West Long Branch Community Center
February 28, 2022
Weekly specials coming up at Fine Fare Supermarket
March 1, 2022
By Patty Booth O’Neill – Since the Bank of America was transformed into the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center on Broadway, it has been hosting new exciting events for the public to enjoy. The most current being on February 26 as they presented an Artist Reception Celebrating Black History Through Art. Read story and watch videos of the event.
Artists, including local Long Branch resident LoTuya Morris with Tino Cook and Harthula Nevling, showcased their talent. Also present was art studio owner Arthur Pinckney of New Jersey Arts World in Union, which displays Black art.
Artist LaTuya Morris (third from left) with her mom Nadine Morris and Grandma Apostle Gloria James of Long Branch, with Mayor John Pallone and his wife Svetlana.
“This is a wonderful event,” said Mayor John Pallone. “The artwork is amazing – the artists are so talented with their use of many different mediums.”
A DJ played music from the corner of the room, delicious food was set up on a table in the middle, and the room buzzed with people discussing art as they wandered from picture to picture. There were hundreds of pieces to admire between the three artists, all of them willing to explain where their inspiration came from and what technique they used. Everyone different in their own way.
A monitor suspended on the wall above the old bank vault played a mesmerizing video of a beautiful ballet featuring Long Branch High School graduate Glenn Allen Sims who went on to study at Juilliard School and now dances with his wife.
Poets also had their moment and were encouraged to read their poetry during open mike time.
The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and is free to the public. The artwork will be on display until March 4.
Upcoming Events:
Grant’s 200th Birthday Celebration with a collection of photos and artifacts
April 4th – May 18th 2022
Opening Reception Thursday April 27th
