Fine Art in Rumson, the Art Alliance of Monmouth County, Detour Gallery
and Stillwell House Fine Art & Antiques in Red Bank, and the Monmouth
Museum and CVA Gallery at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.
Southern Coastal Region
Ocean Township, Allenhurst, Loch Arbour, Interlaken, Asbury Park,
Neptune Township, Neptune City, Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the-Sea,
Belmar, Lake Como, Wall Township, Tinton Falls, Spring Lake, Spring Lake
Heights, Sea Girt, Manasquan and Brielle
MoCo’s Southern Coastal region is alive with art and culture. Asbury
Park, where the music and art scene have just as much allure as the
beautiful beach, is quickly becoming one of the hippest destinations
on the East Coast. Throughout the year, Asbury Park hosts numerous
festivals, rock concerts and exhibitions. Enjoy live shows at the iconic
Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, House of Independents, the Saint and
Convention Hall. The downtown district hosts numerous art galleries,
including Exhibit No.9, Parlor Gallery, Art629, Siren Art, Palette Gallery,
Tony LaSalle and the Collective Art Tank. The captivating Wooden Walls
Project, a series of eye-catching murals along the Asbury boardwalk,
has received international recognition. Asbury Park is also home to
Lakehouse Music Academy, a progressive music school featuring
group performance and individual lessons, and the Asbury Park
Music Foundation, which provides music-based programs, events
and resources for youth and artists. This March, the Garden State Film
Festival returns to Asbury Park for its 16th year.
Looking for Broadway-quality theatre at non-Broadway prices? Check
out the ongoing theatrical productions throughout the region from the
Spring Lake Community House & Theatre, the Jersey Shore Arts Center
in Ocean Grove and the Algonquin Theatre, featuring West Side Story
in April and The Producers in May. Most towns have full calendars of
summer concerts and events, such as the Belmar Arts Council, offering
diverse and exciting experiences in both visual and performing arts.
Western Region
Marlboro, Manalapan, Englishtown, Freehold Township, Freehold
Borough, Howell, Farmingdale, Colts Neck, Millstone and Allentown
Downtown Freehold is always buzzing with art walks, seasonal festivals
and outdoor programs such as Thursdays Rock!, Freehold Idol, the
Fall Concert Series and Street Musical Performances. This diverse town
is home to the Freehold Borough Arts Council and Center Playhouse,
an intimate, 49-seat community theater. Monmouth County’s Western
Region is also home to the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth
County, which hosts events and exhibits that pay homage to local Jewish
culture and history.
A great way to explore MoCo is to take part in one of Monmouth Arts’
ArtWalks, walking tours of the county’s arts destinations. Featuring a
variety of stops, these popular tours allow attendees to visit and learn
more about Monmouth Arts’ member artists, arts businesses, and
organizations. Often with a theme, the interactive ArtWalks showcase
MoCo towns throughout the corridor and include visits to galleries,
theaters, music venues, artisan shops, local breweries and eateries.
For more information, call Monmouth Arts at 732-212-1890 or visit
www.monmoutharts.org/events-classes.
On the Road: Performances to Go
Monmouth County is home to award-winning chorale and musical
groups who stage shows in various venues throughout the year. Check
online for performance calendars for the Arcadian Chorale, Heart of New
Jersey/Sweet Adelines, Monmouth Civic Chorus, Monmouth Symphony
Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Youth
Symphony Orchestra and the New Jersey Chamber Singers.
www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com 49
Photo courtesy of Monmouth Museum
/events-classes
/www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com
/www.algonquinarts.org