For immediate release:

Belmar NJ November 20, 2007 - The Belmar Arts Council will unveil its new mural at the Boatworks, 608 River Road, at a dedication ceremony on December 2, 2007.

The mural, begun last spring, occupies the south exterior face of the Belmar Arts Council's headquarters at the former Connolly boat engine repair garage. After consideration of a number of proposals, council members selected a design by Pat Hutchinson that depicts the Route 35, Main Street and NJ Transit Railroad bridges on the top third of the 12- by 42-foot wall. The lower two thirds of the wall feature a cross section of water, like a view into a huge aquarium. A team of painters including Ms. Hutchinson, Paul Bonelli, Beth Gersten, Merry Brennan and Ron Anderson worked throughout the summer to complete the first phase of the mural. Bob Mataranglo, who has served as consultant and mentor to the project, constructed the three-dimensional components of the bridges. Siperstein's Paint and Decorating Centers generously donated all paint, brushes and rollers, with scaffolding supplied by Belmar's Department of Public Works.

On October 20, the BAC hosted over sixty interested community members who came to offer their suggestions of "what lies beneath the surface". Members and visitors, from 3-year olds to retirees, drew and painted their visions, ranging from well-informed and scientifically correct depictions of sea bass and jelly fish to the more imaginative -- mermaids, pirate treasure, King Neptune and even Atlantis. The ideas were then cut out and attached to a 5' x 18' "planning mural," which occupies one interior wall of the Boatworks. The painting team will complete the exterior wall during November, incorporating many of the community suggestions into the outdoor mural.

The Belmar Arts Council would like to thank the many people who have contributed to Belmar's new mural, especially Bob Mataranglo, Todd Katz and Siperstein's, Robbin Kirk and Andy Meuerle, along with Belmar's Mayor, Borough Council and Department of Public Works. Thanks also to everyone who offered their ideas and support to the project.

The dedication will take place on Sunday, December 2, at 1 pm at the Boatworks. All are invited to come and celebrate this new addition to Belmar's landscape, meet the artists and join BAC members for refreshments and an exhibit of local talent.

For more information and directions to the BoatWorks please visit the BAC web site at www.belmararts.org.

This program is 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.

About the Belmar Arts Council

The Belmar Arts Council is a non-profit corporation dedicated to making Belmar a better place to live through the arts.

The Belmar Arts Council provides opportunities for our children, residents and visitors to experience and participate in artistic activities by nurturing and maintaining an atmosphere in which art and artists can thrive in our community.

We provide a twelve-month voice for the arts in our community and schools by promoting events of interest for residents and visitors.

Recent events sponsored by BAC include the Art Walk, Photography Exhibition, Battle of the Bands, Children's Photography Workshop, FantaSea Creature Invasion, Beaux Eaux Ball, and Children's Juried Photography Show.

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Editors note:

For additional information:
Belmar Arts Council
Jack Leonard, V: 732-496-0993 E:j.leonard@namc-hitech.com Communications Committee
 
This release is available in Word and HTML format at http://www.namc-hitech.com/bac/
The Belmar Arts Council logo and is available by request. Please email j.leonard@namc-hitech.com