Graham Nash to Debut Artwork at Ocean Galleries

STONE HARBOR, N.J., May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As a founding member of The Hollies, and Crosby, Stills & Nash - a band that has been called the "voice of a generation," Graham Nash has made his indelible mark as a music legend.  This July, the multi-talented Graham Nash offers a glimpse at another artistic passion when he debuts his never before seen artwork at Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor, NJ.

The Art of Graham Nash exhibition is a worldwide, first-ever showcase of Graham Nash's exquisite artwork.  The exhibition opens at Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor) on Thursday, June 28, 2012 and runs through Sunday, July 8, 2012.  Graham Nash will be at the gallery signing purchased artwork on Sunday, July 1 from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

"We are humbled that Graham chose Ocean Galleries to debut his paintings, pastels, and artistically enhanced photography," said gallery owner Kim Miller.  "When we first started researching the possibility of hosting this exhibition, we searched all over the Internet looking for examples of his artwork to no avail.  We then learned from Graham that, although he has shared some of his photographs in a few select viewings, his exhibition at our Stone Harbor, NJ gallery will mark the first time he shares his amazing original artwork with the public.  The pieces are absolutely magnificent – what a talent!  People will be blown away when they see the exhibition!"

Graham Nash is a true modern day Renaissance man.  He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice - once with Crosby, Stills & Nash and once with The Hollies.  He has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame twice - both as a solo artist and with Crosby, Stills & Nash.  In 2010, he was named Officer of the British Empire (OBE).  His company's original IRIS 3047 digital printer is now housed in the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution in recognition of his revolutionary accomplishments in the fine arts and digital printing world.

Born in the coastal town of Blackpool, England and raised in Salford, near Manchester, Nash picked up a camera before a guitar; he was inspired by his father, an amateur photographer.  Taking pictures of his family at age 11 proved life changing for Graham, who has said, "That was the first time I realized that I could see things differently."  The guitar and further watershed moments came shortly after when, at age 13, he decided that music was his calling.

The artwork of Graham Nash represents the manifestation of his love for music and art over the past 50 years.  There are a variety of techniques used in his artwork, many of them a natural evolution of his experimentation with photography.  Several of his pieces incorporate block print or newsprint, mixed with photography, each piece more unique than the next.  The artist's story behind each distinctive piece of art is arguably as special as the artwork itself.

Over his history-making life ensconced in the music industry, Nash captured the fleeting moments with photographs and written stories, many of which eventually became songs.  Delving into this area led to the creation of "Love, Graham Nash" – a handmade fine press book that is a sublime celebration of the artist's photography, music, and life.  The collection focuses on the 1960s and 1970s, a period that Nash's era-defining artistry helped shape.  Portraying friends, family, and fellow musicians, they capture the essence of a momentous time in American culture.  The collection includes Nash's photos of band mates, other famous singers from Johnny Cash to Joni Mitchell, and handwritten notes of lyrics that are now second hand to generations of fans.  A few copies of the coveted book, which was released as a limited edition keepsake (80 copies), will be available for purchase during the exhibition.

The Art of Graham Nash exhibition will include 91 of Graham Nash's exquisite paintings, pastels, and artistically enhanced photographs.  The limited run exhibition opens at Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor) on Thursday, June 28 running through Sunday, July 8, 2012.  Graham Nash will be at the gallery signing purchased artwork on Sunday, July 1 from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

The Stone Harbor location of Ocean Galleries is open from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM daily throughout the summer season.  For more information or for directions, call 609-368-7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com 

For over 25 years, Ocean Galleries has provided quality art by contemporary artists to their clients while practicing the highest standards of credibility and integrity in a comfortable and unpretentious atmosphere.  With locations in Stone Harbor and Avalon, New Jersey, the distinguished art galleries feature an ever-changing display of artwork that includes local artists' watercolors, nationally recognized artists' originals, popular beach prints and high-end reproductions.  Ocean Galleries also carries fine furniture and hand-made crafts from America and around the world.  For more information, please call 609.368.7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com

SOURCE Ocean Galleries