Terry Isner's Comic Commerce art exhibit opens Aug. 8 in Rehoboth

Rehoboth Beach artist Terry M. Isner will present his new show, Comic Commerce, opening from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at CAMP Rehoboth on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach.

Like many of Isner’s shows, this one takes viewers back to younger days through the nostalgic images he creates. Comic Commerce is a play on Comic-Con and uses products and consumer brands alongside favorite superheroes. Isner describes the show as “a mash-up of comic books, superheroes, and shameless product and brand endorsements.”

This summer’s show was created with acrylic paint on comic book pages decoupaged to the canvases. Through the superheroes and brand logos, Isner stays true to his style of bright, happy, iconic images. “My art is relatable to everyone - a smile on the wall that, in its simplest form, connects with you every time you see it,” said Isner. “The show is like what we experienced as kids, watching cartoons or reading comic books and being interrupted by consumer product advertising.”

Isner’s work is inspired by music, social events, iconic images and brands, and pop culture. “I love to intertwine the commercial world with graphics, toys, cartoons, fonts, iconic images, colors and shapes for whimsical storytelling,” he said.

There are 10 pieces in the show featuring vintage comics and superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman and Speed Racer, mixed with brands like Amazon, NASCAR and Old Bay.

With titles like “A Well-Oiled Machine,” “Mary Jane Is in Trouble Again“ and “Cyber Monday,” the exhibit is sure to be a super-fun show that raises a lot of smiles.

This is Isner’s eighth solo show and his fourth at CAMP Rehoboth, where his Toys in the Attic show was a huge hit last summer. CAMP Rehoboth is no stranger to the local art world and hosts monthly shows that Isner has helped curate, in addition to exhibiting his work.

Isner has donated several pieces over the last 13 years to CAMP Rehoboth’s fundraising events such as the Black and White Ball, HeART of the Community and Sundance. Isner has also donated his work to several other fundraising events around the country.