BY MICHAEL ALERHAND
Correspondent
MANALAPAN – The artwork of classically trained Richard Berger will be displayed at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan from Aug. 31 to Sept. 25.
Berger, who has painted professionally since 1997, planned the event so that it would mark the one-year anniversary of his return from a three-month stay in Italy, where he painted the Tuscan countryside and a mural outside of Florence.
“My experience in Italy was something that I will never forget,” said the painter. “I really feel that I developed as a painter and left with more of an understanding for art.”
Berger received his bachelor of fine arts degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts at the University of Pennsylvania. While continuing his career as a commission-based artist and speaker on art, he has participated in several juried shows throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia, where he previously served as an apprentice.
“Since I was 5 years old, I have used art to understand things. I drew dinosaurs and the solar system,” recalled Berger. “It was always the tool to my fun, life, and existence, and I haven’t stopped.”
His work is included in many private and public collections both in the United States and in Europe. Recognized for his portraiture, still-life paintings, landscape paintings, and for his work in the sacred arts, Berger works in his studio in Morganville but also works on-site in Philadelphia.
The show will be open to the public and will exhibit new works available for purchase.
“I am extremely excited for my artwork to be on display,” Berger said. “Some of my work has been waiting to be seen for a long time.”