The NYC Impressionista find Art in Jersey! Part 2 The West End Garage

Walking into the town of Cape May, NJ, you wouldn't expect to find a hip art scene. Pastel houses line the streets, each giving off and air of Victorian gentility. As you get closer the the shore, the smell of salt mellows the atmosphere. Old Mansions turned B&B's, as well as modern hotels and motels, line Beach Avenue. All a guest has to do is cross the street to hit the busting boardwalk. A few yards of Dune grass is all that separates you from the actual beach. Bicyclists, young and old, ride along the walkway at all hours of the day. It's a small, all American town in south Jersey, with a few surprises up its sleeve!

Halfway through our vacation, my friend and I stumbled upon the West End Garage.

Being an artist myself, I couldn't help but be drawn in. Here in New York City, we tend to take for granted all the art that surrounds us. I wanted to see what was going on in the minds of artists outside of the realm of the metropolitan area. What was interesting them? Boy was I surprised!

Featured Artist #1- Linda Pendrak
The work I saw by this artist was inspired by personal scenes and situations, as well as her own take on some Master works, such as Edouard Manet's Un bar aux Folies Bergère. This painting was made around 1882, and was considered a culmination of the artist's work in his time, as well as by art historians today! It was interesting to see how she changed it around. The original piece by Manet is on the left...her interpretation on the right.

Pendrak also makes lovely miniatures, each a unique slice of Cape May to take home with you. When the chocolate fudge and salt water taffy is all gone, the painting will last!

Next post...candle sculptures by Dennis Dowe, another Cape May artist!

Posted in: art, Art and Travel, artwork, Cape May, gallery, Jersey Shore, Museum and Gallery, West End Garage