Artists Wanted for Annual West End Art in the Park

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season and the return of Art in the Park in West End.

This year will mark the 14th anniversary of the event which will have "a renewed sense of purpose," according to the Long Branch Arts Council (LBAC).

"February’s devastating fire in the West End neighborhood of Long Branch displaced numerous residents and destroyed several longstanding businesses on the Brighton Avenue block across from West End Park, home to the Art in the Park event," a release states. "For the 2012 edition, the Long Branch Arts Council and Long Branch Historical Association join together in a renewed commitment to the vitality of West End, and its continued importance in the cultural landscape of coastal New Jersey."

Last year’s event was among the most successful ever, according to the LBAC, with more than 50 participating artists and a record turnout.

This year's Art in the Park is slated for Sunday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in West End Park at the corner of Ocean and Brighton Avenues.

"We’re particularly interested in submissions in the categories of Works on Paper, Works on Canvas, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Photography, Ceramics, and Special Materials (including wood, glass or plastic) — 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," the release states.

The guest juror this year will be Amy Faris, a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design and the New York Academy of Art whose paintings and drawings have been exhibited at gallery shows in Illinois, Michigan, New York, New Jersey and Maryland. 

 The event is sponsored by the LBAC, in partnership with the Long Branch Historical Association, with support from the City of Long Branch.

Interested artists will be asked to send photos or JPEGS of their work for consideration, but those who participated in the 2011 show need not submit material for review.

The deadline to enter this year's event is May 19. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $40 due at time of registration, and locations of tents or stalls within the park will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

All questions about Art in the Park should be directed to event coordinator Mare Akana at 732-542-1307.