If you've ever dreamed of owning artwork from a rock legend and meeting that artist face-to-face, mark your calendar for November 16th, when Paul Stanley, of KISS and an acclaimed artist in his own right, brings his latest collection to the Wentworth Gallery in Short Hills, NJ. It’s not just a display of vibrant colors and bold strokes; it’s an event, a celebration of creativity, and a rare opportunity to engage with a global icon.
Wentworth Gallery’s director, Maryanne Frelinger, shared her insights into the excitement building around this show, including the unveiling of Stanley’s new abstract works, the joy of collectors meeting their rock idol, and the thrilling chance to create art alongside him. We caught up with Maryanne for an exclusive interview to get a glimpse of what’s in store.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Paul Stanley’s latest work and what attendees can expect to see?
Maryanne: Yes, over the past 20 years, Wentworth Gallery has been exclusively representing Paul Stanley’s artwork, and we’ve been honored to host many exhibitions of his various collections spanning that time. This particular exhibit for our upcoming event on November 16th is very special. Paul has been in the midst of a creative surge recently and has unveiled new large-scale abstract expressionist works that have evolved into three series, each expanding on the next. These are titled the Black Series, World in Chaos, and Joy & Rebellion. They are dynamic, colorful works with an explosive feel.
Along with these pieces, the collection includes new hand-painted guitars, one-of-a-kind acrylic sculptures, and works on metal. Collectors will also see classic images they’ve come to know Paul for, such as his patriotic works, the Forever Flowers series, portraits, and more. It’s truly an all-encompassing collection.
Q: One of the unique aspects of your Wentworth Gallery shows is the chance for collectors to meet the artist in person. What’s it like for fans to connect with the artist at your gallery?
Maryanne: The opportunity for collectors to meet any artist who creates the pieces they love always adds an extra level of depth and appreciation to the experience of the artwork itself. When that artist also happens to be a legendary icon such as Paul Stanley, someone who many of his collectors have been fans of and idolized for decades, the chance to meet him in person and share time with him becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s absolutely one of our favorite opportunities to provide to collectors, and for us to share in that moment when they meet their hero in person. It can be a euphoric experience.
And of course, this is an art show, so qualifying to meet the artist in person is as simple as acquiring his artwork from this collection. The entire exhibit will be on display and available for acquisition three full weeks prior to the event, so interested collectors can stop by the gallery, and we’ll be happy to give them the grand tour and assist them in finding their perfect piece. They can also preview works on our website and contact us with any questions.
Q: Collectors will also have the chance to paint with Paul. Can you tell us more?
Maryanne: Our ‘Painting with Paul’ opportunity is a first for us, and we are very excited about it! This experience has room for a limited number of collectors, so it will be based on a qualifying purchase amount. I don’t want to give away all the fun details, but a small group of collectors will attend a private session with Paul, where he will give them a lesson in creating one of his pieces. Each attendee will get to leave with their own newly created work, inspired and instructed by Paul Stanley himself!
Q: Paul Stanley fans also have an opportunity to visit his art studio and the KISS warehouse. How can collectors qualify? Can you share details on this experience?
Maryanne: This is also a first—and talk about a once-in-a-lifetime chance! The plan is for this part of the experience to take place in the spring of 2025. This is basically the golden ticket for a VIP experience for Paul’s highest-level collectors. Once again, with specific qualifying acquisitions, collectors may be entitled to join us for a visit to Paul’s private painting studio in California, which happens to be located in the famous KISS Warehouse that our collectors will get to tour! The full details of this experience will only be revealed to the lucky group attending, so those are all the specifics I’ll reveal for now.
The countdown is on—November 16th will be here before you know it. See you at the gallery! https://www.wentworthgallery.com/
"Over the past 20 years, Wentworth Gallery has been exclusively representing Paul Stanley’s artwork."