38th Monmouth arts festival

The 38th annual Monmouth Festival of the Arts, New Jersey's largest art invitational, will take place April 5-9 at Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave., Tinton Falls.

The event will begin with the Artists Gala Reception at 7:30 p.m.April 5- an opportunity tomeet the artists, enjoy a catered cocktail party, and browse the variousworks in all media by more than 200 artists.

Visitors to the Saturday night gala will also receive a ticket to attend all other festival activities, including artist demonstrations, children's performances, workshops and educational symposiums from Sunday throughWednesday. The cost for the gala is $50 in advance, $55 at the door, andmay be reserved by calling (732) 747-8278 or (732) 747-9365.

Michael P. Murray of Highlands is returning as the show's designer.

Prearranged group tours, led by artists or trained docents, can be pre-arranged for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and are available for schools (with adult supervision), seniors or other groups.

On Sunday, parents can browse the gallerieswhile their children enjoy a special kids program. Throughout the Festival, Le Petit Café will provide fare to hungry patrons.

For a complete schedule of events and times, visit the Web site www.monmouthfestivalofthearts. com, call (732) 747-8278, or e-mail to festival@monmouth.com.Daily admission to all events is $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (65 and over) and students (though high school). Series tickets (Sunday throughWednesday) are $18.