THE ESTUARY AT COBBLE CLOSE FARM
November 22 – 24, 2024
THE ESTUARY is a dynamic roaming art installation that showcases a carefully curated collection of mixed media artworks at various exciting venues throughout the Two River Community. The project highlights the area’s rich history and unique cultural heritage. Created by locals Emily Billington, Peggy Nicolosi, Ana Anttonen, and Maggie Ludman, THE ESTUARY aims to foster a vibrant artistic movement and contribute to the growing local art scene. It celebrates the intersection of artistic expression and the historical soul of the community. This immersive experience invites art lovers, creators, and community members alike to come together in a shared appreciation for the arts.
The debut event of THE ESTUARY in April 2024 was a resounding success, held at Fair Haven’s historic Bicentennial Hall. This inaugural weekend-long art show transformed the 150-year-old venue into a stunning art gallery, with the original 1880s pews repurposed to display the artwork. Over 500 attendees from the Two River Community and beyond gathered with enthusiasm and a spirit of generosity to celebrate the creativity of local artists. Many remarked that the event marked a transformative moment in how local art and craftsmanship are valued and appreciated. The weekend was filled with emotion and meaning, offering a powerful celebration of Bicentennial Hall’s rich history, as well as the vibrant local culture and heritage of the area. More than 20 artists were featured, with over 100 pieces of art sold, generating over $50,000 in sales and donations. All proceeds were directed back into the community—funding the restoration of Bicentennial Hall and supporting the newly launched Fair Haven Farmers Market, a vital community initiative that will run through November.
As the show concluded, the passionate team behind THE ESTUARY promised that once the dust settled, they would begin planning their next big step. They assured everyone that their following event would be just as impactful, magical, and fun as the debut, if not more so. One thing is certain: their future shows will continue to inspire and captivate the community.
Excitement is building for THE ESTUARY’s next art show, as recent posts on their Instagram account, @estuaryartshow, have revealed the venue for their upcoming November installation: THE ESTUARY AT COBBLE CLOSE FARM.
Nestled into the hills of Navesink is Cobble Close Farm, a grand country estate with an incredibly rich history that dates back to the 1920s when it was built for Herbert Straus, heir to the Macy’s fortune. Here among the fields of lavender you will find decorative fountains, Greco-Roman statues, an orangery and an old dairy barn, relics of old world grandeur that have made Cobble Close a favorite location for fashion, film and television shoots…and now THE ESTUARY. While Cobble Close Farm is simply the backdrop to the next art show, its mystique definitively takes center stage as everything on view tells a compelling story, with subtle nods to seduction, decadence, and fetish. Furnishings and refreshments are indulgent and hedonistic, full of glamor and allure, with obvious signs of the good life, gaiety and constant celebration. As a private residence, Cobble Close comes with certain restrictions, making the format of this event quite different from the public community show last April. THE ESTUARY’s mission is to provide creative, artistic experiences for locals and those who truly appreciate and love the arts, and to encourage more patronage. While this venue calls for a ticketed opening and appointment-only viewings, we promise it will be well worth it!
The artists at THE ESTUARY AT COBBLE CLOSE FARM will bring a striking contrast to those from the inaugural show. The artwork will be bold and edgy—no pastels or coastal themes here—perfectly complementing the venue’s grandeur. Featured artists include Suzanne Osterweil Weber, Djamila Fierek, Jaqueline Cedar, Komply, Monica Camin, Jessie Frost, Victoria Steel, Maura Woodward, Carole Rogers, Autumn Elise Kent-Hower, and others from Sydney, Berlin, London, Buenos Aires, LA, and the Jersey Shore.
The show kicks off with an exclusive, invite-only Collector’s Cocktail Party on Friday, November 22, from 7-10pm. Guests will enjoy gourmet bites, champagne, signature cocktails, and an open bar, all set in the glamorous, 1920s-inspired Cobble Close Farm estate. A surprise performance will add to the evening’s allure.
The opening party tickets sold out in 24 hours, but you can still view the art by appointment-only on November 23 and 24, from 12-3pm. Reserve your spot via the link in their bio or by DM’ing @estuaryartshow. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!