Image copyright of Peter Max
STONE HARBOR – Legendary artist Peter Max returns to Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ) over the fourth of July weekend, bringing with him a never-before-seen collection of his greatest and most-revered imagery spanning four decades. The new exhibition speaks to the evolution and maturation of America’s most popular living artist, offering a journey through the career of a pop icon that defined American art and began a new visual culture.
“Peter Max: A Tribute to America” will be on display Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, 2015 from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The artist will make two special appearances at receptions from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM on Friday, July 3 and from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 4. The exhibition and the receptions are free and open to the public, with all artwork on exhibit available for acquisition.
For the Stone Harbor exhibition, the Artist has assembled a collection of his greatest and most-revered imagery spanning four decades: from his iconic Pop Art designs commemorating Woodstock to the 2013 unveiling of Max’s design for the cruise ship Breakaway, and the exquisite Marilyn (Monroe) series. The carefully curated collection is a museum-like retrospective of Max’s works: Peter Max has been the Official Artist of the Grammy’s, five NFL Super Bowls, the 2006 Olympics, the World Cup USA, the World Series, the U.S. Open, the Indy 500, the NYC Marathon, and the Kentucky Derby.
With paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums, Presidential Libraries, and U.S. Embassies across the globe, Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Max has been successively called a Pop Icon, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist, and the United States “Painter Laureate.” The artist has had the distinct honor of painting the last seven Presidents of the United States and the world’s best loved celebrities, among them music sensation Taylor Swift, who was first exposed to Max during her summer visits to Stone Harbor and Ocean Galleries.
One of the highlights of this year’s carefully curated exhibition will be his latest series of paintings in honor of the Frank Sinatra Centennial Celebration. The exhibit also features his iconic and best-known pieces, including Statue of Liberty, his famous Flag pieces, Umbrella Man, and the prestigious Cosmic Runner. In addition, the exhibit features many of his revered celebrity portraits and numerous shore-themed paintings created specifically for the Ocean Galleries event.
“Hosting Peter Max and his vibrant artwork is always a treat as his exhibitions offer an art experience like no other,” said Kim Miller, owner of Ocean Galleries. “With his iconic imagery covering the walls and the rock ‘n roll music setting the mood, there is an eclectic energy and a feeling that you are in the presence of true greatness. It’s no wonder that legions of fans and collectors, many of them lifelong, show up to pay homage to Peter and view his newest collection of art.”
In addition to an extraordinary collection of artwork and custom-framing, Ocean Galleries also offers a variety of hand-made crafts from local, regional, and national artists in America, such as glass, pottery, jewelry, and furniture. All summer exhibitions take place at the Stone Harbor location of Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue), which is open from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM daily during the summer season. The Avalon location of Ocean Galleries (2199 Ocean Drive) is open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday. For more information or directions, call 609-368-7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com