Artist Profile: Joseph Reilly

The Road Trip Murals

This series of paintings was designed for the Basie Gala, which is a yearly fund raiser for the Education Fund for the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank.

The theme for the Gala was the First Fifty Years of the Basie, beginning with the 60’s with pop art and op art and the beatnik movement, and going on to the 70’s hippie movement in music, art, and cinema.

The idea was a road trip beginning with a luxury limo in the entrance, leading into the small theatre which had 50’s music, drinks, and décor.

This road trip ended in the main theatre, which was transformed into a restaurant where guests were presented with a music and dance show while dining.

These murals were installed in a 40 foot long hallway leading to the main theatre.  The hallway was lit with black light and psychedelic effects. The murals represent the various periods and movements that were relevant in the late 60’s and 70’s.

Artist Profile: Laura Angress

Laura Angress is a featured artist in our spring ’21 show, Its All About Color, opening April 17, through May 30.

Laura Angress, born and raised in Monmouth County and owner of Murals by Laura, has been a full time artist since 2006.  After graduating with a Fine Arts degree, with honors, from Rowan University in 1996 she continued her education at the Illustration Academy in Kansas City, MO.   She then went on to work for Nordstrom as stylist, regional interior specialist and manager in Visual Merchandising for more than a decade.  Inspired by seeing the Sistine Chapel in Rome in person in 2006, Laura decided to start her leave of the corporate world and become an artist full time.  Laura’s commissioned works include murals, fine art canvases and decorative wall finishes in businesses and homes.  She has created many commissioned canvases for Karen Lozner, Fashion Designer and owner of Karen’s School of Fashion (KSOF).  Laura’s first beach series paintings were purchased by Dr. Jennifer Morrison and adorn the walls of Morrison Orthodontics.  Her themes vary from beach, lakes, fashion, dog portraits, sports, animals, cityscapes  and underwater seascapes.  Laura also worked as an Art Instructor at Pinot’s Palette, Manalapan from 2017 – 2020.  She has won various awards for her work including the Nordstrom Corporate Visual Award, and various awards from the Freehold Art Society with her lake paintings.  Laura has been commissioned to paint over 90 murals and canvases for various businesses and residences all over New Jersey.  Laura is a member of the Freehold Art Society and an Exhibiting Artist at the Guild Of Creative Art in Shrewsbury, NJ. She prefers to paint large canvases with acrylic as her medium.  She currently resides in Freehold, NJ with her husband, two children and dog. 

Artist Spotlight: Andre Russell

Local artist Andre Russell’s work in fashion design, fine art, and graphic design is well known and featured now at The Freehold Art Gallery.  His “Jersey” T-shirts and hats make great gifts! 

#WillTheRealTeamJerseyStandUp?

Stone Man and Golden Man, Diamond Dust, 36″ x 72″

Coming in Februaray for Black History Month

“May our good be better and our better best.” – Andre Russell

Exhibit by Freehold Artist Mary Caruso-Albert extended until July 19

Restaurant Row by Mary Caruso-Albert is one of many paintings featuring Freehold that will be on display in this show.

Freehold Art Gallery has reopened. Our current art show featuring Freehold artist, Mary Caruso-Albert has been extended through July 19. Mary Caruso-Albert is one of Freehold’s most notable artists.

“Mary’s iconic work tells the story of today’s Freehold, and we are thrilled to be hosting this exhibit,” curator Jill Barba said.

Mary will be available to give gallery visitors a tour of her work, discuss her process and her subjects during Meet and Greet sessions to be announced

“Freehold’s architecture, and history has always intrigued me,” Ms. Caruso-Albert explained. “When I started working in watercolor, it was a simple decision to paint the interesting buildings in Freehold.”

Caruso-Albert is best known for her watercolors of New Jersey’s historical sights, landscapes, the Jersey Shore and of course, Freehold. Prints and notecards will be available for purchase at the gallery.

“My favorite work is commissioned paintings that I call ‘Memories.’

These paintings of homes, children, and vacation spots bring joy, a lasting joy, to the people who want them created.” Mary said.

Face coverings are required and a maximum of 10 persons will be in the gallery at one time. Our summer hours are in effect. Private tours welcomed by appointment.