On behalf of the John F. Peto Studio Museum, the Board of Trustees, the volunteers, and supporters, welcome you to Still Life Meets Trompe l’œil: The Art of Noticing. Featuring Artist George Stave with Natalie Featherston, Abbey Ryan, Erik van der Vlugt, Lea Colie Wight, Win Zibeon.
Please join us for our fall exhibition: Still Life Meets Trompe l’œil: The Art of Noticing. In this exhibit, we explore the question, “What’s the difference between still life and trompe l’œil?”
The inspiration for this exhibit came from two sources. First, our visitors often ask if the trompe l’oeil painting by Peto that they are viewing is a still life. Second, artist Natalie Featherston asserts that “all trompe l’oeil is still life, but not all still life is trompe l’oeil.” This sparked the idea for an exhibition that highlights the differences and similarities between the two genres.
Our archives provided the names of artists who are perfect for this presentation. George Stave’s artwork was a major focus in our 2019 exhibition, Landscapes of New Jersey: Past, Present, and Future. His still lifes are well-known to us, so a visit to his wife’s shop, Mahbubeh’s Antiques in Hopewell, NJ, allowed us to choose from a vast selection that illustrates the connection between still life and trompe l’œil.
We also reached out to additional artists from past shows who graciously agreed to contribute their extraordinary works to support our theme. These artists include Natalie Featherston, Abbey Ryan, and Win Zibeon. Most recently, we discovered Lea Colie Wight’s work at the Main Street Gallery in Manasquan, NJ, and Eric van der Vlugt was introduced to us during the Long Beach Island artist studio tour. Both are welcomed additions to the exhibition hall.
The exhibit runs from September 20th to December 13th, 2026. We hope to see you there!
SCHEDULE A TOUR
Don’t see a time slot that’s open? Check back soon for updated tour times.
24 hour advance registration is required.
EXHIBITION SPONSORS
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
The John F. Peto Studio Museum received funding this year from a grant administered by the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.
