Current/ UPcoming Shows & Exhibitions
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I am so honored my painting “Life In the Liminal” was accepted into the Monmouth Museum’s 45th Annual Juried Show!
The Monmouth Museum is thrilled to announce the opening reception for the 45th Annual Juried Art Exhibition! This reception will be on Sunday, March 2nd, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm! Open to the public, so RSVP to secure your spot: https://www.monmouthmuseum.org/event-details/45th-annual-juried-exhibition-opening-reception
The 45th Annual Juried exhibit, running from March 2, 2025, through April 13, 2025. This highly anticipated exhibition will take place in the Museum’s Main Gallery, located on the Brookdale campus at 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ.
Featuring works from local, national, and international artists, the Annual Juried Art Exhibition highlights a wide variety of media, including painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, video, and more. This year, we had around 300 submissions come from as far as Japan, Germany, Lithuania, and Israel, with over 180 pieces selected, further establishing the Monmouth Museum as a global arts destination.
Since its inception in 1979, this event has been a cornerstone of the Museum’s programming, bringing together exceptional talent and innovative artistic expression from across the globe.
“This exhibition is a true celebration of creativity and diversity in contemporary art,” said Erika Schaefer, Executive Director of the Monmouth Museum. “It’s an honor to continue this longstanding tradition of supporting artists and providing our community with access to such an inspiring array of works. We invite everyone to experience the power of art through the exceptional talent on display.” -
The Gallery at Thompson Park Creative Arts Center
805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
February 7, 2025 - May 16, 2025
Opening reception Friday, February 7, 5-7:00pm. Enjoy a performance by musical guest Gary Nokes. Refreshments served.
Exhibit is open Wednesday - Saturday 12-4:00pm, or by appointment. For more information about the Gallery or its exhibits, contact Katie Stone at 732-842-4000, ext. 4333 or kstone@monmouthcountyparks.com.
The Gallery will be hosting a new exhibit Can’t Believe Your Eyes: Optical Illusions. Work featured utilizes optical illusion, including surrealistic thematic imagery or mirages.
Accepted Artists:
Bob Wille
Melanka Coppola
Karen Starrett
Katya B. Keikuatoff
Maureen Carroll
Nancie Gunkelman
Shelley Phillips
Carla Valentino
Joseph Vidich
Joel Zimmerman
Kevin Borrelli
Eva Marie Faith
Neal Fitzsimmons
Marie Maber
Maryanne Mezzacappa
Richard Rappleyea
Linda Rothstein
Jennifer Santa Maria
Marcia Schiffman
Sandy Taylor
Gwynneth Green
Past Shows & Exhibitions
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Monmouth Museum: Nilson Gallery
November 24, 2024 - January 12, 2025
765 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, NJ 07738 on the Brookdale Community College Campus, parking lot #1, off Museum Drive
732.747.2266
Now celebrating 60 years, the Monmouth Museum is a 15,00 square foot museum with two children’s wings and two galleries with rotating exhibits. The grounds also feature a garden and outdoor spaces to enjoy.
In the Nilson Gallery you will find Member’s Collective: An Exhibit of Artwork By Monmouth Museum Members. This exhibit will be on view from November 24, 2024 through January 12, 2025. Don’t miss the opening reception Sunday, November 24th, 4:00-6:00pm. This will be my third year with a piece in the Member’s Collective show! My painting “Paper Crane” (2024) will be on view and available for purchase. It is a great opportunity to collect affordable original pieces by emerging artists.
Hours of operation are subject to change weekly; please call or check Museum website.
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462 Adelphia Road
Freehold, NJ 07728732.919.7770
Saturday, September 21, 2024 10:00am-4:00pm
Please come visit my booth at Calgo Gardens’ happy gathering of amazingly talented, local artists and artisans. Artists will exhibit and sell: watercolor and acrylic painters, jewelers, potters, photographers and many others with unique, creative ways of expression. Stroll Calgo's beautiful grounds, enjoy the seasonal plants and flowers, relax on the patio, listen to live music, get a snack at The Tulip Tree Cafe…and of course, support your local artists.
