Lee Alexander demonstrates working with a wood lathe. TINTON FALLS - The 38th Monmouth Festival of the Arts opened April 5 to large crowds at the Monmouth Reform Temple.

In addition to the display of artwork, numerous art demonstrations, symposiums and children's programs took place during the five-day event.

An elegant gala on April 5, gave guests a first peek and opportunity to purchase the art. The show continued through April 9.

More than 200 artists displayed approximately 2,500 works including paintings in every medium, photography, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, glass, fiber crafts, parquetry, and a wide range of jewelry.

Whilemany popular artists returned to the festival this year, nearly one-third of the artists made their festival debut keeping the offerings different and fresh.Artists hail from all over the greater metropolitan region with some coming from as far away as California, Arizona and Israel.

The festival is run entirely by an army of volunteers. On the day of the show, they provide the sales force, docents and personnel, which operate the popular Petit Café.

Behind the scenes, the festival leadership begins work in June for the show's preparations, which is the temple's major fundraiser. The festival has grown to become an important cultural community event in promotion of the arts.

The history of the Monmouth Festival of the Arts began in 1971 when a group of temple members realized the existence of a healthy cultural community in Monmouth County with little opportunity for artists to exhibit their works.

They formed an alliance with the Guild of Creative Arts in Shrewsbury, and the Roosevelt Artists, of Roosevelt, to stage an art show.

Almost 100 artists exhibited that first year, offering demonstrations and lectures on their craft. That tradition continues to this day in a show double the original size.

In 1991, an educator symposium was created and its success has resulted in a waiting list of art educators. A student art contest was also incorporated. This year, 58 students from 13 area schools submitted 107 original artworks for display and judging.

First place was awarded to Abigail Burpee of Red Bank Regional High School for hermixed-media piece "Wisdom," which featured a portrait of her grandmother. Second place was a photography entry "Untitled" by Courtney Sanford of St. John Vianney High School. Third place was a pencil drawing by Julian Passafiume of Wall High School titled "In the Backseat."

Six other students were awarded honorable mentions.

Artists, student artists and art educators interested in participating in next year's show are encouraged to visit the festival Web site at www.monmouthfestivalofthearts. com or call Teresa Erlitz at (732) 747-9365, ext. 221.