Events Page

The Middletown Arts Center is thrilled to present the film capturing the moment that changed art forever, Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874. Exhibition On Screen’s remarkable film, directed by Ali Ray and produced by Phil Grabsky, immerses the viewer in the vibrant Parisian art scene of the 1870s that birthed the world’s favorite art movement. The film investigates the origins of Impressionism and the fascinating story behind them with a cinematic look at the stunning Paris 1874 Impressionism exhibition organized by the Musée d’Orsay and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, on display through January 2025.

ABOUT DAWN OF IMPRESSIONISM: PARIS 1874 BY EXHIBITION ON SCREEN
Told uniquely through the words of those who witnessed the birth of Impressionism - the artists, their contemporaries, art critics, writers and commentators of the time - the film reveals the political and social shifts which sparked their new approach to art. It reexamines the moment in history which changed art forever thanks to pioneering artists such as Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne and highlights the crucial contributions of women artists to the Impressionist movement showcasing celebrated works by Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot. The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history – millions flock yearly to marvel at their masterpieces. But, to begin with, they were scorned, penniless and ridiculed mercilessly by critics and the people of Paris for their new style.

Yet these outsiders went on to become the iconic founders of the world’s favorite art movement. Who were the maverick personalities that wielded their brushes in such a radical and provocative way? What led to them finally breaking free of the rules to hold their own radical exhibition on April 15, 1874, which has since taken on legendary status as the birth of the French art movement. The film includes groundbreaking works from Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Édouard Manet, Henri Fantin-Latour, Eugène Boudin, Frédéric Bazille, Étienne-Prosper Berne-Bellecour and Auguste Lançon.

Tickets are $15 for the public and $10 for MAC Members. Purchase tickets online at middletownarts.org, by phone at 732.706.4100 or at the MAC Box Office. The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ (next to the Middletown train station). Parking is available onsite with additional free parking available in station metered lot.

Georgia O’Keeffe: the Brightness of Light is a 2-hour documentary exploring the life and art of the most important woman artist of the 20th century – the ”Mother of Modernism.” In the 1920s, O’Keeffe became famous for her paintings of flowers, bones, and the beauty of nature. She posed nude for shocking photographs by Alfred Stieglitz, but denied that her paintings depicted sexual imagery. In the 1970s, she emerged as an iconic role model for women.

Come share your musical passions at Belmar Art Center's Weekly Open Mic and Music Workshop! Every Tuesday, sign-ups start at 7pm.
Attention songwriters and musicians, a new open mic is town. In addition to the monthly open mic we have, we are facilitating a WEEKLY open mic and workshop, every TUESDAY for artists to hone and share their amazingness and receive feedback. If you wish to share an original of yours, awesome. If you want to play a cover, great. You may want to just share an idea with a band to see what it sounds like. That's great. This open mic is designed for collaborators and experimentalist alike, to try new things, and be open to different possibilities. Join Multi-Instrumentalist Andy Demos every Tuesday Night.

This is a Belmar Arts Shared Interest group run by Andy Demos adreamos1@gmail.com
Please email Andy if you have any questions or concerns.

Guests are warmly welcomed for any two open mics but after that a membership to the BAC is required. ($35/year and goes to a great cause)

Come share your musical passions at Belmar Art Center's Weekly Open Mic and Music Workshop!

Every Tuesday, sign-ups start at 7pm.

Attention songwriters and musicians, a new open mic is town. We have been facilitating a Tuesday WEEKLY open mic and workshop, every TUESDAY for artists to hone and share their amazingness and receive feedback for over 3 years now!

If you wish to share an original of yours, awesome. If you want to play a cover, great. You may want to just share an idea with a band to see what it sounds like. That's great. This open mic is designed for collaborators and experimentalist alike, to try new things, and be open to different possibilities. Join our hosts multi-instrumentalist Andy Demos & singer, song writer, guitarist Alex Sanders every Tuesday Night.

Free for BAC Members ($35/year membership fee)
$5 donation for non-members

This Shared Interest group is run by Andy Demos adreamos1@gmail.com
Please email Andy if you have any questions or concerns.

