Two descendents of two of the greatest names in the art world - Pierre August Renoir, one of the founders of Impressionism, and Henri Matisse, called "the father of modern art," appeared at an exclusive "Legacy of the Masters" show May 28-30 at Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor.

Alexandre Renoir and Pierre Henri Matisse - contemporary artists who have made their marks in the art world in their own right - presented their latest paintings for sale and spoke about their legendary family members.

According to Ocean Galleries owner Josh Miller, the show was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.

"We've been hosting major events featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists for over 10 years, but (with this event) we raised the bar," Miller said. "Featuring just one of these artists would make for an impressive event; featuring both together is remarkable."

Alexandre Renoir is the great-grandson of Pierre Auguste Renoir, and Pierre Henri Matisse is the grandson of Henri Matisse and son of sculptor Jean Matisse.

Besides featuring the works of the visiting guest artists and those of their famous forefathers, the "Legacy of the Masters" event also showcased the works of museum masters Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall.

The iconic Peter Max brought his colorful and expressive collection of artwork to the Jersey Shore this summer, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Ocean Galleries welcomed Peter Max and his extraordinary “Summer to the Max” art exhibition to the Stone Harbor gallery on Sat., July 3 and Sun., July 4.

The “Summer to the Max” exhibition featured over 100 pieces of Peter Max artwork, including original paintings, drawings, and limited-edition prints. In addition to his famous patriotic works and well-known cosmic images, the collection included numerous new images of South Jersey beach scenes that Max created specifically for the Ocean Galleries event, such as lifeboat, sailboat, and nature images.

As a special treat, guests enjoyed a recent portrait of Taylor Swift by Max, which was on display July 3 and July 4 only. A longtime fan of Max’s, Swift vacationed in Stone Harbor with her family every summer and remembered the excitement of the Peter Max shows at Ocean Galleries along with his artwork. Swift’s first stage appearance took place at Henny’s Restaurant on Third Avenue just steps away from Ocean Galleries.

The world’s premier marine life artist, Wyland, was at Ocean Galleries for the first time in July with a special summer exhibition.

The internationally acclaimed artist brought his collection of bronze sculptures and aquatic paintings to the Stone Harbor gallery on Sat., July 24 and Sun., July 25. During the two-day exhibition, Wyland made appearances at guest receptions on Saturday and Sunday. Patrons had the opportunity to meet the artist, who signed and personalized Wyland artwork purchases.

Few artists in history can match the influence of Wyland, who has earned the distinction as one of America’s most unique creative artists and has become a leading advocate for marine resource conservation.

An accomplished painter, sculptor, underwater explorer, photographer, filmmaker, and educator, he has traveled the farthest reaches of the globe for more than 30 years, capturing the raw power and beauty of the aquatic universe.

Wyland's vision is to create global awareness for the ocean's magnificent marine life through paintings, sculpture, public art and education, and ocean exploration.