For immediate release:

Belmar, NJ, June 12, 2009 - The Belmar Arts Council's recent member show, Brave New Works, opened to the public on Saturday afternoon, June 6^th. The BAC's first theme show of the summer features painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking and fine crafts done in the past two years, with special emphasis on work that demonstrates risk-taking and new directions. A pre-opening member "salon" on June 4^th was attended by many BAC members and guests.

The Arts Council's summer shows are traditionally thematic and are planned to benefit local or regional charities. The Brave New Works show raised $321 for the Belmar Methodist Church Food Pantry. Bunny Poland, a representative for the food pantry, stated that the difficult economic climate has put extraordinary pressure on the food pantry in recent months, and noted that the donation will make a big difference to local families in need. Entry fees paid by members to participate in the show were accepted in either cash or a bag of canned or packaged food.

Brave New Works will run until June 27^th at the BAC Boatworks, 608 River Road, Belmar. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 pm. Visitors are welcome and can make a donation to the Food Pantry, either in cash or a bag of food, when they visit the gallery. In addition, a portion of all art sales will go to the Food Pantry.

The programs of the Belmar Arts Council are funded by dues, donations and grants. BAC's events are made possible in part by the Monmouth County Arts Council through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, through the County Historical Commission, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State a Partner Agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.