Art From the Heart: Jane Seymour Returns to Ocean Galleries
By Mary Byrne Lamb
Beautiful art has the power to lift, inspire, and heal.
And art lovers can experience it all when world-famous artist, actress, author, and philanthropist Jane Seymour debuts a brand-new collection of watercolor paintings at her exclusive “Vibrant Visions and Healing Hearts” exhibit at Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor the weekend of June 12-14.
The exhibit will not only be a showcase for exceptional art, but Jane Seymour and Ocean Galleries are ensuring it will also benefit the community
“Jane is donating one of her ‘Open Heart’ paintings, to benefit Cooper University Healthcare Cape Regional,” says Ocean Galleries owner Kim Miller. “Her ‘Open Heart’ imagery has become a symbol of giving and generosity. So, this is such an appropriate way to use art to celebrate love and connection, while promoting healing in a real, tangible way.”
For its part, Ocean Galleries is donating 10% of the proceeds from all three days of the exhibit to benefit Cooper University Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “This is a big opportunity for us to give back,” says Miller. “Our granddaughter was saved because of the nurses and the services in the NICU. So, this feels pretty incredible.”
With kindness and generosity at its heart, this exhibit will also be a welcome return for a long-time favorite at Ocean Galleries.
“We met Jane at Peter Max Studios over two decades ago,” says Miller. “She’s exhibited here many times, but it’s been a few years since she’s been back. We love having her at the gallery. She has a full schedule and is still doing TV and movies. But when it’s possible for her to come here, we love spending time with her.
“She’s committed to healing through art,” Miller continues. “You can see it in her work. She works hard and we like what we do together, especially when we can promote awareness along with art.”
Seymour has been working hard in every facet of her career, as evidenced by her longevity and accolades across a variety of fields. A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Seymour has succeeded in virtually all media including memorable roles in film, Broadway, and television. She is currently starring in the fifth season of the popular television series, “Harry Wild,” as a retired literature professor in Dublin who has a knack for solving mysteries. (The show can be seen in the U.S. on Acorn TV Amazon Channel, AMC+, and Roku). And she is still widely recognized for her role as Dr. Mike in “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman,” which made her a model of resilience and independence for young women around the world.
Today, even as she continues to act, Seymour is also inspiring and flourishing as an artist.
Her new works showcase Seymour’s graceful style. They feel spacious and light, like a welcome breeze on a balmy day. The watercolor painting “Roses from My Garden” practically bursts off the canvas with a profusion of energy: crisp black lines juxtaposed with bouncy vibrant blooms, and a vase just trying to contain the joy. “South of France” strikes a peaceful note, with a warm, secluded bungalow draped in lush greenery coaxing you to wonder what lies behind the window frame.
The show will also feature a large collection of limited-edition giclee prints including beach scenes, florals, and some images that hearken back to Seymour’s most famous movies and television roles.
“We will highlight the full gamut of her work over the last couple of decades, all aspects of her art, and how talented she is,” Miller says. “She can do portraits, she can do people on the beach, she can do gardens, and landscapes. It will be an extensive show.”
Building a portfolio as broad as Seymour’s doesn’t happen by accident. She worked to perfect her craft and studied under masters like Tom Mielko, who is known globally as a master watercolor artist of visual storytelling. She is constantly creating, refining, and finding new ways to express herself.
Seymour’s paintings are imbued with light. Yet, her artistic journey began at a darker time of personal challenges in the early 1990s, when paint, a brush, and canvas provided a much-needed outlet. “There’s something so powerful about creating, about pouring your heart into something that’s uniquely yours,” Seymour has said. “For me, painting has been that source of peace and joy.”
Once she picked up the paintbrush, it seems Seymour never put it down. And success soon followed. Displayed in some of the world’s finest galleries, Seymour’s artworks are sought by collectors around the globe. She’s won awards, learned from mentors, painted in Monet’s garden, and consistently shared her effervescent passion for art.
For all that art has given her, Seymour has used it to give back even more. Many years ago, she created her “Open Heart” design, which depicts an open-ended heart or a pair of interconnected open hearts. This iconic imagery inspired paintings, sculptures, a line of jewelry, and most importantly, the Open Hearts Foundation, which Seymour founded in 2010.
A philanthropic powerhouse, the Open Hearts Foundation is based on Seymour’s mission to empower people to turn adversity into an opportunity to help others. Fueled by Seymour’s talent and drive, the foundation provides immediate grants to small, emerging charities that align with the Open Hearts philosophy and has donated millions to worthy causes since its inception.
While the Ocean Galleries exhibit provides another occasion for Seymour to fuse art and philanthropy, it also provides an exclusive opportunity for the community to meet the artist herself.
“She’s delightful,” says Miller. “Jane is very approachable and she really loves to talk about her art. She walks around the gallery and meets and greets everyone. As things sell, she goes right to the person who’s bought the artwork and has a conversation with them. She signs the back of their piece and takes a photo with them and the art. It’s quite an amazing experience.”
For her part, Seymour is happily anticipating the exhibit. “I am so looking forward to returning to Ocean Galleries in enchanting Stone Harbor and unveiling my newest collection of watercolor paintings to our wonderful collectors, fans and friends,” she says.
A weekend dedicated to art, beauty, heart, hope, and giving back, Jane Seymour’s “Vibrant Visions and Healing Hearts” exhibit will be a moment worth savoring at Ocean Galleries.
For more information, contact Ocean Galleries at 609-368-7777.
Jane Seymour’s Vibrant Visions and Healing Hearts Exhibit
Just the Facts
Who: World-famous actress, artist, author Jane Seymour
What: Exclusive collection of new original paintings. Artworks will be on display and available for acquisition throughout the weekend.
Where: Ocean Galleries. 9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
When:
Exhibit: Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14. Art on display throughout the weekend. Patrons are welcome to peruse the exhibit any time during gallery hours (10am to 9pm).
Receptions with Jane Seymour: 7 to 9pm Friday and Saturday, Noon-2pm 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.
