Seashells by the Seashore
Even though I was not born in Philly, I am a true Philadelphian in one sense at least. I love the shore. I've been to at least a half a dozen countries in Europe, as well as Mexico, Canada and a number of island retreats, but I love the Jersey shore. Every year, we trek to the Jersey shore for our annual "fun in the sun" vacation. In fact, I met my husband Dave at the Jersey shore 35 years ago (see Oh Happy Day) this month.
Over the years, I have covered many shore points -- from Long Beach Island to Cape May. Since our daughter was little, we have adopted Sea Isle City as our spot. Sea Isle is the perfect spot for us -- low key, relaxing, family-oriented. People often ask why we don't go to Stone Harbor or Avalon instead. This article in the Philadelphia Inquirer , For some in Stone Harbor, Peter Max's art is not bliss, sums up precisely why. As the piece says:
In Stone Harbor, a beach town that fancies itself more Nantucket than Sea Isle, a place where the surf shop sells Polo and Ralph Lauren, where the cheese shop carries five varieties of Stilton and people cash $100 bills to buy a loaf of bread, a town whose palette comfort-zone ranges from pink to lime green, there is, in some quarters, a bit of a Peter Max problem.* * * *Peter Max has been spreading his groovy brand of art-love in Stone Harbor for the last several summers, setting up shop at the Ocean Galleries over Fourth of July weekend, selling a commemorative poster to benefit the Wetlands Institute down the causeway. He has donated artwork for the annual auction.
This summer - in a move described by some as a gift of gratitude to the town, by others as another in an endless arsenal of successful publicity stunts - Max launched an attempt to remake the water tower off 96th Street in his colorful image.Reaction from locals?
"I think it's cartoons, and it's cute and bright and cheerful, but he compares himself to Andy Warhol. I think that's a bit ridiculous. The legitimate art world in New York thinks [Max] is a joke. I'm not being elitist by saying that. It's suitable for Atlantic City. Stone Harbor is not flashy."* * * *
"What was once a lovely, serene, family-welcoming town seems to be doing a 'makeover,' " wrote one person to the must-read Spout-Off section of the Cape May County Herald. "First, with a 'Hooters' (in everything but name) and now a cartoon art form plastered on the water tower. We're moving from tasteful to 'tacky.' "
Then there is Sea Isle City. Unlike most shore towns, with parking tickets handed out in tandem with beach tags, Sea Isle gives more warnings than tickets for those expired meters, as the Inquirer attests in Is this heaven?
Ah yes. For me, Sea Isle -- you're the place to be. And I have the sweatshirt to prove it.
(Poster via Peter Max)
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