Not just sock monkeys

"Rebel Girls Labeled Display 3" by Bethany Jean Fancher

The fall art season has kicked off at the Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts (SICA) in Long Branch, where "Stuff It!" has opened.

The exhibit, which runs through Oct. 6, provides a sampling of works by artists who use the stuffed object in their work.

All are invited to a free wine-and-cheese reception on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 3 to 6 p.m., when many of the exhibiting artists will be present.

According to SICA, ceramics, sewing, needlepoint and other handcrafts formerly labeled as "crafts" have gradually infiltrated the ranks of acceptable fine art over the past 30-40 years. The feminist art movement in particular has been a major catalyst in bringing about the acceptance of these new art forms.

A new generation of artists is creating art that is embroidered, upholstered, sewn and stuffed.

Artists exhibiting in Stuff It! are Matt Barton, Suzanne Brady, Audrey Chibbaro, Orly Cogan, Bethany Jean Fancher, Tracey Featherstone, German Pitre, Rebeca Raney, Ethel Shipton, Shinique Smith, Joan Wheeler and the display includes a selection of Sock Monkeys from the collection of Ron Warren.

"PeeWee" by Suzanne Brady

Gallery hours at SICA, 20 Third Ave., are 1-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call (732).263-1121 or visit ww.sica.org.

Untitled by Rebeca Raney "Confections" by Orly Cogan