Monmouth Arts, Basie Center set ‘Stamped Stories’ centennial art exhibit this week in Red Bank


Stamped StoriesOCTOBER 20 2026 (Red Bank, NJ)
– 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.

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.

The original artworks will be on view beginning Thursday, November 5, with scheduled collection previews throughout the following week.

RECEPTION & AUCTION
Friday, November 13 | 6–8pm
ArtSpace, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ

COLLECTION PREVIEW HOURS

  • Thursday, November 5 | 2–6pm

  • Friday, November 6 | 2–6pm

  • Saturday, November 7 | 2–6pm

  • Tuesday, November 10 | 12–4pm

  • Thursday, November 12 | 12–4pm

One venue. Ten decades. Countless memories.

Launched in 2025 through a collaboration between the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Monmouth Arts, 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 remarkable history and bring a piece of that legacy home.

From its earliest days as the Carlton Theatre to its evolution into the iconic Count Basie Center for the Arts, the collection offers a colorful, personal, and unexpected look at a century of artistic and cultural milestones. Among the stories represented is a young Bruce Springsteen’s first performance at the venue in 1974.

Each work reflects an individual artist’s interpretation of a particular era, memory, or defining moment, bringing together diverse perspectives to celebrate the enduring impact of this landmark institution.

Meet the Artists Behind Stamped Stories

The collection features original works by talented area artists, each offering a distinct portrayal of the Basie Center’s history.

  • Present Day: Michael White — Count Basie Center Façade

  • Holiday: Brittney Mallon — Whispered Memories

  • 2020s: Eva Marie Faith — A Bright Future at the Basie

  • 2010s: Molly Gaston Johnson — Bouncing at the Basie

  • 2000s: Robert + Elisabeth McKay — The Show from the Stage

  • 1990s: Gail Kolflat — Count Basie Theatre: 2,217 Red Velvet Seats from Carnegie Hall

  • 1980s: Mike Quon — Lights, Music, Memories – The Basie

  • 1970s: Emily Walling — Monmouth Arts Center, 1975

  • 1960s: Priscilla Gandel — Recital

  • 1950s: George Severini — Carlton ‘51

  • 1940s: Kristin Künc — Peace at The Basie

  • 1930s: Michael White — Lights Coming Up, Carlton Theater, 1930s

  • 1920s: Kathleen Beausoleil — Opening Night, 1926

 

Through Stamped Stories, Monmouth Arts and the Count Basie Center for the Arts celebrate the power of art to preserve memories, connect generations, and honor the cultural landmarks that continue to shape the community.