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Asbury Park’s creative duo Patrick Schiavino and Brittany James will debut a retrospective aptly named Metamorphosis Saturday at art629 Gallery on Cookman Avenue.

Schiavino and James live and make their art at the downtown space. And even though the duo take different approaches to their creative styles, they are both influenced by the beauty and mystery of their surrounding environment, and the search for balance and truth.

Schiavino, the creator behind the popular Asbury Underground music festival, is a self-taught painter and mixed-media artist. A graduate of Montclair State College, Schiavino’s interest in contemporary art was fueled by the once vibrant Soho art and music scene. His art has shown across the globe, including in Luxembourg, New York City and Trenton.

“Whether through writing, painting, or sculpture, I have always felt the desire to address my  feelings towards the Earth, mankind, and the universal spirit,” Schiavino said. “I feel that as true artists, we have a duty not only to create new and interesting art, but to also address and communicate our feelings as we search for the truth to our existence, and both the positive and negative influences mankind has on our planet.”

James, also a Montclair State University graduate, has been the resident art teacher at art629 for the past three years, teaching both oil and acrylic classes; and oversees the public open studio sessions at the gallery.

“Painting is my way of escaping reality,” she said. “With a brush in my hand all of my surroundings and thoughts disappear, and my mind enters a new world within the canvas. The purpose of my paintings is to make the viewers feel as if they are escaping by looking at my art, the same way I feel while creating it. This has been my source of inspiration for over the past decade.”

Metamorphosis opens with a 7 to 10 p.m. artist reception at the 629 Cookman Avenue gallery. The exhibit will remain on display through Oct. 8.

art629 Gallery opened in 2009, with a focus on showcasing fine and contemporary works by new artists who may be considered controversial or cutting edge. For more information, call 732-859-1458 or visit www.art629.com.

For more about the artists, visit Schiavino’s website at www.patrickschiavino.com and James’ website at www.brittanyjamesart.com.

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