By J Hayles
STONE HARBOR, NJ – May 21, 2013 – As a kick off for the summer season, Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor) will host a collection of Impressionism artwork over Memorial Day weekend featuring the artwork of Alexandre Renoir, the great grandson of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, along with select works by his brother, Emmanuel Renoir, and the museum Master himself, Pierre-Auguste Renoir. “Renoir: A Legacy” opens at Stone Harbor’s premiere art gallery on Thursday, May 23 and runs through Sunday, June 2, 2013.
There will be receptions with Alexandre Renoir and Emmanuel Renoir on Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26 taking place from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM. Guests can enjoy a special treat as Alexandre Renoir shares his artistic talents, painting during the receptions. Additionally, both Alexandre and Emmanuel will provide curatorial lectures and insight into the fine collection of paintings and shriving vignette of intimate insights of the Renoir family.
“We are delighted to welcome Alexandre and Emmanuel to the gallery,” said Kim Miller, owner of Ocean Galleries. “It is amazing to hear first-hand knowledge of their great-grandfather’s artwork as well as stories about the Renoir family. Alexandre and Emmanuel have inherited the family passion and talent for extraordinary art.”
One of the most important forms of visual expression for the past 150 years, Impressionism reigns supreme; the unquestioned Master, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, is the leader in development of Impressionism. His distinct approach to capturing color and light is evident in his art that celebrates beauty in all things.
Born in Cagnes Sur Mer in the south of France, Alexandre Renoir grew up surrounded by art and artists. His famous family includes film director Jean Renoir, actor Pierre Renoir, director of photography Claude Renoir Jr., and Claude’s daughter actress Sophie Renoir, to name a few. Artistic from a young age, Alexandre went to various arts-oriented schools including the Virginia Park School for the artistically gifted and the Victoria School for the Arts and Performance, where he graduated in 1993. In addition to his formal education, he also attended classes at the Alberta Museum on Aboriginal Arts and Crafts, garnering experience in sculpture, pottery, woodworking, stone carving, commercial art, photography and painting.
His first serious artistic venture was with jewelry design, gemology, and goldsmithing in a family venture, which utilized the abundant local occurrence of the rare precious stone ammonite. Although he was immersed in the arts and culture of his environment, Alexandre remained primarily an onlooker until his drawing abilities were tapped by his brother Emmanuel. During a visit to La Jolla, Emmanuel gave Alexandre some drawing paper and challenged him to draw with charcoal. The results were impressive and his artistic talents in various styles were evident as they came quite naturally to the Renoir legacy.
Emmanuel Renoir was born in Monaco (Monte Carlo). His early years were greatly influenced by his grandfather Claude, “Coco”, who was a painter on ceramic, a sculptor, and a potter. The son of the great French Impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude passed on to Emmanuel his understanding of his father’s work as well as his passion for art. Like his brother, Emmanuel was immersed in the arts at a young age, with constant exposure to such Masters as Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, and Miro to name a few. Although Emmanuel’s artistic career started early, only recently, did he overcome his reticence and with the encouragement of many dedicated friends and clients, decided to commit to his creative side full time.
The “Renoir: A Legacy” exhibition will include original paintings, graphic works, and etchings by the featured artists. The limited run exhibition will be at Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor) Thursday, Mary 23 and runs through Sunday, June 2, 2013. The Stone Harbor gallery will host special guest receptions from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM on Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26
The Stone Harbor gallery is open from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM daily during the summer season. For more or directions, call 609-368-7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com
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For over 25 years, Ocean Galleries has provided quality art by contemporary artists to their clients while practicing the highest standards of credibility and integrity in a comfortable and unpretentious atmosphere. With locations in Stone Harbor and Avalon, New Jersey, the distinguished art galleries feature an ever-changing display of artwork that includes local artists’ watercolors, nationally recognized artists’ originals, popular beach prints and high-end reproductions. Ocean Galleries also carries fine furniture and hand-made crafts from America and around the world. For more information, please call 609.368.7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com
