RED BANK: ARTISTS PAINT THE BASIE

Artist Kathleen Beausoleil’s painting depicting the 1926 opening night of what would later become renamed as the Count Basie Theater. 

 

A crowded sidewalk and lit up marquee on the theater’s opening night in 1926. A post-show crowd files out of the balcony in the 1980’s. A jazz band rips it up on stage in 2026. 

 

These are just a few of the dozen or so scenes depicted in paint and photography as part of an art exhibit that opened this week depicting scenes from the Count Basie Center for the Art’s 100-year history. 

 

redbankgreen stopped by during the first of a series of collection preview hours Thursday and can attest it’s more than worth a stop.

Artist Michael White’s depiction of a 1930’s movie audience, part of the “Stamped Stories” exhibit. 

 

The exhibit, “Stamped Stories” began as a postcard project celebrating the Basie Center decade by decade. The project has since evolved into a collection of original artworks that invite audiences to connect with the venue’s history. 

 

Here’s more from the Count Basie Center for the Arts press release, including info on how you can see it yourself. 

 

“Monmouth Arts invites the public to experience Stamped Stories, an exhibition and auction of original artworks commissioned as part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ Centennial Celebration. The collection commemorates 100 years of history and creativity at 99 Monmouth Street, offering a unique artistic perspective on the people, performances, and milestones that have shaped the venue’s legacy.

“Bouncing at the Basie” a painting by Molly Gaston Johnson on display at ArtSpace, 99 Monmouth Street. 

 

A reception and auction will take place on Friday, November 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at ArtSpace, located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the collection, celebrate a century of stories, and discover original artwork available for purchase both online and in person.

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Editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.