By Mary Ann Bourbeau
LONG BRANCH – A major expansion that doubles the size of the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center is set to be unveiled this week. Branchport Galleries brings four new rooms to the venue, which showcases local culture and history with exhibitions across all artistic disciplines. The project reinforces the City of Long Branch’s continued commitment to arts, culture and creative expression, officials said.
The ribbon-cutting and reception were planned for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, and the new expansion wing is open to the public to explore.
“We’re excited to bring even more art, classes, workshops and programs to our community,” said arts director Maggie Fischer. “With the addition of new easels, art supplies and other creative tools, we’re able to provide an even more enriching, hands-on educational experience for everyone who visits our center.”
The Branchport Galleries’ inaugural exhibition, “For the Sake of Art,” features a diverse collection of works spanning wood sculpture, painting, photography, fiber art and ceramics. The exhibition celebrates creative expression in all its forms – art created simply because it needs to exist.
One of the new galleries is dedicated to emerging young artists from Monmouth County. Long Branch resident and high school junior Charlotte Mathias curated the exhibition “Unframed,” featuring work from more than 30 students. The show includes digital art, sketches, mixed media, photography, paintings and other media.
“Art plays a vital role in the health and well-being of our community,” Fischer said. “Supporting young artists is essential, and it’s inspiring to see such incredible talent who contribute to growing our creative network.”
Mayor John Pallone noted that the gallery has been in such demand, it was practically “bursting at the seams.”
“Each month, we see growing interest from artists wanting to exhibit their work, more ideas for special exhibitions and increasing numbers of visitors,” Pallone said. “Expanding the Arts & Cultural Center was essential to bring even more people together through art.”
The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center opened in 2021 in the former Bank of America building at 577 Broadway, sharing the space with the Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED). Since its opening, the center has welcomed thousands of visitors. Renovations began in August in the rear portion of the former bank building along Branchport Avenue, following OCED’s relocation to 3rd Avenue. The reimagined wing features multiple archways, wood flooring and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
“There were no state or county grants involved in this project, as all of the work on the new wing was completed in-house by our talented DPW crew,” said Michal DiMiceli, community outreach manager for Long Branch. Construction began in early November, DiMiceli said, and was completed just last week. “This same team was also responsible for the renovation of the main gallery when the building was donated to the city by Bank of America back in 2021.”
Together, the existing Broadway Gallery and The Branchport Galleries offer greater flexibility, encourage creative experimentation, and provide expanded opportunities for artists and audiences alike through art classes and educational programs for all ages, as well as special events throughout the year.
For more information, visit the Arts & Cultural Center website at longbranch.org
/158/Arts-Cultural-Center.
The article originally appeared in the January 15 – 21, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
