The Montgomery News | September 23, 2026
Montgomery artists Joseph Petrovics and Don Campbell will show their work alongside Hopewell artist Jody Olcott at Morpeth Contemporary in concurrence with the Hopewell Tour Des Arts being held this weekend — September 26 and 27, 11 - 5 pm both days.
A preview party will be held on Friday, September 25, from 4 to 6 pm, while the the works will be on view through October 4.
JOSEPH PETROVICS |
Joseph Petrovics’ sculptural paintings are part of a series long in the making. Entitled Imaginary Spaces at the Beginning…, the works serve as conceptual metaphors for the beginning of time and the creation of the universe. Petrovics imagines a moment when matter begins to take shape and galaxies begin to form.
Meticulously constructed, each work begins with a substrate made from a variety of thermally treated woods, which are often carved and shaped. Petrovics makes his own paint using stand oil and high-quality pigments, a process he describes as an “old school method.”
Born in Hungary, Petrovics studied at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest. He received his master’s degree in sculpting in 1986 and won the Derkowitz Prize in 1987 as part of the National Competition for Young Artists. In 1988, he moved to the United States and became the sculptor-in-residence at Ettl Farm in Princeton.
From 2003 to 2006, Petrovics served as the lead sculptor on a team of craftsmen who created the 9/11 Firefighters Memorial Wall at Ground Zero.
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DON CAMPBELL |
Campbell specializes in portrait and figurative sculpture in clay and bronze. His subjects are first “birthed” in his mind’s eye, and when an image remains—becoming impossible to ignore—it eventually takes shape in his studio. Once completed, each sculpture invites the viewer to create a story uniquely their own.
Campbell’s passion for sculpting began in high school, though many years would pass before he returned to it. He began his career as a graphic designer in his native Toronto before moving to the United States, where he eventually founded his own advertising agency, which he led for more than 30 years. Following a lifelong exploration of creativity and consciousness, Campbell authored Creativity, It’s Not What You Think (2021), which explores creative flow as a pathway to personal growth and greater awareness.
JODY OLCOTT |
Hopewell artist Jody Olcott’s work pays homage to animals that have vanished from the earth while drawing attention to the many thousands of species now at risk of extinction in the decades ahead.
"We find ourselves in the midst of one of the most profound periods of species extinction in history," Olcott says.
A journey to Russia in 1996 left a lasting impression on her. Deeply moved by the Byzantine icons of saints and religious figures, with their luminous gold halos and solemn presence, the experience prompted her to consider what in her life would engender such veneration. A lifelong naturalist, she found her answer in the animal kingdom.
Olcott holds a Bachelor of Science in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University. Her early work, in assemblage and collage was exhibited in New York City during her years there.
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After moving to Hopewell in 1981, she worked as a photo stylist and opened the popular store Ebb. During this time painting eventually became her primary focus. Her ongoing series of animal icons has been exhibited throughout the region for the past 25 years.
MORPETH CONTEMPORARY
43 W Broad St Hopewell NJ 08525
Email: info@morpethcontemporary.com
Phone: 609.333.9393
PREVIEW PARTY : FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 4 to 6 pm ON VIEW THROUGH OCTOBER 4. |
