerts featuring iconic musicians. Another reveals an artist’s creative use of recycled items and objects to make unique figures, clocks and garden sculptures. The third showcases a local artist specializing in portraits of both humans and their canine companions.
“The arts are alive and flourishing in Burlington County and these exhibits are a reflection of that growth,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Our Board is proud to support the arts in our county and we want to encourage residents to take advantage of these opportunities to experience the vision and creativity of some of the best artists in our region.”
The galleries are located within the Smithville Mansion Annex and Worker’s House at Historic Smithville Park, 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, and at the Warden’s House, adjacent to the Historic Prison Museum, 150 High Street, Mount Holly.
All three galleries are open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from noon to 4 PM. Admission is free.
“Our Burlington County Parks System not only offers outdoor recreation but art exhibits that promote creative expression, critical thinking and thoughtful discussion at our outstanding galleries,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “Each gallery is within beautifully preserved historic buildings and provide the perfect venues for visitors to experience works from many of the talented artists who live and work in our county and region.”
Here is a closer look at the new and upcoming exhibits:
Out of the Darkness and Into the Light
The photography exhibit at the Smithville Annex Gallery at Smithville Park is certain to be a hit with music fans. It features images from a dozen professional photographers who attended concerts featuring various genres and musicians. Their photographs offer glimpses of the action and energy of live music shows by some of rock and jazz’s biggest legends, including the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Rage Against the Machine, Annie Lennox, Judas Priest, Dave Brubeck, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and more.
The exhibit was curated by Burlington County Parks Art Coordinator Anthony Jacobsen and includes images he took as well as others from photographers Sandra C. Davis, Ryan Mullaney, Kristin Michel, Christopher Hosey. Skylar Watkins, Shannon Sophy, Estelle Massry, Matt Christine, Bill Raymond, CJ Harker and Alonzo Jennings.
The exhibit opens Thursday, June 22, and will run through August 26. A reception with several of the exhibited photographers will be held July 8 from 5 PM to 8 PM.
The Art of John Russo: Recycled Reimagined
The exhibit at the Worker’s House Gallery at Smithville Park showcases the creations of Brooklyn-based artist, John Russo.
Russo is a retired window and store display artist who specializes in sculptures made from recycled materials and everyday items and objects. His intricate artwork includes robot-like figures, garden art, clocks and steampunk-inspired pieces.
The exhibit runs from Thursday, June 22, through August 19.
The Art of Pattie Ingenbrandt
Burlington County-based painter Pattie Ingenbrandt’s many portraits of both people and canines are featured in her solo show at the Warden’s House Gallery in Mount Holly.
Igenbrandt’s beloved Labrador, Penny, became one of her favorite subjects and the catalyst for many of her other commissioned canine portraits. Her oil paintings use a limited palette and layers of glazing to capture the eyes and emotions of her subjects.
Ingenbradt’s exhibit runs now through July 8. A reception for the exhibit will be held Friday, June 23, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Warden’s House.
Coming soon: The Burlington County Senior Art Show
The annual Burlington County Senior Art Show returns next month and will showcase exceptional works from professional and amateur artists 60 and older who reside in Burlington County.
Last year featured dozens of artists and their original paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures.
This year’s show will run from July 13 to September 9 at the Warden’s House Gallery in Mount Holly. A reception is scheduled July 14 from 1 to 3:30 PM.
There’s still time for local senior artists to submit a piece for the exhibit. Works must be submitted by July 8. To request a prospectus, contact Carla Fynan of the Burlington County Office on Aging at 609-265-5784 or email cfynan@co.burlington.nj.us.
