The Rutherfurd Hall Foundation’s “Celebrate the Arts Festival” opens on Thursday, May 12, with a gala and local art show at the historic mansion in Allamuchy.

Other highlights of the festival include performances of music and dance and a two-day film festival. Artist and festival supporter Peter Maier (a work of his pictured above) will showcase two of his prints, Pisces and Under My Thumb, as well as a video of Maier’s artistic and creative process. Maier will have works for sale during the festival.

Some 30 other regional artists were accepted into the juried show with paintings, prints, photography, woodwork, ceramics, jewelry and glassware. Artists are from Warren and Sussex counties and also from Lambertville, Frenchtown and the Catskills. Art works will be available for viewing one hour prior to each performance during the festival

Co-festival director Deirdre Bryant Worth explains “the Foundation is bringing this cultural experience to Rutherfurd Hall to provide a space where the public can appreciate and also engage in performance, film, and visual media.” She adds, “The organizers of the event intend to create an environment for local artists to gain exposure, while also bringing the community together in a uniquely cultural way.” The festival also serves as a fundraiser for the continued upkeep of Rutherfurd Hall.

The schedule is: May 12 – Gala Art Show Opening – 6 to 10 p.m. May 13 – N.J. Tap Ensemble – Jeff Foote and friends – 8 p.m. May 14 – Art Show Open House 12pm-3pm May 14 – Dance Expressions – jazz and lyrical dance numbers by local youth dance troop – 1 and 1:45 p.m. May 14 – A Night at the Opera – Alison Bolshoi and friends – 8 p.m. May 15 – Rio Clemente Trio – Bishop of Jazz – 2 p.m. May 18 – Tea and Rutherfurd History Lecture with Joan Salvas – 5 p.m. May 19 – Wine & Ballroom Dancing – demonstration & audience participation – 7 p.m. May 20 – Pianist Daniel A. Maltz (18th Century Viennese Fortepiano) – 7 p.m. May 21 – Rutherfurd Hall Film Festival (RHFF) – noon and 3 p.m. May 22 – Rutherfurd Hall Film Festival (RHFF) – 1 p.m.