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The Gallery at Thompson Park Creative Arts Center (805 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, New Jersey 07738 ) presents "In Vivid Color," a group exhibition. Works on display will showcase an aesthetic of bright color palettes and high vibrancy. Go see my painting “Ready To Change #3”, featuring a monarch butterfly. The Gallery is open 12-4pm Wednesday - Saturday, April 19th through August 2nd, 2024.
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Saturday, April 20, 2024
10:00am-4:00pm
Calgo Gardens Art In the Garden462 Adelphia Road Freehold, New Jersey 07728
732.919.7770
Spring Art in the Garden is one of Calgo’s most popular events! Come find me and all of my available of inventory art including originals and prints!This is Calgo Gardens’ happy gathering of amazingly talented, local artists and artisans. Artists will exhibit: watercolor and acrylic painters, jewelers, potters, photographers and many others with unique, creative ways of expression. Stroll Calgo’s beautiful grounds, enjoy the seasonal plants and flowers, relax on the patio, listen to live music, get a snack at The Tulip Tree Cafe…and of course, support your local artists.
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January 28, 2024 - March 24, 2024
Monmouth Museum - Main Gallery
765 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, New Jersey 07738
One Museum Drive, Parking Lot #1 at Brookdale Community CollegeGallery Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm 732.747.2266
www.MonmouthMuseum.org
Now in its 44th year, the Annual Juried Exhibition features the work of over 100 artists in a variety of media. I am honored to be among the artists with work on view!
In “Resonating Shells (Triptych)” (2023), I draw from my childhood experience of visiting my Ukrainian immigrant grandmother in Miami Beach every summer. A survivor of the Holodomor genocide, she told me stories of her youth while we spent hours every day walking in the warm sun, collecting seashells. I still have all the shells; there are thousands. [Read the full Artist Statement here]Museum Statement: Founded by the Monmouth County Arts Council in 1979, the Annual Juried Art Exhibition has been presented at the Monmouth Museum since its inception. In 2011 the Museum assumed complete sponsorship of this annual exhibition. That year, the Museum opened up the Call for Entries to an international audience. As a result, the Annual Juried Art Exhibition has become a brilliant representation of the creative talent and contemporary art trends across our County, State, and Country, as well as internationally.Every year this stellar Main Gallery exhibition features art in a variety of media while embracing both traditional and new artistic ideas. It never fails to demonstrate the wealth of talent within Monmouth County plus offer the community a chance to view artwork from across the globe and has featured artwork from Japan, Russia, Lithuania, Israel, and Germany. We are proud to say the Monmouth Museum's Annual Juried Art Exhibition can embrace the label of a must-see destination exhibition.As the Monmouth Museum moves into the future, we will continue to build on the excellent reputation of this long-established exhibition and champion its success for many years to come.
Be sure to subscribe to my e-newsletter to never miss a show!
Please contact me with any exhibition opportunities via email: melanka@madebymelanka.com
Thanks! -
Nilson Gallery, Monmouth Museum
Museum Drive, Parking Lot 1, Building #10 Lincroft, New Jersey 07738
Since 2015, the Monmouth Museum has celebrated artist members by hosting a non-juried art exhibition. The tradition continued November 19, 2023 through January 7, 2024 exhibiting member artwork in an exclusive show once again in the Nilson Gallery! As a show of miniatures, all the original artwork was 15” x 15” or smaller.
I had two acrylic paintings in “Member’s Collective”, including “Not Black and White: A Vyshyvanka Study” and “Vyshyvanka Study #2”. Both pieces are informed by my Ukrainian roots. A great source of inspiration for me is how women for centuries, all over the world have utilized “domestic” arts and textiles to communicate their stories. Growing up with Ukrainian grandmothers, I was surrounded by the geometric intricacies and patterns of embroidery called “vyshyvanka”, crocheted and knitted items, as well as tapestries and quilts. I strive to incorporate elements of these items found at home into my paintings. -
The Gallery at Thompson Park Creative Arts Center
October 13, 2023 - November 18, 2023
“Whether invoking the quality of recollection, or a reference to nostalgia, work on display captures the feelings of memory.”