This family-friendly festival features a variety of fine artists and artisans, as well as live music by some of the best local musicians. Free activities, food vendors, and artist demonstrations throughout the day. Free admission & free parking.

Andrew John Rayha
"Black Sheep" Single Release Show
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Doors 7:00
Show 7:30pm

The Belmar Arts Center is proud to showcase original music from one of its favorite songwriters, Andrew John Rayha. Andrew's deep, soulful voice and unique, percussive rhythm guitar style make him stand out amongst other artists in the New Jersey music scene. On this night, Andrew is celebrating the release of his new single, "Black Sheep." Friends and fellow musicians of Andrew have been anticipating this release for a long time, and on this night they will get what they want!

Featured opening artists on this show will include Todd Garno, Gene Black, and Alex Sanders, all of whom bring distinct styles and approaches to songwriting.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided!

Come share your musical passions at Belmar Art Center's Weekly Open Mic and Music Workshop! Every Tuesday, sign-ups start at 7pm.
Attention songwriters and musicians, a new open mic is town. In addition to the monthly open mic we have, we are facilitating a WEEKLY open mic and workshop, every TUESDAY for artists to hone and share their amazingness and receive feedback. If you wish to share an original of yours, awesome. If you want to play a cover, great. You may want to just share an idea with a band to see what it sounds like. That's great. This open mic is designed for collaborators and experimentalist alike, to try new things, and be open to different possibilities. Join Multi-Instrumentalist Andy Demos every Tuesday Night.

This is a Belmar Arts Shared Interest group run by Andy Demos adreamos1@gmail.com
Please email Andy if you have any questions or concerns.

Guests are warmly welcomed for any two open mics but after that a membership to the BAC is required. ($35/year and goes to a great cause)

Come share your musical passions at Belmar Art Center's Weekly Open Mic and Music Workshop!

Every Tuesday, sign-ups start at 7pm.

Attention songwriters and musicians, a new open mic is town. We have been facilitating a Tuesday WEEKLY open mic and workshop, every TUESDAY for artists to hone and share their amazingness and receive feedback for over 3 years now!

If you wish to share an original of yours, awesome. If you want to play a cover, great. You may want to just share an idea with a band to see what it sounds like. That's great. This open mic is designed for collaborators and experimentalist alike, to try new things, and be open to different possibilities. Join our hosts multi-instrumentalist Andy Demos & singer, song writer, guitarist Alex Sanders every Tuesday Night.

Free for BAC Members ($35/year membership fee)
$5 donation for non-members

This Shared Interest group is run by Andy Demos adreamos1@gmail.com
Please email Andy if you have any questions or concerns.

An Evening with Renee Maskin
Thursday May 15th • $20
Doors: 7pm / Show: 7:30pm

Known for her distinctive voice, literally and artistically, Renee Maskin is a staple of the thriving music scene in Asbury Park, NJ. Merging indie-folk with country and experimental influences, Maskin’s work is as grounded in traditional song craft as it is offbeat and distinct in its delivery. After decades of touring with bands, she has been releasing music under her own name since 2022. In early 2023, Maskin’s full-band collaborative effort Renee Maskin & The Mysterious Wilds reached number one on the NACC Folk charts. A solo effort later that year, Shimmer, was named one of 2023’s National Top Albums by The Aquarian that year, which also named her “Songwriter of the Year”.

Maskin’s unique sound has brought her to support wide ranging international acts, including Jon Langford (Mekons), William Tyler, Tyler Ramsey, Del Amitri, and Jill Sobule to name a few. Maskin formerly fronted indie-rock group Lowilght, a run that included four acclaimed studio albums and a tour opening for rock icons, Pretenders. Before then, she played in bands ranging from prog-punk, to alt-country, to somber folk.

More info at: https://www.reneemaskin.com/

We'll begin the evening with an opening set by Kevin Spyker, music director at Belmar Arts, bringing his eclectic blend of originals, covers and jams. Spyker and his fellow musical collaborators at BAC are known for multi-media performances like "Dark Side of the Rainbow" and their ongoing tribute series pairing legends of rock with unsung heroes.

Follow on Facebook & YouTube @KevinSpyker