Great Bay Gallery 829 Bay Avenue, Somers Point, NJ opens its 27th season with the tribute exhibit, GARY BRANIN RETROSPECTIVE: REALISM TO ABSTRACT-70’S-90’S. The carefully selected oils were chosen from a large number of works that Gary painted throughout his artistic career. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the expansive work entitled Sunrise Over Ventnor Pier.
The exhibit opens on July 1 and continues through July 25. Great Bay Gallery will host a reception open to the public on two successive evenings, July 9 and 10 from 5-7pm
Initially a teacher, Gary was mainly a traveler of the world, touring on his 15 speed bicycle, accompanied by Judy, his wife, but most often alone, biking across country, in New England and into Canada as well Ireland and Great Britain. Gary frequently was spotted riding along our local highways, byways and mainland streets recognizable in his iconic safari hat.
Throughout his life, Gary amassed an extensive portfolio of landscapes, portraits and abstract pieces predominately in oils, representing local places like Birch Grove Park and Batsto Historic Site; broad scenic landscapes; a sunrise over the ocean and nature up close and personal. At times Gary turned to the landscapes of his mind to produce his intriguing abstracts that defy titles.
Originally from Camden County, NJ, Gary had made his home in Linwood since 1973. On July 26, 2019, Gary suddenly passed away in his sleep. He leaves behind a large collection of work that will hopefully outlive him by many generations.
Gallery hours are Wed thru Sat. 12-7pm; Sunday 1-5pm. Visitors will be asked to observe the requirements of social distancing.
