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New Art Exhibit: James Deane: A Hidden Treasure

Monmouth University’s Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the opening of a new art exhibit, James Deane: A Hidden Treasure, taking place in the Pollak Gallery September 8 through October 26.

The exhibit, curated by David McCudden, will feature recently discovered artwork by artistic visionary James Deane, a life-long resident of Long Branch (1906 – 2001). The works featured in the exhibit include magnificent botanical studies, futuristic landscape paintings and whimsical pottery, most of which has been unseen since the 1930’s.

There will be a reception and gallery talk by Deane’s former friend/neighbor and Monmouth University professor Richard Brewer on Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

James Deane was the valedictorian of his class when he graduated from Long Branch High School in 1925. He went on to attend Pennsylvania Museum’s School of Industrial Art (later Philadelphia College of Art and University of the Arts) and graduated with honors in 1930. Deane was prolific in many mediums, creating works of art with watercolors, pen and ink, pencil and clay. During his lifetime, he was supported by his only sibling, his sister Laura, which allowed him the freedom to focus exclusively on his artwork for many years.

The artwork in the exhibit ranges from throughout Deane’s lifetime and was only recently discovered by curator David McCudden. “When I came across Deane’s work I just knew it had to be shared,” said McCudden who found the extensive collection while at a local flea market. Much of the work is far ahead of its time. Deane’s keen eye for graphic composition and his attention to detail in his artistic studies make this a very significant body of work. A private person during his lifetime, much of Deane’s work will be shown in public for the first time.

The Pollak Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Also on exhibit at Monmouth University is Bruce Springsteen: A Photographic Journey, an exhibition curated by the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE featuring 45 iconic images of Bruce Springsteen in Rechnitz Hall’s DiMattio gallery from September 8 through December 22 and an exhibit of collage/mixed media art by Aaron Wexler in the Rotary Ice House gallery from September 8 – November 13.

All gallery events are free and open to the public. For more information about this exhibition and all Monmouth University Center for the Arts events visit www.monmouth.edu/arts or call 732-263-5715.