Wild Life Reception

The art opening for Julie Goetz was well-attended, lively, and a lot of fun. 

Bartender – or mixologist – Kevin Maxfield stayed very busy, serving up a gin & tonic, especially for the event. “A good mixologist has a known customer’s drink ready before they ask,” Kevin explains. “It’s about speed and accuracy, as well as the perfectly balanced drink.” 

Chef Becky looked lovely and had a gleam in her eye. As we’ve written about before, the Chef was raised more by a community caring for her and loves to provide community in return.  Greg Stier, a local musician, played guitar and sang without any amplification. His songs provided a nice accompaniment to the festiveness and excitement of the occasion. 

Artist Julie Goetz was in top form, energized by the interest in her work. She even had yellow paint dried on her hand from working on a piece that was hung on the day of the reception. Since she had a variety of animal life represented, we noticed that local animals – especially foxes – were popular with the crowd. Foxes do abound in Hunterdon County and can often be seen in the dusk or dark crossing roads or prowling the roadside. They also love to haunt cemeteries where their shyness can be retained, and to the chagrin of chicken-keepers foxes are also well-known in chicken-nabbing. 

Julie’s art was a perfect fit for Hunterdon County, including her horizontal pieces depicting fish, evoking the Raritan River and its tributaries. It was a great reminder that we live in such a wildlife-rich area in Hunterdon County. 

Chef Becky’s food was great at the event: finger foods and appetizer-sized portions that were perfect for nibbling and perusing art. She featured prosciutto-wrapped dates, chips and fresh guacamole, various cheeses (which taste at their best at room temp), and hors d’oeuvres that went ‘round from the servers including stuffed mushrooms and delectable desserts. The Chef, thoughtful as always, paired beverages with morsels and served a savory red wine as well as the gin & tonics. 

“I wanted this installation to feel as magical and fun as Julie’s work reflects,” curator Chris Callahan notes in his Curator’s Notes. “I feel lucky to have been given this chance to curate her work.” Chris put a lot of thought and energy into how the animal-themed paintings could be hung to reflect a sense of movement and mischief. 

Lastly, TJ McGrath, a local floral artist, provided wonderful flower designs specially for the event, utilizing yellow dahlia and fall stylings. TJ has a unique floral design style and pays particular attention to using organic and sustainable products. The flowers in the center of the room by the food were a timely way to capture the transition from late summer into autumn.