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| The History of the
Jersey Shore Arts Center: Beginning With A Vision |
The restoration of
the "old" Neptune High School, and its subsequent transformation into the Jersey
Shore Arts Center, is a remarkable story that began with the shared vision of Herbert
Herbst and some very determined and far-sighted individuals. |
The
over 113-year-old building, celebrated at the 1906
World's Fair as an " Architectural
Splendor, " had fallen into ruin in
the 1980s and after weather and neglect came
close to destroying it entirely. In
1997, the Ocean Grove Historic Preservation
Society led by Herbert Herbst stepped in, took
title to the building and began the
quest to not only save the badly damaged
historic building, but to realize a dream:
turning it into what it is
today, a beautiful Historic building and a home for the
cultural arts at the New Jersey shore. |
| A Lesson In Making the
Impossible -- Possible |
| When the Historic
Preservation Society began their labor of love, they faced a
task many called impossible. They were greeted by fallen ceilings, ruined
floors and walls and the need to
upgrade virtually every aspect of the building
from plumbing and electrical to sprinkler systems. |
| With their dream of
opening an Arts Center for the Monmouth County community
firmly in mind, they began the gargantuan
task of restoring the building step by
careful, caring step. Contractors were hired for
major structural, plumbing and electrical work.
But it was a dynamic and dedicated
group of skilled volunteers who labored over 13 years working to restore
every detail both big and small: from
each stair banister and light fixture to every theater seat
and doorknob. |
| The
Arts Center "Open for Business" |
| The
first phase, completed in 2000, saw the opening
of the first floor with five newly renovated
classrooms, restrooms, lobby, office space, and
a magnificent 400 seat theater. Subsequent phases
saw the construction of dressing rooms,
costume and workshop rooms and kitchen area
in the lower level of
the building (completed in 2001). Since then, the
entire second floor has also been restored and
renovated, including the theater's Loge (balcony)
with a seating area of 200, two dance studios and a third
beautiful extensive ballroom studio. |
For the past two
years work is in progress to restore the third floor. A
Culinary School is planned to serve the Visually
Impaired and Special Needs Individuals. Restored facilities
will consist of a kitchen, preparation
room, restrooms, classrooms and a dining area. The
mission for the third floor project is
to provide the facilities and service instruction
to address the needs for the handicapped. A strong positive educational curriculum
will be developed. The Culinary Center will provide the facilities and training to equip
students with a culinary skill to acquire employment or to enjoy life.To complete
the 3rd floor will require considerable
financial support. The Society is embarking on a fundraising program.
(See Donations Section) |
A Cultural Center "At the Head of Its Class" |
| Today,
the former High School and current Jersey
Shore Arts Center still provides an
" education " to Monmouth County. In
addition to providing a venue for arts-related
activities, the Center also is a home
to tenants who offer instruction and participation
in the arts. Dance, music, theater, art etc. to pottery
making and ceramic arts are offered. The Center
also has two in-house theater group which hosts
first class dramatic and musical productions
each year. (See Services Section & Upcoming Events
Section) |
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| The Mission of the
Jersey Shore Arts Center |
| The Jersey Shore
Arts Center is owned and operated by the
Ocean Grove Historic Preservation Society, a
nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. To ensure that the
arts flourish within the community it provides
a venue for artistic expression as well as
opportunities for participation in theater, music,
art, dance, and activities for all individual
ages. The Jersey Shore Arts Center is supported
entirely by volunteers, has no paid employees and
uses no professional fund-raising organizations. |
| Volunteers include
over 60 women from several communities in
Monmouth County who support functions at the
Center and hold a variety of fund-raising events
throughout the year. The fund raising activities include a 5-K Run, Bus Trips,
Preview Rehearsal events, Luncheon & Fashion Show, Arts & Crafts and Gift Shop. In
addition, the Volunteer Ladies serve as ushers, ticket takers and center Representatives.
A skilled team of dedicated retired men perform the
many work tasks of restoration and maintenance to help
keep the Center functional and beautiful. |
| Accomplishments |
The Center
was given an award in 1999 by the
Monmouth County Planning Board as "One of
The Most Significant Projects in Monmouth
County." The 1906 World's Fair recognized
the building as an "Architectural Splendor."
General Colin Powell, USA (Ret), former United
States Secretary of State, learning of the
Jersey Shore Arts Center activities, wrote
"My congratulations to all the wonderful
volunteers of Ocean Grove for what you
are doing for your community." The Chief
Judge for Monmouth County Superior Court,
the Honorable Lawrence Lawson, has taken an
interest in our efforts and is
having judges assign individuals to perform
community service at the Center. The use of
volunteers is a way of life at the
Jersey Shore Arts Center. former New Jersey State
Senator Joseph Palaia, a graduate of the
school, has provided continuous support, advice,
and assistance with legislative grants. The Alumni of the
"old" Neptune High School has provided gifts and financial support.
The Jersey Shore Arts Center is where the arts flourish in an Historic setting. |
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The Jersey Shore Arts Center is owned and operated by the Ocean
Grove Historic Preservation Society, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.
Copyright © 2006 All
Rights Reserved.
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