The Newsmagazine of Long Beach Island and Southern Ocean County

By Victoria Ford | on August 24, 2022

IN THE CLOUDS: ‘As the Fog Rolls In’ is Ann Coen’s first solo exhibit. (Photo by Ann Coen)

Atmospheric: Believe it or not, in the 18 years photographer Ann Coen has shot and created artful images on Long Beach Island and beyond, she has never mounted a solo exhibit – until now.

This Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Coen presents “As the Fog Rolls in” at her pop-up gallery in Beach Haven. She’s calling it the “summer finale,” as it concludes a season-long series of rotating exhibits in the temporary space.

“I wanted a cohesive show,” she said. As luck and creativity would have it, all the right elements came together one foggy morning.

Displaying photographs in a larger format elevates the viewing experience, in Coen’s opinion. Enlarged and exhibited properly, photographs can invite a viewer into a scene or a whole other world.

“We are all so used to looking at our phones,” she said.

After nine Thursday shows this summer, Coen said, “I’m excited for people to see something totally different. I’m hoping a lot of people come out.”

SOFTEN UP: ‘Shadows on Barns’ is one of Scott Molnar’s pastel interpretations now on display in Toms River. His training in pastels and watercolor underpainting techniques was at Pine Shores Art Association. (Artwork by Scott Molnar)

He’s a Natural: Scott Molnar’s “Pastel Interpretations” are artworks depicting landscapes of local repute, on display through September in the McConnell Gallery at Ocean County Library system headquarters, on Washington Street in Toms River.

His formal training has been through classes and workshops at Pine Shores Art Association in Manahawkin. His pastels are enhanced by watercolor underpainting.

Molnar said he learned to respect nature and understand the importance of “wild places” while growing up in the Burlington County Pinelands. He later moved to Montana, where he developed “a deep appreciation for the beauty and vastness of the mountains and free-flowing rivers and streams,” Molnar recalled.

“I have been drawing and doing illustrations for as long as I can remember,” he continued.

Pastels are his most recent exploration. “My love for plein air feeds my studio work. My goal is to capture a brief essence of light across the palette of nature.”

Concurrently, “New Perspectives” is a multimedia exhibit by the Toms River Artist Community available to view through the month of September in the library’s second-floor gallery.

The show represents unique creative expressions of the lively, thriving art scene in Downtown Toms River. Works by TRAC members encompass a broad range of themes, styles and mediums. TRAC’s multifaceted mission is to effect cultural enrichment; to provide affordable, active, vibrant opportunities for artists to work, teach and exhibit; and to advance the revitalization movement in Downtown Toms River.

Both shows are free and open to the public. For more information, call 732-349-6200 or visit the 101 Washington St. location. Keep up with library programs and events at theoceancountylibrary.org and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify and Pinterest.

Firm Foundation: At the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences in Loveladies, summer may be winding down, but it’s not too late to take a class in something new.

Try Chinese brush painting with Chung-Fan Chang on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon and learn a variety of ink and brush techniques to paint flowers, bamboo, landscape and animals. Discover boneless and outline style, as well as texture (cunfa) and the dotting (dianfa) methods. Later on Saturday, join The Eclectic Chic Boutique for a hands-on soap making adventure from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Choose from a variety of scents, colors and special mold shapes.

On Wednesday, Aug. 31, spend a morning learning watercolor with Carol Freas from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. Painters of all skill levels are welcome to develop new skills with transparent color by watching demonstrations and more. Bring supplies and a sketchbook. Call LBIF for the current supply list.

Next month, look forward to Monday, Sept. 19, 4 to 6 p.m., to make dough-bowl candles with Witchin’ Wicks for the upcoming fall season. Select the energy to infuse with crystals and herbs. Closer to Halloween, Witchin’ Wicks will be back on Monday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. for candle making and tarot. First make an intentional candle infused with crystals, herbs and oils, then “wax” metaphysical and enjoy some divination – a 5-minute tarot reading – while the candles set. Oracle cards are available for a more personal self-reflective experience. For each Witchin’ event, a $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor.

LBIF has made it easier for shoppers and collectors to purchase artwork ­– directly from the online gallery. Buy art from LBIF exhibitions at lbifoundation.org/store.

Brush Up: Free recurring monthly events continue at the Pine Shores Art Association at 94 Stafford Ave. in Manahawkin. The August show is called “Travels Abroad,” featuring the work of Mary Walker-Baptiste and Linda Saladino. Visit pineshoresartassociation.org to view the full calendar.

A grand opening celebration for the new annex, Pine Shores Art Association at Tuckerton, is planned for Saturday, Sept. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. The public is invited to tour the new facility and learn about classes and programs.

Tuckerton-based Art Chat, an official part of the PSAA, meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Tuckerton branch of the Ocean County Library, to share what they’re working on and receive feedback if desired or “just to see what everyone else is doing,” according to founder Nancy Glines. Newcomers are welcome. The only “rules” for participation, she said, are to be kind, helpful and encouraging to fellow artists. For more information, contact Glines at dun.roamin@verizon.net.

True to Form: Figure study sessions with a live, undraped model are open to the public on the first and third Sunday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon, in the historic church at 120 North Main St. (Stafford Township Historical Society headquarters). No formal instruction is offered. Artists of all levels of skill and experience are welcome. Next session is set for Sept. 4 with model Monique. Bring artful eyes and favorite supplies to float the creative boat. Drop in for $12.

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