June is Junebug ArtFest time in Metuchen

DAVID GLASOFER/IMAGE UP STUDIO

A child checks out a Junebug sculpture at last year’s Junebug ArtFest in Metuchen.

Open-air art exhibits, window galleries, live music, open-mic sessions and interactive art events will be part of the eight annual JuneBug ArtFest, taking place every Friday in June from 6 to 10 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Metuchen.

Sidewalk chalk artist Anthony Cappetto will spend several days creating a 3D street painting of a junebug in front of Borough Hall as part of the festival. Also, three artists will paint a large mural on the shed behind the Old Franklin Schoolhouse, and there will be a juried window gallery competition for downtown businesses.

Here is the schedule for the festival’s opening night, June 5.

6-7 p.m.: Metuchen High School Bands on the Main Stage.
6-8 p.m.: Community Preschool Student Art Show at the Old Franklin Schoolhouse.
6-9 p.m.: “Bringing Art to Life” with instructors from the Academy of Art of Highland Park. AAHP Van parked on Hillside Street, next to the To Be Continued bookstore.
6-9 p.m.: The Write Stuff Writers’ Workshop at Metuchen Public Library.
6:30 p.m.: Preschool of Rock at Borough Hall.
6:30 p.m.: Music by The Toscano Family Band at Lollipop Land.
6:30 p.m.: Richard Reiter leads a Drum Circle at the Senior Center.
7 p.m.:  Junebug Sculpture Unveiling on Main Street in front of the Metuchen Savings Bank. Lauren Rabinowitz made this year’s sculpture from recycled materials, and visitors can sit on it.
7-8 p.m.: The emKays (jazz/blues/folk/rock) at Hailey’s Harp & Pub.
7:15-7:45 p.m.: Kinova Alphonse (gospel) on the Main Stage.
8-8:45 p.m.: The Rollbacks (Latin/jazz/rock) on the Main Stage.
9-9:45 p.m.: Foxtrot (rock/pop/grunge) on the Main Stage.

For information, including the lineups for the next three Fridays, visit junebugartfest.com.