Abstract Expressionists show in Red Bank

"Mojo Hand" by Sheilagh Casey An exhibition of paintings by seven abstract expressionists will open Aug. 12 and run through Sept. 4 at the Art Alliance of Monmouth County in Red Bank.

"In the Abstract" will feature more than 45 large and small acrylic paintings; some incorporate collage elements.

The artists are Sheilagh Casey, of Rumson, James Kent, of Oceanport, Lorraine Madsen and Susan Walsh McLean, both of Wall, Tyrrell "Peggy" Masse, of Monmouth Beach, Medy Quiroz, of Red Bank, and Despina Statelova, of Neptune. The artists met in the Lyrical Abstraction Workshop held at the Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury, currently lead by Kent.

Several of the artists in the show have been painting together for many years. All are former students of notable abstract expressionist painter Georgette Pettit, of Little Silver, who began the lyrical abstraction painting class nearly nine years ago.

Abstract expressionist paintings, by avoiding direct or indirect representations of reality, encourage the mind's free play. The colors, shapes, forms and textures of the pictures create independent worlds, with their own moods and feeling-states.

"Toreador" by Medy Quiroz The challenge to the painters is to create such pictorial worlds without direct reference to the world of nature. This mission leads to infinite variability, and this exhibit presents a sampling of the inherent possibilities of abstract expressionism.

An opening reception will be held at the Art Alliance of gallery, 33 Monmouth St., on Saturday, Aug. 12, 6-9 p.m.

Gallery hours for "In the Abstract" will be Thursday through Sunday, 1-9 p.m. and by appointment, through Sept. 4.

For more information, call (732) 229-7697.