Artwork by 30 other creators and my pieces “Mama” (ink on paper) and “Capone’s Birthday” (watercolor and ink on paper). -
Main Street Freehold, New Jersey 07728
July - October 2023
The Half Mile of Horses Art Walk is an annual amazing community project and public art installation in downtown Freehold, New Jersey! The Half Mile of Horses Art Walk and Contest is part of the Freehold Borough Neighborhood Preservation Program and Historic Preservation Commission. I was honored to be one of 18 artists selected to paint a horse to honor and celebrate Freehold’s rich equine heritage. It is home to the oldest half-mile horse racing track in the country! My horse “Be Like a Peacock”, was located at 10 West Main Street.
Thank you to all the sponsors, especially Stone Dog Studio for constructing all the horses and my horse’s patron NJ Leaf! NJ Leaf is the permanent home for my horse “Be Like a Peacock”. If you are a patron, you will likely see the horse there at 546 Park Avenue Freehold, New Jersey 07728! -
The Gallery At Thompson Park Creative Arts Center
805 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, New Jersey 07738
July 7, 2023 - August 26, 2023
“From traditional renderings such as seascapes to more abstract depictions that capture the essence of water, this exhibit features a diversity of mediums.”
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The Petit Gallery at the Whippanong Library: 1000 Route 10 Whippany, New Jersey 07981
June 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023
The grid art series titled “Controlled Chaos” was on view alongside gorgeous work, “Sacred Geometry”, by Tanya Debarry. The artists’ acrylic abstract paintings and prints are bold, colorful and draws the viewer in with stirring shapes formed by lines and mesmerizing kaleidoscopic patterns. Both series of paintings are stylistically different, but complement one another…offering an adventure for the eyes.
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Monmouth Museum 765 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, New Jersey 07738
January 22, 2023 - March 12, 2023
The Monmouth Museum kicked off the New Year with a great show! I was thrilled to have a piece included in their 43rd Annual Juried Show in the Main Gallery featuring over 100 artists who reside from Red Bank to Hong Kong!
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November 18 - December 31, 2022
Monmouth Museum 765 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, New Jersey 07738
The Nilson Gallery is a 900 square foot space, featuring solo exhibitions from our New Jersey Emerging Artists Series, a unique and exciting program for NJ artists who have never had a one-person show of their work in our state. In addition to our Emerging Artists Series, the Nilson Gallery features community-based collaborative exhibitions and exhibits that highlight the talents of our artist members. -
Four Ukrainian artists-activists living in the US will feature their work at the Montclair Public Library Art Gallery (50 South Fullerton, 07042) from June 1-30, 2022. (See accompanying poster.) The show is entitled, Ukrainian Roots: Art by the Diaspora. Work will include original paintings, photography, ceramics and prints. All work will be for sale; artists will donate portions of their sales to the Ukrainian war effort of their choice.
Melanka Coppola, a New Jersey native, was born in 1978 to Ukrainian-American parents. She lives and works near the beautiful beaches of Monmouth County.
The influence of her grandparents, all of Ukrainian descent, shaped the trajectory of Melanka’s childhood experience. Her Ukrainian roots inform her art.
There were harrowing personal accounts of war shared every day in Melanka’s household. Sadly, we see these tragic events repeating today in Ukraine. This has been fuel for Melanka to create recently. The work references the glory of Ukraine and her heritage. She is in touch with extended family still residing in Ukraine, defending the motherland. This includes her grandfather’s brother, who celebrated his 94th birthday when the invasion began.
