Soak up the Sun on Broadway Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center Celebrates Lifeguards and Surf Culture

The Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center celebrates lifeguards and surf culture with a new exhibit running this summer. This display will be up through August 30^th and features the history of lifeguarding (formerly known as lifesaving) in Long Branch dating back to the 1850s with memorabilia from the early surf days in the sixties, eye-catching art created by local artists, alongside many other noteworthy relics.

“This summer we wanted to honor Long Branch’s deep history with lifesaving and take the opportunity to recognize the significant role both the lifeguards and surfers have played in shaping the culture in Long Branch,” Mayor Pallone said. “The latest exhibit was a true collaborative effort, with lifeguards and surfers, past and present, sharing their stories and loaning items from their private collections,” concluded Pallone.

Artifacts in the exhibit include: original 1890s bathing suits, a 1907 beach lounge chair, retro surfboards, historic lifesaving equipment, photographs through the decades from both lifeguards and surfers, and so much more.  Featured artists are Jay Alders, Lisa Bagwell, Lisa Bertole, Cathy Corcione, Steve Fischer, Jack Green, John Glenn, Alexis Herman, Ronnie Jackson, Mike Quon, and Carla Valentino. With a mix of paintings, sculptures made of found materials from the beach, and photography; there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This exhibit has been so much fun to curate,” expressed Arts Director, Maggie Fischer. “It was a joy bringing the beach to the Arts & Cultural Center on upper Broadway, with every aspect and detail a nod to Long Branch’s love of the ocean,” continued Maggie Fischer.

The artists will be present at the opening reception on Monday, July 22^nd from 6-8pm with live music and free food. The Arts & Cultural Center is open daily, Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30.

“We expect the reception to be a reunion of sorts for the beach and surf community,” Margaret continued. “There is a lot of excitement around this exhibit and we are thrilled to bring everyone together. We have a wall dedicated to the hundreds of photos given to us by the community that has come together as kind of a yearbook wall that we are very proud of.”

The City of Long Branch is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey.  Learn more at www.longbranch.org.
If you would like more information, please contact Lindsay DeAngelis at 732-571-5645 or ldeangelis@longbranch.org.Exhibition Description: Written by Margaret Brown, Arts Center Coordinator – TIDES OF CHANGE:
“The ocean is an unforgiving force, yet its pull — and the innate need many feel to be close to it — is undeniable. Lifeguarding and surf culture have shaped the way we engage with the sea. The history of our coast is nothing short of fascinating, and we are fortunate to call the beach our “backyard.” We hold lifeguards and surfers in high esteem, seeing them as the protectors of the shore and lovers of the water. Without their skill sets and passion, beach culture wouldn’t be what it is today.

Lifeguarding in Long Branch and the Jersey Shore began to boom as more people started visiting local hotels such as The Mansion House. These early lifesavers were known as “bathing masters.” In the 1800s, long before bikinis, bathing suits were made of wool and reflected the modest dressing standards of the time. Alongside lifeguard culture, rides surf culture.
Although surfing has been an activity dating back to ancient times, surf culture in Long Branch didn’t develop until the 1960s. What was once considered a radical sport gradually gained popularity. Surfing evolved from a niche activity into a beloved pastime and competitive sport. Both lifeguarding and surfing helped create the identity of our coastal community. Artists, musicians, writers and craftsmen across disciplines continue to practice capturing the essence of the coast, trying to recreate the dichotomy between the power and mystery the ocean embodies. With their contagious passion and knowledge, lifeguards and surfers continue to shape our beach experiences.
So much has changed to bring us where we are today. If you grew up in this area, you likely have a lifeguard story.”