Artwork sits awaiting perusal at last year’s Junebug ArtFest. PHOTO BY DAVID GLASOFER, IMAGEUP STUDIOS METUCHEN — The borough’s downtown will be bustling every Friday night in June for the eighth annual Junebug ArtFest.
Starting 6-10 p.m. June 5, patrons will have opportunities to take in different forms of visual and performing arts from local performers and artists on Metuchen’s Main Street.
“It’s a great way for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work,” said Lynda Woodworth, who not only serves as publicity coordinator for the festival, but also has showcased her artwork there along with her son for the past seven years. “It’s really become a pre-eminent art event in our backyard in Metuchen.”
The festival is set to kick off with a slate of scheduled interactive events and live performances. Events include the unveiling of this year’s sculpture by graphic arts educator and illustrator Lauren Rabinowitz, the Preschool of Rock performing at Borough Hall, live music at Lollipop Land, the Richard Reiter Drum Circle at the Senior Center, the Community Preschool Student Art Show at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse and a “Bringing Art to Life” demonstration.
Other live performances for June 5 include bands from Metuchen High School; The eMKays, performing a mix of jazz, blues, folk and rock; gospel singer Kinova Alphonse; The Rollbacks, a Latin/jazz/rock group; and Foxtrot, offering up rock, pop and grunge stylings.
The Metuchen Public Library will hold “The Write Stuff Writers’ Workshop” from 6-9 p.m. More events will be announced as the festival continues.
Junebug is a nonprofit event with no dedicated budget. Festival organizers raise money through local businesses and most recently had a successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign.
Money raised from Kickstarter is being used to invite internationally renowned chalk artist Anthony Cappetto, who is known for his eye-popping 3D street art, organizers said. Cappetto will create a piece in front of Borough Hall over a three- to four-day period. The piece will be unveiled on June 12, the second Friday of the festival.
This year’s festival will also feature a window gallery competition. Businesses will host a series of storefront window displays that showcase established artists throughout the month. Museum directors, gallerists and visitors will vote on the displays for People’s Choice and Best Designed Exhibit. Voting goes from opening night until June 18. Awards will be announced on June 19.
Three professional artists will paint a large mural on the Old Franklin Schoolhouse’s shed throughout the month.
“The festival grows every year in attendance, variety and quality,” Woodworth said. “In the wake of budget cuts to art education, I think that our volunteer-driven art festival is more important than ever before.”
For more information on Junebug Art- Fest, visit www.junebugartfest.com or contact the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce at 732-548-2964, visit metuchenchamberexchange.com or email [email protected].