Art & Soul

The Art Community of the Long Beach Island Region

What makes a place inspirational; is it the air, the water, the landscape or the people who inhabit it? For well over a century the Long Beach Island Region has drawn creative people, with everyone taking their interpretation with them to either share or keep for themselves. If you are seeking local artists they can be found by visiting galleries, taking classes or viewing exhibits. Arts abound in every direction of our community; take part in it.

Local Art News:

SwellColors Glass Studio 

10909 Long Beach Blvd Haven Beach 609 492 3783

presents 100 Waves of Summer Celebration July 30 to Aug 1

Art, music , refreshments, good times

 m.t burton gallery & 19th St Clay Studio

1819 N Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 609 494 0006

Jersey Shore Clay National 2010 August 14th- September 22

Opening Reception Saturday August 14 6-9 pm

Art Exhibition: Where Oceans Converge

This summer, the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF) is excited to share Where Oceans Converge, an art exhibition featuring a blend of East and West Coast artists who use the ocean, waves, and surfing as they're inspiration. "Long Beach Island is home to two amazing, yet independent communities: surfing and art," says Kristin Myers, the LBIF's Gallery Manager. "Like many California enclaves have perfected, the LBIF is attempting to fuse these two communities through an exhibition embracing both cultures."The inspiration behind Where Oceans Converge was born years ago when featured artists Julie Goldstein (a former LBIF employee) and Mark Tesi opened an integrated art gallery and surf shop on Long Beach Island, Pine Surf Shop. Sadly, their work, along with that of many other local artists, was destroyed by a devastating fire in the winter of 2008. The LBIF will honor Julie, Mark, and Pine by tying-in a fundraiser for the artists who lost their work, including a silent auction and live music. Along with the exhibition and fundraiser, the LBIF will screen three surf films: Hanging Five, a film exploring how five artists-including four who are featured in this exhibition-have been influenced by their surfing lifestyle. A Pleasant Surprise, a locally shot 16mm film received with great acclaim at the 2009 New York Surf Film Festival. And, Dear & Yonder, a film following a dynamic cast of ladies conquering some of the world's toughest waves. Where Oceans Converge will be on display July 28^th through August 17^th in the LBIF Main Gallery at 120 Long Beach Boulevard in Loveladies, New Jersey. The gallery is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is FREE to the public.