18th ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK
WHEN: Sunday, May 29, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (with load-in time from 7 to 9:45 a.m.); deadline to enter is Saturday, May 21
WHERE: West End Park in Long Branch
Interested artists will be asked to send photos or JPEGS of their work for consideration (those who participated in the 2015 show need not submit material for review). There is a non-refundable entry fee of $50 due at time of registration, and locations of tents or stalls (measuring 100 square feet) within the park will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Interested in entering electronically? Have any questions? Contact event coordinator Mare Akana at makana.art@gmail.com with your info, and we’ll send you all the details.
The clocks have been sprung ahead; the snow shovels have been cautiously stored away for another day. If you’re an artistically inclined person who lives in and around the New Jersey Shore, you probably can’t wait to put away winter’s drab watercolors — and to welcome Memorial Day Weekend 2016, while enjoying a day of light, color, activity, music, friendly people and good times in the arts-friendly fresh air of an exciting new season.
Returning for an 18th annual edition, the annual Art in the Park event transforms the corner of Ocean and Brighton Avenues into one of the largest outdoor art happenings in the state; an art and fine crafts fair that emphasizes unique and original works over commercially produced “art sale” merchandise. (RIGHT: Painter Steve Cote shows off his ribbon awarded in the category of Mixed Media, at the 2015 Art in the Park event in Long Branch. Photo credit: Christopher Anthony)
Sponsored by the Long Branch Arts Council and Long Branch Historical Association, with support from the City of Long Branch, Art in the Park takes place within strolling distance of an eclectic menu of restaurants, taverns and eateries.
Last year’s edition was among the most successful ever, with more than 60 participating artists enjoying beautiful weather, great turnout, live music and a chance to display — and sell — work that they created themselves, with no commission taken by the event organizers. The people who bring you Art in the Park invite you to be part of this great local event in the artist-friendly neighborhood of West End, a fun, creative, energetic place to spend some hours on any day or night.
We’re seeking submissions in the categories of Works on Paper, Works on Canvas, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Photography, Ceramics, and Special Materials (including wood, glass or plastic). Please note that the organizers of Art in the Park are not seeking submissions in the categories of jewelry, fiber or fabric art at this time. So whether you’re a seasoned professional or a relative newcomer, this can be a great opportunity to get your work before the public, in a supportive and highly visible setting that offers honors in each category. (LEFT: The 18th annual Art in the Park outdoor art and artisanal crafts fair returns to West End Park in Long Branch on May 29. Photo credit: Christopher Anthony)
Guest juror this year will be Barbara Rivolta, a potter, jeweler and instructor who has worked as a museum professional for many years, including a stint as Asian Art Collections Coordinator for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Based in Forked River, the graduate of Drew University (whose own work combines ceramics with precious-metal clay and other materials) currently serves as a board member and committee chair at Ocean County’s John F. Peto Studio Museum.
The Long Branch Arts Council is a partnership dedicated to working with the city government, civic and business organizations and the arts community to re-establish the City of Long Branch as a thriving regional center for the arts. Our aim is to accomplish this goal by attracting artists and arts organizations, by coordinating fundraising and development efforts, by establishing arts education programs, and by presenting arts-oriented events that draw upon the natural resources, accessibility, historic assets and “people power” that are unique to our beloved city.
