Gallery: Keyport History Depicted in Waterfront Art Project

The Keyport Waterfront, near Broad Street and American Legion Avenue, now boasts its very own mural designed by world renowned artist Isaiah Zagar.

According to the president of the Arts Society of Keyport, Mary Ann McKay, the mural, which consists of five large pieces, reflects Keyport's history and includes steamboats, oyster shells and sea birds in an abstract and colorful mosaic.

The Arts Society of Keyport (ASK) is a non-profict organization who commissioned Zagar to design and create the mosaic mural, McKay said. The artwork was funded by the Keyport Business Association, a small grant from the Monmouth County Arts Council, private donations and donations from organizations within the community.

Placing visual art in public areas is part of ASK's mission. Last year, ASK created and designed five mosaic recycling bins and donated them to Keyport. They now rest near the waterfront and the mural is considered an extension of that project.

Their dedication to public art is what helped ASK and Zagar agree to partner on this project.

“Zagar was impressed with 
our organization’s mosaic recycling bin project; this was instrumental in his decision to come to Keyport,”   
said McKay. According to her, Zagar was selected for the project because of his unique approach which includes community involvement coupled with an educational component.

The mural was created and installed by Zagar and a group of volunteers over a five day period, between Sept. 29 and Oct. 3.