SOMERS POINT — It’s rain or shine for the Somers Point Arts Commission’s 10th annual Art in the Park.
The festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park overlooking scenic Great Egg Harbor Bay.
Co-chair Donna Mohr said the group canceled the event one year due to rain but will never do so again.
“I’ve learned a lot through the farmers market at Somers Mansion: You don’t cancel. Vendors come if they want to come and people come if they want to come,” she said, noting there is no rain date, the artists do not get their money back and all of the activities are present and paid for.
She acknowledged that an art show is different than a farmers market.
“We don’t want anyone to have their work ruined, but that’s their choice,” Mohr said.
The day-long event features professional and amateur painters and photographers displaying and selling their works, as well as music, a multitude of art activities for children and grown-ups along with food and beverages for sale.
Local photographer Dan Myers said the event is a simple and rewarding way to display and sell your photographic artwork.
“Tourists attend looking for prints of our scenic local area,” he said.
He added that setup is easy.
“You do not need a massive display. A single table is all it takes to get started and showcase your best work,” Myers said, noting it’s a chance to connect with local artists, photographers and eager art buyers.
He encourages artists to bring their families along for the day.
“It is a wonderful family-friendly day packed with music, food and fun activities for the kids,” Myers said.
The event grows each year.
“We are getting bigger and the cooperation with Shore Physicians Group is increasing,” Mohr said, noting the medical practice’s hands-on art activities under the Art is Healing banner were extremely popular.
She said there also would be more food trucks.
“The artists are really starting to come in fast and furious right now,” she said. “I think we are looking at 40 art and photography vendors, and that’s a good number for us.”
“Again this year we are happy to include an art display and activities presented by Shore Physicians Group,” co-chair Lois Gregory said.
In addition, a children’s art exhibit, featuring the work of students from Dawes Avenue School, will be on display. The event is free and open to the public. Kennedy Park provides handicapped parking.
Artists and photographers who are interested in displaying should contact Donna Mohr at (609) 287-0408. Deadline for applications is Sept. 18.
This year there is $1,600 in cash prizes. Winners of first place in both categories and the People’s Choice Award will receive $400 apiece, while those earning second place will get $200 each.
Contributors to Art in the Park and Somers Point Arts Commission’s 2026 programs include Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts; the city of Somers Point; ERCO Ceilings and Interiors; Shore Physicians Group; and many other local businesses.
Email somersptarts@gmail.com, artintheparksomerspt.weebly.com or somersptarts.weebly.com for information.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
