“Dancing Geckos, Curaçao” by Sanford Cook TINTON FALLS — The 39th annual Monmouth Festival of the Arts, one of the region’s largest juried art shows, will open on Saturday, March 28, and run through Wednesday, April 1, at Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave. in Tinton Falls.
During these five days, the Monmouth Reform temple is transformed into a professionally appointed art museum. In addition to the displays of more than 3,000 paintings, crafts and jewelry, festival activities include artist demonstrations, children’s programs, and an evening art lecture series.
Tickets can be purchased for a one-day event at $8 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, or a series ticket can be purchased for $18, entitling the holder to attend the show and its programs all week long.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Monmouth Reform Temple; the show has become a preeminent cultural community event in its promotion of the arts and art education.
The festival week begins with the Gala Reception on Saturday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. at which attendees can meet the artists displaying in the show. They also have a first-chance opportunity to purchase the art works while enjoyingwine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Tickets for the gala are $65 at the door or can be ordered for $60 by calling 732-747-8278 or 732-747-9365. Gala ticket holders also qualify as patron supporters of the festival, allowing them to attend the show and its special programs for the run of the festival.
During the week, area art lovers can enjoy the variety of art on display from more than 200 artists who hail from all over the Northeast. Sunday is family day, featuring children’s craft workshops and entertainment. A special student artist display heralds the artwork of 11th-grade students who competed for awards earlier in the year at a student competition and workshop. Throughout the festival, Le Petit Café provides soups, lunches, light suppers, snacks and desserts.
This year’s show designer is Maureen Welton, who served as MFA show designer from 1996 to 2002. For more than 20 years, Welton owned and operated Yesterdears Antique Shop in Rockland County, N.Y. Her artwork has appeared at the New York City Parks Art Exhibition in Manhattan, as well as in various galleries in New York.
Group tours led by artists or trained docents can be prearranged for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and are available for schools (with adult supervision), seniors or other groups.
For a complete schedule of events and times, visit the website, www.monmouthfestivalofthearts. com, call 732-747-8278, or email to [email protected].
Daily admission to all events for adults is $8, seniors (65+) and students (though high school) $5. Series ticket, $18 (Sunday- Wednesday).

