Art blooms on Spring Street in May

Newton — Spring Street businesses will become temporary art galleries featuring the work of numerous artists, for one week, beginning Saturday, May 9. This year, Main Street Newton, Inc. is planning two Tour of Arts, one in May and one in September. The spring event is set to coincide with the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council’s Skylands 22nd Regional Juried Show gala opening reception and fundraiser at the council’s Spring Street gallery. Artists exhibiting in last year’s Skylands show will be offered the chance to display their artwork for at least a week at various host businesses on the street. The Skylands Regional Juried Show “presents a discriminating selection of talented local and regional artists working in all media.” A map indicating artists and their host locations will be available to take the Tour of Art. Visitors to Newton can begin viewing the artwork upon the opening of businesses on May 9 and then attend the gala opening reception and fundraiser at the arts council in the afternoon. Participating artists will be in residence at their host venue to talk about their work and meet with visitors during the evening. The brainchild of the Newton galleries, the Tour of Art is an effort to showcase the culture that’s tucked away in rural Sussex County. Last year over 17 resident artists exhibited a variety of artwork, including paintings, photographs, calligraphy, fiber arts and sculpture. Last year’s event included the following shops, galleries and eateries: Gallery by the Green, 24 Karat Designs, Eaton’s Estate Sales, TraillWorks, SCA&HC, Cheddar Alley, Flowers in the Attic, An Open Book, the Craft Creators, Rose Petal Porch, Inner designs, JC’s Grill House. There will also be live music at several locations throughout Spring Street, featuring Lori Malvey, Jay Everett and Don Eliker (with Bill Rust). For more information, visit www.mainstreetnewton.org.