The Art Alliance of Monmouth County Studio & Gallery burst into life with creativity and inspiration on January 6, unveiling the much-anticipated DUALITY: The Faculty and Selected Students of Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College Invitational Exhibition. Curated by Artists Jill Kerwick and Kathy Doherty, this showcase celebrates the dynamic collaboration between educators and learners in art.

Featuring many mediums including pottery, photography, sculpture, and fine art, the exhibition represents the artistic tapestry woven by the talented faculty and selected students from Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University.

Brookdale student Viviana Ma stood out as a notable contributor, captivating the audience with her design of two beautiful blue and white pottery pieces.Viviana Ma and her pottery Professor Lori Uffer and Ed Stein joined forces to create three untitled pottery pieces, highlighting their collaborative artistic efforts.

Photography Instructor and his student standing in front of their work in art gallery.The exhibition postcard prominently showcased Nina Rothberg and her Photography Instructor, Ceaphas Stubbs. Ceaphas contributed three vibrant pieces to the exhibition, namely Take all the time you need, which is the one featured on the postcard, along with Think of all the possibilities and Oblivious to everything except the mid-summer heat.

Megha Saini, mentored by Professor Marie Maber, displayed two captivating India ink pieces named Drops in an Ocean and Heads in the Clouds. Professor Maber, in turn, exhibited her oil paintings titled Off Season and Nocturne, scenes of familiar local spots. Adding to the supportive atmosphere, Chrissy Maber, Secretary of the Brookdale Alumni Association, was present to offer her support to the students and faculty.

Professor Amy Faris made a bold statement with her work titled Breast, while her student Olivia Sorge also contributed with her “Untitled” oil painting to the exhibition. Nikole Kithcart, a student of Instructor of Fine Art Mildred Wexler Kobrinski, contributed two artistic wire hen sculptures titled Carl and Lucy. Mil’s own clay pieces, Woodland Vessel, and Sea Vessel, add another layer to the rich artistic tapestry.

The venue, situated at 33 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, New Jersey, provides a fitting backdrop for this celebration of artistic diversity. The Art Alliance of Monmouth County, founded by Jean Townsend, has been instrumental in fostering artistic endeavors in the region.

With over 300 members from various artistic disciplines, the Art Alliance serves as a central hub for traditional and non-traditional art, promoting the advancement of visual arts and creating a vibrant community for artists to connect, discuss, and exchange ideas.

The exhibition is open for public viewing from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, and invites art enthusiasts to explore the rich artistic offerings. As the vibrant artworks on display continue to captivate audiences, the Invitational Exhibition stands as a testament to the thriving artistic community and the collaborative spirit between educators and aspiring artists at Brookdale Community College.

Featured photo is left to right: Viviana Ma, Professor Lori Uffer and Professor Marie Maber in front of Marie Maber and Megha Saini’s work.