By Jacqueline Durett
Correspondent
SOUTH AMBOY—These are the final days to see the work of local artist Victor Wayne Turback at the Broadway Gallery.
“The Works of Victor Wayne Turback, The 70 Year Show, Stuff Dreams Are Made Of …” features Turback’s oil on canvas paintings that span his career. The show closes on April 15.
Many residents may know Turback personally, as he and his wife, Sally, owned The Broadway Central Café (now the Blue Moon) in the city. Much of his work was on display while he owned the artist-friendly venue.
Turback said he saw many people from those days at the reception held at the gallery on his birthday, April 1.
“I saw many dear, old friends and made some new ones,” he said. “This exhibit includes work from early in my career to my current creations. All were well-received, especially my newest pieces.”
According to material on the exhibit, Turback’s “subject matter ranges from the actual to the unearthly, embodying both personal and universal imagery. The intricate details in each piece have a way of drawing you in, seeing more with each glance. His uniquely active imagination has helped him create a style of painting all his own.”
Turback draws his inspiration from many sources, he said.
“Being surrounded by great artists and musicians while going to Pratt Institute in the late ’60s and the wonderfully creative people that frequented the Broadway all had an impact on my work,” he said. “The Broadway Central was the first artistic venue in town. The walls were my gallery and I played music. I loved sharing my artistic vision with the public for over 30 years.”
He said he hopes those who see his work will open their minds “and see the world in a new way.”
The gallery is located at 161 No. Broadway and is open 3-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment by calling 732-753-9486.
Turback, a Sayreville native, now lives in Monmouth County, but his daughter, Oona Borg, still lives in the city. It was Borg who connected with Diana St. John and Susan Pellegrini, founders of the South Amboy Arts District, and upon her mentioning her father’s work and history with the city, the pair said they were interested, Turback said.
The exhibit was also mentioned by officials at the March 15 City Council meeting.
Councilman Tom Reilly, who regularly informs residents of arts district events at council meetings, encouraged residents to stop by, as did Business Administrator Camille Tooker.
“It is really great,” Tooker said of the show. “Anyone who remembers Wayne Turback from the Broadway Central, you will really enjoy this exhibit.”
Turback said he too is a fan of the arts district concept in the city.
“I think it is wonderful and look forward to its continued growth,” he said.