A very curious thing happened in Stone Harbor in the summer of 2006.
The landmark “Stone Harbor” water tower that stands stately over sand and sea became a vibrant work of art.
Wrapped in a technicolor mural of blissful images, the water tower became both muse and canvas for worldwide art phenom, Peter Max. And while it was by far the “biggest” thing that this iconic artist did in Stone Harbor, it was only a chapter in Peter Max’s remarkable relationship with the town.
When he passed away quietly in New York on Sept. 14 at the age of 88, the loss was felt around the globe, including right here in Stone Harbor, which Max visited for lively exhibitions at Ocean Galleries from 2001 to 2017.
Known worldwide for his psychedelic artworks and impact on culture, Peter Max created images that practically burst with vibrant hues, cosmic imagery, and exuberance. His art defined the spirit of the 1960s, captured the vibe of the 1970s, and he only continued to rise in fame and popularity in the ensuing decades.
It’s hard to overstate his reach and influence. His fine art was featured in museums and galleries, but it also appeared on sneakers, glassware, postage stamps, a jumbo jet, millions of posters, and the hull of a cruise ship. He redesigned the set of “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, was a regular at the White House, and served as the official artist for five Super Bowls, two U.S. Opens, the Kentucky Derby, the World Series, and the 2006 U.S. Winter Olympic Team, to name a few.
And even in the midst of worldwide acclaim and countless opportunities, Peter Max developed a genuine connection to Stone Harbor, thanks to Ocean Galleries owners Kim and Josh Miller.
“Peter Max’s first exhibition at Ocean Galleries took place over Memorial Day weekend in 2001,” says Kim Miller. “Following the tremendous success of that exhibition, he returned for another show in June of that same year. It was the beginning of what would become a wonderful relationship and friendship with our gallery and the local community.”
In total, Ocean Galleries hosted 15 Peter Max exhibitions over a 17-year span. And every event reflected the effervescence of the artist and his art.
Peter Max created several Seven Mile Times covers: July 2015, July 2016, and July 2017.
“His exhibitions brought a special excitement to Stone Harbor, drawing art lovers, collectors, and even some familiar faces from the worlds of sports and entertainment,” recalls Miller. “From members of Philadelphia’s beloved sports teams to Taylor Swift, his shows had a way of bringing people together and creating unforgettable moments.”
For Ocean Galleries, the thrill of showcasing Peter Max and his artworks never wavered.
“Having an artist as internationally recognized as Peter Max visit our small shore town was truly something special,” Miller shares. “It speaks not only to the incredible person and artist he was, but also to the unique charm of this community and the appreciation for fine art shared by those who live here and visit.”
While visitors and guests were enthusiastic about Peter Max, the sentiment was mutual.
“He developed a special fondness for Stone Harbor and the Jersey Shore,” Miller says. “Over the years, Peter often shared his love for the area, even mentioning that he and his wife had thought about having a little place at the shore. He considered us to be one of his favorite galleries and truly cherished his time spent here.”
Perhaps this affinity is part of what led Peter Max to leave his mark here as both an artist and philanthropist.
Artistically, he created art inspired by the region.
“Over the years he captured familiar beach scenes, Avalon and Stone Harbor lifeguard boats, and local wildlife through his colorful imagination,” says Miller. “For so many of our collectors, these pieces are especially meaningful because they celebrate places that hold cherished memories.”
As a philanthropist, he gave back to the community in a very “Peter Max” way. A big way. Like the size of the Stone Harbor Water Tower big.
“It all began during a walk down 96th Street, when Peter looked up at the tower and imagined how wonderful it would be to see his colorful artwork displayed there,” Miller recalls. “That simple moment sparked an ambitious project that my husband Josh became determined to bring to life.”
Beyond art, the project was also designed to give back by raising awareness and support for Stone Harbor’s Wetlands Institute and relief efforts for coastal towns impacted by the Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
After much persistence and hard work to gain approval, the project moved forward, and in July 2006, the Stone Harbor Water Tower was wrapped in a gigantic Peter Max mural featuring his signature DayGlo colors, jubilant coastal scenes, and a kaleidoscope of images.
For residents and visitors to Stone Harbor, it was an art exhibition come to life. A beloved landmark turned canvas.
For Peter Max, it was a passion project.
He shared these sentiments with local media at the time: “For the past five years, I’ve brought my collection of art to Ocean Galleries, and I’ve grown to love Stone Harbor. My idea was simple … one small shore town helping other shore towns worldwide. I’ve created a beautiful rendering of the Stone Harbor water tower art which will be reproduced into lithographs and posters, with proceeds benefiting these three important organizations.”
For Kim Miller, the project “remains a special memory of Peter’s imagination and generosity.”
The Stone Harbor Water Tower project was very much like Peter Max himself … larger than life.
“Peter had such a magnetic presence,” Miller notes. “People were generally thrilled to meet him. He loved connecting with his fans, signing artwork, sharing stories, and making each person feel special. His visits were more than art exhibitions; they were celebrations that brought people together. They were unlike anything else we hosted. With rock music playing, colorful artwork filling the walls, and crowds of excited visitors and collectors, the gallery took on an almost rock-and-roll atmosphere. There was a wonderful buzz throughout town whenever Peter came to visit.”
Like the artist himself, the art of Peter Max always created a stir. “His brilliant colors, uplifting imagery, and unmistakable style have a way of making people smile, no matter their age,” Miller says. “There is something so special about the energy in his work.”
Since his passing, many have grown reflective over the impact and influence of Peter Max. In fact, the artist’s own words now feel particularly poignant. Reflecting on his colorful life and career around the publication of his 2013 illustrated memoir, “The Universe of Peter Max,” the artist shared, “my life’s journey has been an odyssey through time and space, filled with vivid moments, abundant color, dazzling sights, and vibrant euphonic sounds. These moments collectively create my story, not only of who I was but also of who I was to become – an artist living in New York City, where I’ve been fortunate to reach a global audience with my art and philosophy.”
And for many years, this huge star touched down in Stone Harbor, creating a colorful chapter in the town’s history and cultivating bonds that continue to endure.
