Monmouth Festival of the Arts Begins with Glitz at Opening Gala Reception

It was an evening of style and creativity on April 9 as the 41st Monmouth Festival of the Arts kicked off with its Gala Opening at the Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls.

The show features over 215 artists whose work was juried into the festival and all pieces of art were for sale. This year’s art show, which runs through Wednesday, was displayed in a unique style as designer Daniel Reiser grouped pieces in themed displays, mixing various media styles and types. 

Artists and patrons alike milled throughout the exhibits enjoying wine, cheese and hors d'oevours, clearly enjoying browsing through the large collection of work. 

Artist Lauren Bellero, a potter was enjoying her ninth year of showing her art at the festival.  Bellero makes beautiful pit-fired pottery and described her method of production. She places pieces on a bed of sawdust in an earthen pit that had been scooped out with a backhoe. Salt soaked straw is placed over the pottery and set on fire.  The chemical reaction between the salt, sawdust and heat bring a beautiful range of colors in the finished work, explained Bellero.

“Uncovering the pieces the next day is like an exciting archeological dig,” she said.

Retired cosmetic dentist William Unger actively persued his interest in painting in oils after only having time to dabble in the medium during his working years.  This is his third year in the festival.  Also enjoying the evening was Judith More who paints detailed floorcloths in mosaic designs.   

The festival will present Julie Burstein, author of Spark: How Creativity Works on April 12 to discuss her new book.  “We are delighted to have someone of Julie Burstein’s stature coming to our festival.  It’s an important connection for us,” said co-chair of the event Alice Berman.

Burstein is the creator of the Peabody Award winning radio show Studio 360, NPR’s premier program about pop culture and the arts.