'Stamped Stories' Exhibition To Celebrate 100 Years At The Basie

RED BANK, NJ — A new exhibition and auction of original artworks has made its way to Red Bank as part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts' Centennial Celebration.

"Stamped Stories: A Century of Moments, Moods & Memories at The Basie Center" 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.

Monmouth Arts is inviting the public to come and experience the exhibition on Friday, Nov. 13, at Art Space (located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank).

From 6-8 p.m., 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, Nov. 5, with scheduled collection previews throughout the following week.

"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," officials said.

"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 Count Basie Center for the Arts, the collection aims to offer 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," officials said.

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

• 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 aim to celebrate the power of art to "preserve memories, connect generations, and honor the cultural landmarks that continue to shape the community."

The reception and auction for "Stamped Stories" will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 at ArtSpace.

Collection preview hours are as follows:

• Thursday, Nov. 5 | 2–6 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 6 | 2–6 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 7 | 2–6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 12–4 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 12 | 12–4 p.m.

To learn more, you can visit the Monmouth Arts website.

Related

• Count Basie Center For The Arts Announces 16-Month ‘Centennial Celebration’