R.B. gallery celebrates five years with exhibit of five artists’ works


James Gahagan, “New Eclipse” (1990) oil on linen, 46” x 48”James Gahagan, “New Eclipse” (1990) oil on linen, 46” x 48”

Laurel Tracey gallery is celebrating its fifth year in Red Bank with an installation of works by five artists whose work spans five decades.

"It’s our fifth anniversary, and it’s very exciting," said Laurel Bissonette, gallery director. "The gallery has definitely evolved and we are doing what we set out to do. The idea is to bring museum quality art that you would see in Chelsea or Soho to Red Bank. We’ve done that. People are responding to the level of art we’re showing."

"Five Years Five Artists Five Decades" evolved around the fifth anniversary theme, she noted.

"We wanted to do something that would that would speak to our five years and we decided to have five artists," she explained. "We’re showing work from the 1950s to the present. It came together that way. Michael Malpass was the first contemporary artist we had when we opened."


Michael Malpass, “TRW #2”  welded bronze sphere,  15” diameterMichael Malpass, “TRW #2” welded bronze sphere, 15” diameter

The four painters and one sculptor whose works are included in the exhibit are: Michael Malpass, best known for his spheres, which recycle found-industrial objects into sculptures; Natalie Baker, a portraitist and landscape painter, who worked during the early 1950s; James Gahagan, a major colorist; Robert Henry, a major painter in Provincetown, R.I.; and Larry Zox, whose focus is large color field abstract paintings.

An opening reception will be held at the gallery, located at 10 White St., July 24, 6:30-9 p.m. The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 31, can be viewed on the gallery’s Web site, www.laureltraceygallery.com.


Larry Zox, “Diamond Drill Series, Jodhpur” (1967)  acrylic and epoxy on canvas, 48’ x 40”Larry Zox, “Diamond Drill Series, Jodhpur” (1967) acrylic and epoxy on canvas, 48’ x 40”