Toms River - The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to present the “New Jersey Piece of Paradise P.O.P. Art Show” by Jersey Shore-based artist André Russell throughout the month of June.

The exhibit in the Branch’s Second Floor Gallery consists of fine art pieces, created by reconstructing original photographs through the half-tone print technique.

The Brookdale Community College honors graduate developed the “Pieces of Paradise (P.O.P)” plant-life study during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

“My train of thought was to pick a plant and create a painting so true to detail that it looks real,” he said. “I wanted my painting to pop and give a feeling of paradise. Naturally, the Bird of Paradise [plant] was my first choice.”

Russell said that he posed the plant in various ways until his photos displayed its great elements, including light, shadow, detail, color and depth of field.

“These ‘P.O.P Art’ pieces are best viewed just above eye level. This point of view shows all the plant textures, directions and shapes,” he explained.

Russell’s works have been displayed in the Freehold Art Gallery, in the National Arts Club of New York, Jersey City Event Space and the Now Arts Project of Jersey City, the Mana Public Arts, Café Press and Artrepreneur websites, and Instagram.

The exhibit is open to the public, free of charge, and can be viewed during normal Branch operating hours. No registration is required to visit the display. For more information, visit the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, or call (732) 349-6200.

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