Seaside Park Art Show a Labor Day Weekend Tradition

The "last" walk on the beach, shore-house barbecue and a drive down the Garden State Parkway — these are all hallmarks of a typical Jersey Shore Labor Day Weekend. But there is another time-honored tradition enjoyed by those beach-side vacationers seeking a more cultural outlet: the 39th annual Seaside Park Selected Arts and Crafts Show. 

Held each year on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend on the lawn of Seaside Park Police Station, Sixth and Central, the event was started in 1972 by a Toms River art teacher, Kathy Larkin. In 1989, Anne Moyes took over its organization and has been doing so for 22 years. Featuring fine artists, jewelers, potters and artisans working in mixed media, wood, fiber and glass, the show has remained consistently highly selective in its jurying process.

Moyes said the show has endured, "because of its fine reputation," noting that her greatest challenge is to keep it “fresh, and bring a wide variety of handcrafted items in all price ranges to the public."

Moyes discovers new artists by scouting other area arts and crafts events and by asking participating show exhibitors to recommend colleagues. She said she enjoys working with all new and returning artists, knowing she has done her best to give them a strong venue at which to display and market their work.

Year after year, both new and loyal patrons come away pleased with their unique finds and connections made with local artisans.

But an event of this caliber takes teamwork.

Moyes explains that the show's success depends on a great deal of cooperation.

"I am so appreciative of the work of the borough crew in setting up the fences and keeping the area so clean,” said Moyes. “The police are terrific, directing the participants in the morning and being ever so patient.”

Over the years, the event has been supported by local businesses of the busy commercial area in which it is held. Surrounding shops now hold their sidewalk sales and community groups have embraced the event by holding fund-raising projects on that day. The Seaside Park Yacht Club, located a few blocks away, has gotten in on the action in recent years, hosting races on the same day.

"It is just a great day for Seaside Park,” said Moyes, who said she is excited this year’s event is about here.

The show will take place this Saturday, Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a rain date Sunday.