Throughout the month of April, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions features drawings and prints by Manville, New Jersey-based artist Jeffrey Sanders.

Meet the artist at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Saturday, April 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. See Jeff's works on view, and mingle with other artists and art lovers. Refreshments will be served.

After graduating from Manville High School in 1988 with a core understanding of mechanical drawing and basic art, Jeff studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where he acquired the initial training required to pursue a career in the visual arts. During the Gulf War in 1990, seeking additional training and a broader challenge, he enlisted in the United States Navy hoping to pursue a career as an illustrator/draftsman. Despite advice from Naval counselors not to pursue this job or "rating" due to its highly limited acceptance rate, Jeff dug in to prove them wrong. This rating was to be a perfect fit for Jeff as it offered several disciplines including drafting, illustration, photography, videography as well as cartooning. After extensive training and qualifying over the following year while stationed in Pensacola, Florida and throughout the Mediterranean, Jeff went on to earn several awards and commendations throughout his eight-year enlistment. His greatest accolade was being presented with the Navy Achievement Medal for Outstanding Achievement as an Illustrator/Draftsman and Exemplary Performance as a United States Sailor.