Melanka had a close, tender relationship with her Ukrainian grandparents. They shared many stories with her. However, many remain untold because it was too painful to recount. They regularly explained what it was like: being the only family member who survived Stalin’s forced famine (Holodomor) in Donetsk Ukraine, witnessing older teenage brother kidnapped never to be seen again, traveling as a pre-teen orphan with soldiers into Germany, finding love in a displaced persons (refugee) camp, nursing back to health liberated Jews from the concentration camps, and eventually making passage to the U.S. (a.k.a. “Paradise”...well, at least after they made their way out of being indentured servants on a tobacco farm in Maryland).
Nostalgic for better times in Ukraine and the motherland, the family preserved Ukrainian traditions, music, food, embroidery and other objects. These were and are ever-present in Melanka’s life.
Melanka attended Ukrainian dance camp in the Catskill Mountains of New York for many years led by the notorious Roma Pryma-Bohachevska. She was surrounded by exceptional Ukrainian folk dancers, traditional costumes, music and choreography. The appreciation for vyshyvanka, or Ukrainian embroidery, was likely born there. Later, it became Melanka’s objective to use paint and canvas to highlight and elevate the art of Ukrainian embroidery in some of her pieces.
Her formative experiences as an artist began well before attending Rutgers College and Mason Gross School of the Arts (MGSA). Greatly influenced by her creative peers, and high school visual arts teacher, Melanka pursued a visual arts and business education at Rutgers College in New Brunswick, N.J. A summer abroad in Paris studying Art History was memorable and influential; it planted the seed that art is healing, art transcends time, art is life!
She graduated in 2000 with a B.A. Visual Arts at MGSA and a B.S. Marketing at Rutgers Business School with a minor in Art History. Over the next 20 years, Melanka immersed herself into small business administration and operations, salon marketing, hairdressing and education in the cosmetology industry.
Melanka rediscovered her passion for making art during the 2020 global pandemic. What began as daily art challenges to cope with the stresses of quarantine, evolved into a new trajectory. She utilizes art as a catalyst for maintaining optimal mental health and to battle the detrimental effects of isolation.
Her work is abstract, focuses on process and reflects her love of exploration. She investigates color relationships and repeated patterns to create specific energy in the pieces. Some pieces have a vibrational sense of movement, while others have a quality that is more fluid and still.
Melanka works primarily in acrylic or oil on canvas from her home studio but also enjoys creating from her family’s lake house in the Adirondacks.
About the Art
The foundation of my work is explorative and experimental. I allow the outcome to emerge through a specific process. I have a loose starting point; I begin with a concept that interests me, such as traditional Ukrainian embroidery, my grandmother’s doodles, graph paper plus colored pencils, designs on Trypillian ceramics, the fluidity of line art, children’s book illustrations, and so much more. I allow space for the surface and medium to tell me what it wants to be. You may notice an incremental evolution in style. My emerging style is based on not committing to a final result and allowing curiosity to reign. I allow for ideas to build on one another and grow organically. It’s not unlike software updates where the next version and update is more compelling, intricate, robust, functional, pleasing. I deeply enjoy seeing growth and progression, even when the end will always be out of sight. There is no there. An initial spark of inspiration usually arrives through observation. It may initially be captured with some realism. I focus on making small discoveries that please my eye. Then a single strong element such as a specific color combination or repetition of pattern might spawn my interest to push into a new abstract path or trajectory. Almost algorithmically, I make iteration after iteration, playing with proportions, size, shapes, colors until I have exhausted possibilities. Then I try to remember where it began and find elements I can reintroduce to bring it full circle aesthetically. I gravitate towards exercising control over an otherwise overwhelming endeavor by employing grids and intentionally placed repeated marks. The result is a juxtaposition of vibration, movement, busy energy with a sense of containment and constraint in literal boxes. I reintroduce at times figurative shapes and silhouettes, adding emotion and human qualities to soften the rigidity of the abstract pattern reminiscent of embroidery or pixelated images.
My hope
I strive to provide the highest quality, thought provoking, compelling pieces of art. I want to spark people’s desire to surround themselves with creations that make them smile and inspire people to embark on their own creative journeys.