It’s time for the annual Cumberland and Cape May Counties’ Teen Arts Festival. On Tuesday, April 4, like-minded teens will participate in the Teen Arts Festival. This fabulous event welcomes approximately 800 youths between 13 and 18 to take a part in learning and in presenting their art.

Sites that will be used are The Levoy Theatre and its classroom space, the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, Rowan College South Jersey (Clay College), and Hands Up Silent Theater. Visual artists, performing artists, and poets will be in and out of a wide variety of learning experiences. They will have the opportunity to present their art at all of the venues. The event is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also includes pop-up workshops throughout the Glasstown Arts District.

Cumberland and Cape May counties’ Cultural & Heritage commissions are the major sponsors of the festival. The Levoy Theatre staff and volunteers from several arts organizations prepare the programs and seminars.

Many of the performances and exhibits are judged and the award winners go on to compete in the New Jersey’s state festival later in 2023. If your teen is not enrolled this year, please make sure they know about it for 2024.

I don’t know about you, but I’m totally confused about spring this year. Daffodils have been blooming for weeks and the cold weather continues to blow in. By the time you read this column, it truly will be spring and hopefully the beauty of blossoming trees, bushes, and other early flowers will be bathed in warm sunshine. There are so many lovely events to enjoy around our county along with spring sports in almost every category.

The Easter Bunny will be making its appearance at the Village on High, 501 N. High Street, on Saturday, April 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. You need to register to enjoy the offerings—storytime, paint a ceramic egg, egg hunt, photo opportunity ($5), and snacks. Call 856-371-0716 to register.

Another fun event organized and hosted by the Village on High is a chair painting/decorating. The wooden chairs are child-size. You don’t have to be a professional artist to participate; just enjoy decorating. There is a $15 entry fee and a chance to win the $150 prize for Best Chair. Entry forms are on Facebook: Millville Glasstown Arts District and The Village on High. After you register, call Maryann at 609-226-4795. You should also call her if you have any questions or want a registration form e-mailed or texted to you.

Registrants can pick up their chair on March 23, 24, or 25 between 12 noon and 5 p.m. at the Village. All the chairs will be on display in the Village from April 19 through May 12. On Third Friday, April 21, prizes will be awarded for the People’s Choice Award and Best Chair at 7:30 p.m. You may sell your chair, or it can be not-for-sale. If your chair sells, the Village Gallery will receive a commission.

These events and many others are a great way to kick off the spring season and to enjoy the fine outdoor weather.