In 2020, Don Harger was an artist with an inventory problem. He had hundreds of paintings which were headed to storage. He also had a good friend, Bob McKay. Bob called his art contacts to let them know Don’s plight. “And, by the way, how can you help?” he asked.
Our curator got the call and thought that the hotel rooms were as good a place as any to store the paintings. She and Kevin Barry, the hotel’s President, did a studio visit to see Don’s work in person. Kevin agreed, and the Artist in Residence program was started. The giclée’s in the guest rooms came down and original art went up.
“Having original art in every guest room adds depth to the guest experience and strengthens our commitment to the New Jersey art community,” said Kevin. “We became a true art hotel when we added this program to our schedule of ongoing exhibitions,” he added. “
The program expanded after that first year. “At first, we listed their names on our front door and started their year as an AIR with a solo exhibit,” said Ellen. “Now we also produce a full-color brochure for each artist, but what I’m most proud of is that in 2021, we started an acquisition program for the work.
Please join us in our recognition of these ten talented artists. The opening and exhibition are free and everyone is invited.
