Rehoboth-themed exhibit to open at Gallery 50

Gallery 50 will host an artist’s reception and benefit from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, for its new show, “R.E.H.O.B.O.T.H - Rays Every Heart Observes By Oceans Through Heaven” by New York artist Olan Montgomery.

The exhibit will showcase art inspired by the artist’s frequent visits to Rehoboth Beach, and will feature Rehoboth locals, including CAMP Rehoboth photographer Tony Burns. The show’s campaign tag line reads “Are you in it?” encouraging locals to attend the exhibit and view the work to see if they, too, are ‘in it.’

A portion of the proceeds from opening weekend will benefit a local charity, AIDS Delaware, which strives to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS in Delaware. Montgomery will be on hand at the reception.

The R.E.H.O.B.O.T.H show opens in conjunction with the release of Montgomery’s first bound collection of his work, “POP - Art Inspired by New York’s Own Subcultures From Celebrity to Subway.” Set for release Tuesday, Aug. 18, “POP” combines fine art photography, hand painting, poetry and famous art quotes to explore New York’s hidden subcultures including the city’s homeless, its colorful nightlife personalities and bold gay icons. The book also includes work from Montgomery’s many visits to Rehoboth.

“Rehoboth represents a tiny slice of heaven to me,” said the artist from his Manhattan studio. “I love the inspiring people and places, the creativity, and most of all, the tolerance. Everyone is welcome in Rehoboth. It is my hope that the R.E.H.O.B.O.T.H show reflects the love of life that makes Rehoboth so special.”

Locals will recognize many Rehoboth landmarks in the exhibit: Dolle’s, Sharkey’s, The Blue Moon, Aqua and Shag. They may even recognize themselves. In the R.E.H.O.B.O.T.H collection, Montgomery attempts to capture fleeting Rehoboth moments in a perpetual freeze frame. “The locals featured in the art are part of the moment the piece captures,” he explains. “The portraits are character studies of inspiring people living in a remarkable community that embraces all.”

Gallery 50 is at 50-A Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach. For more information on Montgomery, visit lipstickchic.com, preview the show at 50contemporaryart.com, or call 227-2050.