ALLENTOWN, Pa. — What began as a small gathering in the 1970s has ballooned into a larger affair with this year's Art In The Park.
Art In The Park, which will showcase the works of hundreds of local musicians, painters, photographers and sculptors, will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sep.t 14, in West End Park.
This year's show will feature 130 exhibitors, 18-arts-related groups and 10 musical performances.
Admission is free.
The event, now in its 49th year, is organized by West End Civic Association.
Art In The Park co-chairmen, Michael Schelp and Alan Younkin, took over in 2022. They also direct and run Allentown Film Festival.
"Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply enjoy spending a day surrounded by creativity, Art in the Park 2024 is not to be missed."Alan Younkin
"Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply enjoy spending a day surrounded by creativity, Art in the Park 2024 is not to be missed," Younkin said.
"It's a celebration of our community's artistic spirit and a chance to support the talented individuals who make our cultural landscape so rich and diverse."
New artists showcased
At this year's Art In the Park, the works of 27 first-time artists will be on display and available for sale.
They include sculptorJudy Holland,graphic artist Victoria Pitt, pop artist Sandy Dominguez Santos, sketch artist Jack Frank, painter Marilyn Fox, fashion photographer and painter Peter Italiano, painter Jenny Nahan-Gitley and printmaker Lexi Sabalski.
Nine exhibitors will offer free demonstrations on how they create their works.
Slated to perform on the band shell stage are the Allentown Band, El Sistema Lehigh Valley Orchestra, Church of the Mediator Choir, Civic Theatre, Community Music School, MunOpCo, Repertory Dance Theater, William Allen Dance and the William Allen Marching Band.
Strut Catering, HiJinx Brewing, Let's Go Coffee and the Church of the Mediator will sell food, coffee and craft beer throughout the day.
In addition, Allentown Masonic Temple again will offer free tours of its Lodge building across the street from West Park at 1545 Linden St.
The temple, built in 1923, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
For more information, go to Art-in-the-park.org.
