Our new print issue is dedicated to celebrating the arts in South Jersey, mostly focusing on visual arts this time around. The content profiles the organizations and individuals that make up the arts communities in our towns and neighborhoods. Let’s shine a light on the artists that help make South Jersey such a beautiful place!
Mary Young was nominated by the South Jersey Artist Collective to tell us about her life and work as an artist.
Brigantine has always been a place of comfort and creativity for artist Mary Young. Having vacationed on the island since childhood, Mary officially made Brigantine her home three years ago, drawn back by the ocean’s rhythm and the community’s warmth. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Mary spent nearly a decade immersed in the art world before returning to New Jersey to start a family and re-root herself in nature. That decision, she says, has shaped her work more than ever.
Her paintings, often described as lyrical and atmospheric, are deeply influenced by the natural world, poetry, and the feminine perspective. Whether capturing the fleeting light across the shoreline or weaving in motifs of growth and resilience, Mary’s art reflects both her surroundings and her personal journey.
“Nature has always been my grounding point,” she shares. “Living here allows me to breathe differently, to create with more presence.”
Now balancing life as an artist, and educator, Mary continues to cultivate her practice, with Brigantine’s landscape providing daily inspiration for her evolving body of work.
Community Spotlights
If you know someone you think we should shine our Community Spotlight on, email us at [email protected].
Right now we’re focusing on our South Jersey Educators category, which we’ll continue to run now and through the beginning of fall. So if you know someone who deserves a special shout-out, get in touch!
We’re also always looking for nominees in the following categories:
First Responders: Police, Fire, EMT, Dispatch, Active Military
Food Service Industry Workers: Waitstaff, Bussers, Servers, Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers
Volunteers: Nonprofit Workers, Youth Sports Coaches, Scout Leaders, PTO Volunteers
Public Servants: Elected Officials and Support Staff at every Government Agency serving South Jersey at the Municipal, County, State and Federal levels
Healthcare Workers: Nurses, Medical Assistants, Administrative Support Staff
Beverage Service Industry Workers: Anyone who works in a Bar, Coffee Shop, Brewery, Winery or Distillery