RUMSON: ON THE ROAD TO CANTERBURY FAIR

The_Ruthie_n'_Junie,_Belford,_NJ_by_Michael_ScherfenMore than 90 artists — including Michael Scherfen, whose award winning painting “The Ruthie ‘n Junie, Belford NJ” is pictured above — are expected to participate in this year’s Canterbury Art Show in Rumson. The annual event returns to St. George’s Church in September, with advance tickets now available.

Returning for the fourth consecutive year to St. George’s by the River Episcopal Church in Rumson — and relocated once more to Labor Day weekend — the annual Canterbury Art Show…A Tapestry of the Arts event brings one of the area’s largest exhibitions and sales of juried and non-juried artwork back to the banks of the greater Green.

Hundreds of attendees and art patrons have enjoyed the show, in which more than 600 works by artists from all over New Jersey and beyond are displayed each year. All proceeds from the Art Show directly benefit St. George’s-by-the-River and its Outreach Grants to more than 30 local agencies serving the needy of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including Lunch Break, Parker Family Health Clinic, Family Promise, HABcore, The Center in Asbury Park, and more.

“The quality of the artwork offered by the artists is exceptional,” observes event chair Coni Lefferts. “And, we have 28 new artists participating in the show this year.”

This year’s jury will include well-known local artists and gallery owners, including Brookdale Community College faculty member Erik Johansen; Chetkin Gallery co-founder Carol Lynn Chetkin, and Monmouth County Arts Council chairperson Kim Roberts-Honecker.

Last year’s Best in Show winner was Cheryl Griesbach for her oil “Home.” The Award in Excellence was given to Michael Scherfen for his watercolor “The Gondoliers, Venice, Italy.” Other winning artists were Joe Bergholm, John Forrester, Mary Connell Gaynor, Rand Hettler, Frank Colaguori, Mike Quon, and Annette Masstrolia-Tynan.

“It’s our hope that the Canterbury Art Show continues to be a beloved venue for local artists to show off their God-given gifts for the rest of us to enjoy,” said St. George’s Rector Ophelia Laughlin.  “St. George’s very building is itself a masterpiece of art and 19th century architecture.  We welcome our community to enjoy it!”

Event dates and hours for the fourth annual Canterbury Art Fair are Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5 (10 am to 6 pm), as well as Sunday, September 6 (12 pm to 4 pm). There will be a preview and Meet the Artists reception on Thursday, September 3 from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Tickets to the Canterbury Art Show … a Tapestry of the Arts can be purchased in advance on the event website, or at the door each day. Daytime show tickets are $10 each and are good for all days of the show. Tickets to the Thursday, September 3 Meet the Artists reception are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.  The reception includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and dessert.   The purchase of a reception ticket provides the purchaser with free entry to the show every day. For more information on the 2015 Canterbury Art show, email canterbury@stgeorgesrumson.org.