LONG BRANCH — When Memorial Day weekend opens the summer season at the Jersey Shore, it’s time for one of the largest outdoor art happenings in New Jersey, the annual “Art in the Park” event.
On Sunday, May 30, the Long Branch Arts Council in partnership with the Long Branch Historical Association and the City of Long Branch will host dozens of artists from all over New Jersey in the 12th annual “Art in the Park.”
The art show is free and open to the public and will be going on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in West End Park, located just one block from the beach and at the center of the West End business district at the corner of Ocean and Brighton avenues.
“Art in the Park” will feature artists and craftspeople from Monmouth and Ocean counties displaying works in media that range from sketches or paintings on paper and canvas to sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, photography, handcrafted jewelry and special materials.
A variety of works will be available for sale by the participating artists, and awards will be given out in eight categories, along with a People’s Choice Award selected by event attendees.
There will be a variety of live music, and attendees will be within walking distance of more than 20 different sit-down restaurants, take-out eateries and taverns.
“Anyone who’s ever attended this event knows that it’s not the same old same old,” event coordinator Mare Akana said in a press release. “It’s a one-of-akind collection of quality original works, many of which you won’t see anywhere else — and all in a strolling-fair setting that’s a lot of fun to experience.”
Among the artists confirmed for the event are Ed Spiro, found-object sculpture, Joel Katz, lenticular imaging, Lana Kessler, ceramics, Vicki Culver, photocollage, and painters Bill Bunting, Carol Colvin, Demetrius Patterson, Scott Hawxhurst, Mike Sarapuchiello and Marvin Pakula, as well as art photography by Mike Menendez and Trish Hamm and jewelry designers Mary Casey and Jeong Kim.
For more information, call Akana at 732-542-1307.