Toms River has an active and growing community of working professional artists -- in fact, they are called the Toms River Artist Community (TRAC). Never heard of 'em? Well, chances are you will be seeing and hearing from them very soon. I know some of you are probably saying "Ok Riverguy, but I don't know anything about art...why should I care?" You should care because towns are measured in part by the cultural aspects of their areas...by the interesting things to see and do. And that's were the money goes. Towns that have an active art community usually also develop good music venues, bars, cafes, restaurants, antique shops, breweries, etc.
Why not try something different? You can always do the same old things, but why not expand your horizons? AND...think about it...You don't know anything about art because this area hasn't given you very many chances to SEE any. That is changing.
Here are some of the events coming up, including:
"Art in the Park" - this event will take place at Huddy Park, Downtown Toms River, on Saturday August 28th, from 11am to 4pm. There will be visual artists, crafters, jewelry makers, poets, AND music from the Creeptones... and a handful of other musical groups. See art demonstrations, browse works by local artists (a lot of work will be for sale), or just take in the music.
"Artists Garden" - this is an outdoor art area set up at the Old Time Antique & Collectibles Faire, Saturday, August 31st, 9am to 4pm. The event is held in and around the Ocean County Parking Garage. Artists and crafters will be set up outside of the garage on the lawn. Be sure to also visit the antiques flea market, food truck, and much more.
"TRAC Library Show" - the Artists of the Community will show their works in the top floor of the Ocean County Library, Toms River, for the entire month of September.
"Arts, Crafts, Music, and Harvest Fest" - this is a street festival organized by the Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District...the same folks that bring you Chili Fest, the Ice Cream Fest, Cruisin' Downtown vintage car shows, etc. This Festival will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 11:30am - 5pm, on Washington Street in Downtown Toms River.
So, start out by attending the "Art in the Park" event on August 28th. You'll have a good time and you may also find that you are a fan of the "arts" after all!
