Art in the Park Finds Its Own Reason

May 23, 2011 — art in the park, gabe barabas, jimmy leslie, Long Branch Arts Council, mare akanalong branch historical associationpaul marino band, robyn ellenbogen, west end park

Colorful, digitally generated prints by Shrewsbury artist Robyn Ellenbogen are among the new works featured in this year’s ART IN THE PARK event in Long Branch. 

Looking for one single, compelling reason to check out Art in the Park, when the outdoor art fair event makes its 13th annual stand in Long Branch on Sunday, May 29?

For one thing, you won’t find a more pleasant signifier of the summertime season than Art in the Park, the traditional Memorial Day Weekend event that’s hosted by the Long Branch Arts Council, in partnership with the Long Branch Historical Association and the City of Long Branch. It’s totally free and open to the public, it gathers dozens of the region’s most creative people in the sea-kissed setting of West End Park — and few would argue that it certainly beats being stuck in traffic.

Long Branch Arts Council prez Gabe Barbas is at the center of the arty action, during last year’s ART IN THE PARK. The annual art fair returns to West End Park this Sunday, May 29.

For another, it’s presented from 10am to 5:30pm in a convenient location (at the corner of Ocean and Brighton Avenues) that’s just one block from the beach, and right in the heart of the West End arts and business district. So you can stroll or roll from the art fair to the city’s famous oceanside Moss Mile — and you’re within walking distance of more than 20 different sit-down restaurants, take-out eateries and taverns; one of the largest, most diverse and accessible culinary experiences on the Jersey Shore.

Perhaps the Number One reason to visit Art in the Park 2011? According to artist and event coordinator Mare Akana, it’s about “Being able to meet the artists and talk to them about their work.”

“This is a favorite event for them,” says Akana of the participants who come from four states to stake out their place in the park. “As an artist, this would be the one show I wouldn’t miss if I was able to participate.”

One of the largest and best attended open-air art happenings in New Jersey, Art in the Park is not a traveling “art sale” but a unique event that Akana describes “a one-of-a-kind collection of quality original works, many of which you won’t see anywhere else.”

There’s live music in the park gazebo from the Paul Marino Band, along with a Visitors Gallery where kids can create their own artworks to display in the park. A variety of items will be available for sale by the participating artists, and awards will be given out in each of eight categories, along with a People’s Choice award selected by event attendees.

Among the creative people scheduled to participate for the first time this year are painters Donna Grande (Montclair), Paula Kolojeski (Princeton) Robin Platt-Lacey (Oakhurst) and Steve Zazenski (New Hope, PA); photographers Amey Fisher (Old Bridge) and Melissa Katz (Tinton Falls); jewelry designer Carezza Motley (Highlands). Then there’s digital artist Robyn Ellenbogen (Shrewsbury), an engaging abstract painter and sculptor known for her tireless efforts on behalf of local arts orgs — and one whose “Mandalas for an Uncertain World” are a vivid collection of archival inkjet prints that “convey a spirit of unity and wholeness…they require no adherence to a specific belief system but suggest an antidote for these difficult times using contemplative images, rich in reference, form and pattern.”

Guest juror for this year’s event will be Jimmy Leslie, resident artist and Artist Outreach director for ColArt America. Leslie, subject of a solo show opening this May at Asbury Park’s Hotel Tides, has also served on the faculties at Monmouth University, St. John’s University and Brookdale Community College.

For more information, call Mare Akana at (732)542-1307.

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