'Feel Free': Josef Kote's Ninth Ocean Galleries Exhibit Will Feature Works Inspired by Our Shores
“Something Blue”
By Mary Byrne Lamb
Art has always been about freedom.
Freedom of expression.
Freedom to interpret.
And the freedom to experience feelings evoked by great art … the pull of a sweet memory, the anticipation of joy, the sheer appreciation of beauty.
And few can express and stir emotion like world-renowned contemporary artist Josef Kote, who returns to Stone Harbor for his ninth exhibit at Ocean Galleries from Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19. The exhibition will spotlight 20 new artworks, a curated selection of limited-edition giclee prints, and include receptions with the artist throughout the weekend.
“This year’s exhibition, ‘Feel Free,’ showcases artworks inspired by Stone Harbor, Avalon, and the nearby New Jersey shoreline,” says Kote. “The title evokes the ocean’s vastness, the gentle breeze, and the endless possibilities that define this remarkable coast.”
A near-decade of exhibits at Ocean Galleries is a testament to the lasting connection between the artist, the gallery, and this coastal area.
“Returning to Ocean Galleries again feels especially meaningful,” Kote says. “Over the years, it’s grown beyond an exhibition space; it’s become an integral part of my journey and my connection to the gallery and the beautiful New Jersey shore.”
In fact, our coastal haven provided the source material for many of the exhibit’s paintings.
“Stone Harbor, Avalon, and the nearby coastline consistently inspire me because the scenery is never the same twice,” says the artist. “The ocean, sky, dunes, and shifting light remind me that there’s always something new to explore in a place that feels timeless.”
Ocean Galleries owner Kim Miller also appreciates the exceptional nature of this ongoing bond.
“Bringing Josef Kote to Stone Harbor is a dream come true. My goal for the last 40 years has been to bring incredible artists and art to people here,” Miller shares. “This is a small beach town, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to introduce something so unique and special to the community. I grew up here. This is my town, my family’s town, and when an artist like Josef embraces what we’re doing, it feels like everything we’ve believed in has come full circle.”
For collectors and visitors, Kote’s exceptional talent builds anticipation for his artwork year after year. A lifelong artist, the Albanian-born Kote is a master of his craft, boldly melding classical and abstract elements to create a style that is all his own. Instantly recognizable for their interplay of color and quality of light, his paintings shimmer with strong strokes that never overpower delicate beauty.
Simply put, nobody paints quite like Josef Kote.
In demand around the globe, his paintings are coveted by collectors and admired by art lovers and critics alike. In a nod to his influence, he was recently commissioned for America’s 250th Anniversary to reinterpret John Trumbull’s iconic 1818 masterpiece, “Declaration of Independence,” through a modern perspective. Of course, the result is wholly “Josef Kote,” a timeless scene that’s pulsing with fresh energy and vibrancy. History reinvigorated.
Not surprisingly, this American milestone inspired some of Kote’s new paintings in the “Feel Free” exhibit.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this summer, the collection prominently features the American flag, symbolizing history, pride, and unity,” explains Kote. “The collection showcases seascapes, coastal scenes, and the area’s tranquil beauty, emphasizing the ocean, dunes, and coastal ambience. The American flag appears in several paintings, integrated into the landscapes not merely as decoration but as a vital part of the story of place, memory, tradition, and home.”
This subtle tribute is notable in paintings such as “Peaceful Serenity,” in which a small American flag on the mast of a sailboat punctuates a luminous sky at dusk. Even as the flag vibrates in the breeze, you sense the stillness of the bay as sailboats pause to take in the splendor of the setting sun illuminating the crystalline waters.
In “Something Blue,” Kote pulls the lens back on a bustling summer town as seen from the distance of a silent salty marsh. You can imagine the serenity and spaciousness of the trickling bay water in contrast to the homes on the horizon, the revelry or rush that may exist there, and the peacefulness of gazing at it all from a distance.
“His paintings are incredible,” enthuses Miller. “I’ve been working with him now for close to 10 years and he continues to evolve his craft and blend techniques. The way he works with color is unprecedented. If you take a small section of one of his paintings, even a 10-by-10 square, the amount of color within that one area will be astonishing. You can discover something new in his paintings every time. They’re expressionistic, exciting, and beautiful. In the gallery, people are consistently enthralled by his paintings.”
As patrons appreciate his artwork, Kote feels a special sense of gratitude for them as well.
“I am grateful to the collectors in Stone Harbor. Their incredible support over the years has been deeply meaningful to me,” Kote says. “Many have embraced my work, acquiring numerous paintings, including some truly special pieces. It’s inspiring to see so many artworks find loving homes here, strengthening the bond among the artworks, the gallery, the collectors, and this lively community.
“This ongoing relationship means a great deal to me as an artist. It weaves a meaningful story among the art, the location, and those who cherish these pieces. That’s one reason I eagerly look forward to returning to Ocean Galleries year after year.”
The “Feel Free” exhibit is free and open to the public. Artwork will be on display during store hours throughout the July 17-19 weekend, and receptions with the artist will be from 7-9pm on Friday and Saturday, and Noon-2pm on Sunday. Artworks will be available for acquisition throughout the show.
Josef Kote’s “Feel Free” Exhibit at Ocean Galleries
Just the Facts
Who: Artist Josef Kote
What: Exclusive collection of paintings, created and curated for the “Feel Free” exhibition, featuring original artwork with some paintings inspired directly by this coastal region.
Where: Ocean Galleries. 9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
When:
Exhibit: Friday, July 17; Saturday, July 18; and Sunday, July 19. Art on display throughout the weekend. Patrons are welcome to peruse the exhibit any time during gallery hours (10am-9pm).
Receptions with Josef Kote: 7-9pm Friday & Saturday and Noon-2pm on Sunday.
Exhibit and receptions are complimentary and open to the public, though RSVP is encouraged.
How: RSVP for artist receptions at oceangalleries.com or by calling 609-368-7777. Walk-ins welcome.
