Eric Sucar

Atlantic Highlands Arts Council to hold Grand Opening Weekend

By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer

The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (AHAC) will be celebrating its move to a new location with a grand opening weekend, which will start tomorrow, Feb 11. The new location is 54 First Avenue (formerly the AJ Dillon Gallery) in Atlantic Highlands.

The AHAC is a 501c3 non-profit, volunteer organization that is made up of business and community leaders, educators, and professional artists.  The group aims to strengthen the community with the help of the arts.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be conducted by Atlantic Highlands Mayor, Randi Legrice at 5:30 p.m tomorrow.  Following at 6 p.m., “An Evening with John Peters” will be presented.  It is an art show that will feature paintings of local scenes, new collections, and recent landscapes.

Peters is from The Laurel Tracey Gallery and is well known for his YouTube channel, “Jon Peters Art and Home.”

On Feb. 12, AHAC will hold a coffee house, which will feature renewed songwriter and international touring artist, Joe Rapolla of Oceanport.  It will also feature Carl Gentry of Highlands, who performs with Jon Bon Jovi, and special guest bassist from Italy, Andrea Montecalvo.

The three artists will present a performance that consists of storytelling and select Americana music.  It would not be a coffee shop without refreshments, so cappuccinos and biscotti will be served.

President of the Arts Coucil, Sally Stopper appreciates the community’s help with the grand opening weekend.

“Thanks to all our amazing volunteers, we are taking it up a notch!” she said.

For event information and tickets call: 732-859-8000 or visit: www.joerapolla.com.