Monmouth Arts recently hosted its inaugural Folklife Showcase, a joyous celebration of our community's rich tapestry of arts, culture, and heritage. The event took place on October 21st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Freehold Raceway Mall, uniting our community together and transforming the lower level into an immersive melting pot.

 

The event was completely free and open to the public, offering a diverse array of dance, music, and educational presentations from various local organizations. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the performances and exhibits presented by groups like the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey, the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, the Pipes & Drums of the Atlantic Watch, members of the Xol Azul Band, Baiano-Capoeira Sol Nascente USA, and the Peruvian Community of Freehold.

​

The Monmouth Arts Folklife Showcase served as a vibrant celebration of the cultural diversity found in Monmouth County. These diverse communities are home to rich folk art traditions that beautifully reflect the aesthetics and values of the cultures they represent. Monmouth Arts remains dedicated to supporting the artists who perpetuate these traditions, passing on their unique art forms and preserving their cultural legacy for future generations.Teresa Staub, the Executive Director of Monmouth Arts, expressed her excitement about showcasing these diverse groups of talented artists, saying, "We were so thrilled to showcase these diverse groups of talented artists. We hope the Folklife Showcase will continue to inspire us all to cherish and celebrate the unique diversity among us."

​

In addition to the captivating cultural performances, Monmouth Arts also offered a free community art activity to children through its Creative Expressions Arts & Wellness Program. This program harnesses the power of the arts to address the surge in mental health issues among Monmouth County youth caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

​

The inaugural Monmouth Arts Folklife Showcase was a vibrant testament to the cultural richness of the region and a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating these diverse traditions. We look forward to more such events in the future, strengthening the bonds within our community and fostering an appreciation for our collective heritage.