Art Walk Held Saturday, To Continue on Sunday

This weekend's art walk in Historic Smithville and at the Village Greene was originally scheduled to only take place on Saturday, but because the weather was not ideal (paintings were blowing over, tents were shaking from wind gusts), the event has been extended to Sunday as well, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Saturday there were dozens of artists and artisans showing and selling their works, from paintings to photography to mixed media arts and homemade jewelry.

The Smithville Art Walk, which is now in its second year, is organized by the owners of , a store that specializes in punk rock apparel and posters.

This weekend's event was the third organized by Lucy and Mike Spagnola, who are already planning for art walks in April and Sept. or Nov. of 2013.

The Spagnolas keep the event free because their goal is to support local artists.

Lucy's sister is an artist, and she said that she always sees fundraisers and events for local sports, but rarely for local arts.

"No one really supports local art," said Lucy Spagnola. "They don't call them starving artists for nothing."

The artists on Saturday appreciated the support.

"It's a nice area to come to," said Mike Donnelly of Little Egg Harbor, who had his sketches on display. "Underground is super friendly, always willing to help out, and its a great way to get your work out."

Nikkie Rae, a new student at the Richard Stockton College this fall and who plans to be an art teacher, said that supporting the arts is important.

"It's a way to express yourself," she said. "The fine arts are dwindling down...but anyone can relate to art."

For more information or to sign-up for a future Smithville Art Walk, contact UndergroundNJ92@yahoo.com.