The Cliffside Park Arts Association in New Jersey is celebrating a major milestone this fall, presenting its first-ever solo exhibition with acclaimed artist Michael Hayes. Titled “Michael Hayes: Besotted with Beauty,” the exhibit runs from September 27 through November 2, 2025, offering the public a rare glimpse into Hayes’ evocative and transformative artwork.
About the Exhibition
Visitors will be treated to a diverse collection of more than 40 pieces, spanning new creations and select older works. The display includes collages, paintings, and satirical papier-mâché masks, reflecting Hayes’ unique ability to blend abstraction with social commentary. The exhibition occupies the Cliffside Park Arts Association Hub at 207 Edgewater Road, providing an intimate setting that invites viewers to engage closely with each piece.
Gallery hours are Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit opens with a reception on Saturday, September 27, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering attendees an opportunity to meet fellow art enthusiasts. Hayes will give an artist talk on Sunday, October 12, at 4 p.m., sharing insights into her creative process and inspiration, with refreshments provided. The show concludes with a closing reception on Sunday, November 2, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
About Michael Hayes
Hayes’ journey as an artist is as compelling as her work. Growing up in Chicago under the federal poverty level, she describes her early life as marked by privation and abuse, experiences that fueled a lifelong drive to create beauty and meaning through art. Her style is predominantly Abstract Expressionist, emphasizing themes of transcendence, resilience, and transformation.
Hayes has exhibited extensively, participating in over 40 exhibitions across the United States, Munich, and Brussels. Her pieces are included in private collections in the U.S., Germany, and Japan, and her work continues to resonate internationally. This exhibition is particularly notable as her first major showcase since being diagnosed with atrophic macular degeneration two years ago, a condition that has gradually impacted her vision. Despite this challenge, Hayes has developed innovative new techniques that highlight her adaptability and determination.
Locally, Hayes is no stranger to Cliffside Park. She has previously offered mask-making workshops and presented her art at the Cliffside Park Library, demonstrating a commitment to engaging the community and nurturing local creative talent.
About the Cliffside Park Arts Association
The Cliffside Park Arts Association has long championed the renewal of the borough’s creative spirit. Cliffside Park holds a rich artistic history, once serving as a summer retreat for iconic figures like Jackson Pollock, Man Ray, and poet William Carlos Williams. The Arts Association continues this legacy, providing a platform for contemporary artists to inspire, challenge, and connect with audiences of all ages.
For those looking to immerse themselves in transformative art and explore the region’s vibrant cultural scene, this exhibition promises a memorable experience. More information on art events and cultural happenings in New Jersey can be found at Explore New Jersey Art & Culture.
