Local schools' arts programs recognized
The Monmouth County Arts Council will hold its 2008 Art in Education Showcase and Awards Presentation at the Middletown Art Center, Thursday, May 15, 6-9 p.m.

The annual awards program recognizes creative arts programming, talented faculty and arts infused schools in Monmouth County. One focus of the awards will be the 20 schools that have been identified as being in the "Top 10 percent of exemplary Arts Achieving Schools" in the state by the New Jersey Art Education Census and Partnership.

Highlights of the evening will be musical and dramatic performances selected as "high achieving" by jurors at the 2008 Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival. Soloists and small instrumental groups from Middletown HSN, Shore Regional HS and Eisenhower MS will welcome attendees during the reception. Red Bank Catholic's Doo Wop Chorus, Matawan HS Musical Theater's "Annie Get Your Gun," Mater Dei Musical Theater's "Honk," writers from Rugby School, Red Bank Regional HS and Communications HS presenting spoken word, and independent musicians are scheduled to perform.

A visual arts exhibition of over 70 2-D and 3-D pieces and high scoring video productions will round out the evening's arts offerings.

A full listing of all performers, honorees and participating schools can be found on the new MCAC Web site, www.monmoutharts.org under art education, art education awards.

Tickets are $20, $10; students and seniors. For more information and reservations, call (732) 212-1890, ext. 1.