Big Summer For Toms River Art Community

It’s a great time to be an art lover in Tom River, the township art community is kicking off a series of events for everyone to enjoy.

The Toms River Artist Community (TRACx81) will be hosting the opening of their grand gallery on April 28^th from 1-8 pm in their location at 218 Main Street in Downtown Toms River’s business improvement district.  The gallery will be open every 4^th Saturday of the month starting in April.

Mark Retacco, director of TRACx81 says artists from across the community have joined in with the common goal of improving the visibility of art and expanding art education throughout the county. Retacco says businesses throughout the county will be showcasing the works from the Toms River Artists Community.

The Music Academy of Downtown Toms River, Donna’s Downtown Salon, Vanity 101, Face to Face and Simply Skin are all locations that will host artwork.

Retacco notes the Artist Community works in a variety of mediums from photography, mixed media, and acrylics.

“I have Yvonne Yaar, she’s a great artist she works in glass. So she manipulates glass which is a daunting task, I don’t know how someone could do that.”

There will also be a big exhibition of work at the Downtown Toms River Art and Music Festival (also known as the Toms River Food Festival) on May 12^th from 11-5pm on Washington Street.

Retacco says the Ocean County Historical Society will be showcasing some big events this summer. On April 28^th the Historical Society will be hosting a Victorian Extravaganza from 10 to 4 pm. Retacco says many local florists will be featured, as well as a plant sale, and featured art from the Toms River Community Artists. The event will take place at 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River NJ.

The Historical Society will also be hosting an art and antiques festival in September.