Art survives the pandemic

I hope you are all staying safe & well as these intense, unsure & scary times continue.  While NJ is slowly getting back to a semblance of normalcy…well, new normalcy…much of the rest of the country faces increasing COVID numbers!  Top that off with social injustices and unrest spreading like another virus and it’s the perfect recipe for more frightening times ahead.  With so many people falling ill and also facing horrible prejudices it’s easy to get depressed and feel hopeless.  This is why art & being able to express yourself in a positive, creative way is so important!

The art community has taken a big hit from the pandemic, like many other businesses and organizations, but it is an ancient and important form of self expression that will never be silenced!  We see Black Lives Matter street art! We see Pride art! We see art dealing with the pandemic!  Art allows us a chance to escape, to express, to vent, to share, to discuss…that’s why I’m so happy to see some local NJ galleries continuing on, however they are able, to keep our artistic community alive and well!

This month I’m excited to have a SOLO SHOW at Gallery on Main, Somerville, NJ & a piece in the virtual “Women’s Voices” show by Transformations Gallery (Metuchen, NJ)  Here are a few of my photos in these exhibits. Hope you’ll check them out…   Gallery on Main in Somerville is open to visitors who follow COVID restrictions (must wear a mask, a few visitors at a time) so please check out the exhibit in person! Here’s the link to the virtual Transformations gallery show: http://www.boroughimprovementleague.org/37.html?fbclid=IwAR349dhYkFMHeh-636VhqI9XwwbnC5GyJ7agXJW0i1H4v8VCBUTb9opt34o

Stay safe & stay creative!

Day Trippin’ in Jersey

It’s hard to believe…Summer’s almost over!  Still some hot, hazy days left and then there’s Fall with the cool breezes & colorful trees, but there’s something about Summer & the long hours of light that make you feel like there’s so much to do & time to do it!  This Summer I did take many-a-day -trip & despite NJ’s small stature, we really do have MUCH more to offer than turnpike exits and strip malls!

CanalMystery6 (c)Lauren Curtis, double exposure 35mm photo

So, in honor of these final Summer days, I’d like to share some photos I’ve taken during some of my favorite day trips in the good ol’ Garden State!  Above is an in-camera 35mm double exposure taken while walking the historic D&R Canal that runs thru NJ, PA & DE.  There are many spots in Central NJ where you can pick up this amazing trail!  Here’s another from the Canal…

 

(c)2012 Funguslace, Digital photo

And despite the devastation to NJ’s shores from Hurricane Sandy  (I refuse to say “superstorm”…what propaganda by insurance companies…it was a hurricane, dammit!), our beaches are making a come back, slowly but surely.  Here are some fave shots I took at Sandy Hook, Keansburg & Keyport…some before, some after, Sandy…

Keyport driftwood (c)Lauren Curtis

 

Keansburg Beach (c)July2013 Lauren Curtis

 

Sandy Hook Homes at Sunset (c)Sept2012 Lauren Curtis

And one of my most recent, but favorite finds, Laurita Winery!  This place is gorgeous!  I felt like I was In Europe, not less than an hour from my home!  Acres of vineyards, a beautiful, old inn bordering a horse farm, a rustic, huge dining area, wine bars, outdoor seating & music…can’t wait to go back…

Laurita Winery Pics (c)Aug2013 Lauren Curtis

So, yes, THIS is the REAL NJ!  Very diverse, very beautiful!  Hope you enjoy your day tripping & if you find a cool location not mentioned here, feel free to post/share it here!  🙂

(note: signed prints available of these photos.  Email/comment for details, thanks!)