The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, Freehold Township, will present its second major art exhibit, “Purity of Expression” Sally Asa: American Artist, 1921-1988. This retrospective will feature the work of renowned shore artist Sally Asa.
The exhibit will be open to the public, free of charge, from March 3 through April 12 during regular museum hours, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibit will include finished works in various media, including oils, water colors and drawings, while Asa’s sketchbooks and sculptures will also be on display. Many pieces will be for sale.
“In her time, Sally Asa made huge contributions to the arts community of Monmouth County, particularly in the shore area,” said Michael Berman, president of the Board of Directors of the museum. “We are delighted and proud to present this retrospective exhibit and share her vision.”
Curating and hanging the exhibit will be Asa’s twin daughters, Leora Asa and Judi Reis. Asa is a working painter, designer and entrepreneur in Freehold, while Reis, a resident of Rockland, Me., has achieved some notoriety as a photographer in her own right.
Born in Chelsea, Mass., the daughter of turn-of-the-century Russian immigrants, Sally Halbstein married noted Monmouth County physiologist Maxim Asa, who was born in Tzvat, Israel.
Initially settling in Israel, the Asas traveled the world and eventually moved their growing family to Livingston. In 1964 the family moved to Deal, where Asa’s reputation as a talented artist widened. She created scenery for theatrical productions, participated in programs that promoted artistic achievement and taught classes in painting and sculpture.
During the next decade Asa’s artwork gained prominence in Monmouth County, while around the world many respected collectors sought her work In 1974 she opened her own gallery, The Shore Fine Art Center in Long Branch, which showcased the work of area artists as well as her own.
In the years until her death she grew as an artist and received many accolades, including a listing in the 1981-82 edition of “American Artist of Renown.”
The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County is at 310 Mount’s Corner Drive, at the intersection of Wemrock Road and Route 537 West in Freehold Township. The museum is handicapped accessible. For more information about the exhibit, call the 732-252-6990 or visit www.jhmomc.org.