Art enthusiasts are invited to an evening of fine art, music, performance, and more during Burlington County’s 5th annual Arts After Dark festival at Historic Smithville Park.
The special free event features an eclectic mix of artists, musicians and performers from across the region for a celebration of creativity and self-expression.
“From traditional drawings and paintings to modern light shows, yarn bombing and mural making, Arts After Dark provides a showcase for all kinds of art experiences and performances,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “It’s the perfect night out for couples and families or anyone interested in enjoying art, music, and the beauty of Smithville under the stars.”
The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, from 4 PM to 9 PM.
Among the attractions at this year’s Arts After Dark is the Crankie Festival, featuring five distinct crankie shows from renowned artists, puppeteers, musicians, and performers.
Crankies are among the oldest forms of storytelling art. They are made from long, illustrated scrolls that are wound onto spools and then fed into a lighted box with a viewing window. The scrolls are hand-cranked and accompanied by a narrator’s story or musical performance.
Once the sky darkens, Smithville will become a canvas for a fantastic light and cinema show featuring projections that will illuminate Smithville Mansion and its grounds, creating an otherworldly experience.
Also returning this year is a “yarn storm” exhibition (yarn-decorated trees within Smithville grounds).
The 49th Annual Juried Art Show will be on display in the Smithville Mansion Annex, and paintings from award-winning artists Angelina and Plamen Penev will be exhibited in the Workers House Gallery.
There will also be a pop-up art gallery, interactive black light graffiti, typewriter poetry, mural painting, live music, food trucks, a wine and cheese tasting, and more.
“Burlington County has one of the best park systems in the region and the Arts After Dark festival helps us showcase traditional and cutting-edge art forms in one of the county’s most scenic destinations,” said Commissioner Eckel. “Come enjoy this unique celebration and help support the arts in Burlington County.”
Arts After Dark is one of the Burlington County Parks System’s premier events each year, along with the upcoming Autumn Lands Festival and the annual May Faire each spring. For more information about these and other events, check out the Burlington County Parks Fall Program Guide at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks or download the Burlington County Parks free smartphone app for updates, alerts and more. The Parks App is free to download from the Apple and Google Play app stores or by visiting Burlington County Division of Parks and Recreation (NJ) App Store Links (myocv.com).