Max is back

Double check the sound systems, make last minute lighting adjustments, and prepare for crowd control.
No…we’re not talking about a Rolling Stones performance, but rather the return of the man who has always had a passion for rock ‘n roll, has painted portraits of many rock stars, including members of the Rolling Stones, and whose art exhibits often take on the vibe of a rock concert—Peter Max.
The “Celebration of Harmony” exhibition, featuring over 100 of the icon’s works, will take place at Ocean Galleries, 9618 Third Ave. in Stone Harbor on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27.
Max will be on hand at two gallery receptions to personally sign artwork purchases on Saturday, July 26 from 7-10 p.m. and Sunday, July 27 from 1-4 p.m.
“With the return of the legendary Peter Max, our gallery comes alive with excitement and energy,” said gallery owner, Kim Miller. “This exhibit is unlike any other one that we host – the rock music is playing, people are having fun, and, of course, the artwork is amazing!”
Max has evolved from a visionary pop artist of the 1960s to a master of neo-expressionism. Over the years, he has worked with oils, acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink, multi-colored pencils, etchings, lithographs, silk screens, sculpture and collage.
His techniques of vibrant color have become a part of the contemporary American culture.
Max’s art has been exhibited in over one hundred museums and his one-man retrospectives have commanded record-breaking attendance at such prestigious venues as the de Young Museum, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Moscow Academy of Art.
The famous “Cosmic ’60s” style artwork that Max created, employing Fauvist use of color and often depicting transcendental themes, has revolutionized art. As his expressionistic style evolved, Max’s unique symbolism and vibrant color palette have continued to inspire new generations of Americans.
In addition to the iconic imagery that he is best known for, Max will be bringing along numerous new original paintings created especially for his South Jersey show at Ocean Galleries.
“Having exhibited in Stone Harbor seven of the past eight years, I have grown to love the South Jersey area, particularly the quaint seashore communities of Stone Harbor and Avalon,” said Max. “Several years back, I strayed away from my more typical subject matter and began painting a series of beach scenes and birds indigenous to the area, many of which will be displayed at this show.”
Max’s passion for the Jersey shore area has extended to other projects over the years as well, including creating artwork for an 8,500 square foot vinyl displayed on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in 2003, producing a mammoth image to cover the 140 foot high Stone Harbor Water Tower in 2006, and other projects, often benefiting a local charity.
The “Celebration of Harmony” exhibition is free and open to the public.
Ocean Galleries is open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily during the summer season.
For more information or for directions, call 609-368-7777 or visit oceangalleries.com.