'Texture Mania," an exhibit of art by Middletown artists Mary Ann Russo and Cecilia Swatton, is at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center through June 27.

"M"by Cecilia Swatton Russo's highly textured work is upbeat and colorful. Abstract paintings, digital photo collage and fiber art wall hangings demonstrate her diversity in working in a variety of mediums.

To achieve a textual effect in her abstract paintings, she uses nontraditional methods, materials and tools, some handmade, some acquired from hardware stores, and some from construction sites. In her fiber art, texture is increased through embellishments that include feathers, beads and novelty hanging rods.

Russo's artwork has been displayed in venues including the Monmouth Festival of the Arts, Monmouth Museum, Art Society of Monmouth County, The Guild of CreativeArt.

Swatton creates three-dimensional mixed-media wall hangings and tabletop decorations as well as digital art. Altered cigar boxes are her favorite tabletop decorations; each cigar box is a vignette telling its own vintage theme. She is an independent designer of art rubber stamps, and her artwork has been published in electronic and print media.

"Passion" by Maryann Russo Her artwork has been displayed at The Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury and the juried 2009 Monmouth Festival of the Arts at Monmouth Reform Temple.

Monmouth Beach Cultural Center is located in the former lifesaving station at 128 Ocean Ave. Route 36. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. The cultural center can be reached at 732-229-4527 or by visiting www.surfmen.com.

"Confusion" by Maryann Russo "Mountains" by Cecilia Swatton