Mare's Wares festival today in Morristown

MORRISTOWN— Mary Ann Evans suggests that people bring their own lawn chairs to her Mare's Wares Art Festival to ensure everyone achieves maximum relaxation at the event.

The festival, being held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Mare's Wares Pottery, 3938 Route 37, will feature about 30 local artists and has no admission fee.

"I just wanted someone to do something that is really cultural and free, so everyone can go to it," said Ms. Evans, who runs Mare's Wares. "It's definitely going to be a good time. I encourage people to bring their own lawn chairs."

This will be the second year for the event, which has expanded rapidly since last year, when it featured 19 artists. This year, two bands, a blacksmith, a basket weaver, a wood carver and several potters will be attending, and there also will be demonstrations on making stained-glass windows, wool rugs and watercolor paintings. Two massage therapists and a facial skin care expert will be there, too.

The neighboring Bedrock Cafe will cook chicken wings, hot dogs and hamburgers and bring the food to the festival, Ms. Evans said.

"It's really shaping up," she said. "We're gonna offer all kind of unique offerings."

Thirty tents are set up for the artists behind the store on the site of a former go-cart racetrack, so the event can be held rain or shine, Ms. Evans said.

Although the event is focused on art and relaxation, Ms. Evans said she expects people will get their hands dirty in the clay and crafts as well. She will have a pottery-making display at the event.

Ms. Evans said she expects 500 people to attend.

"That's always extremely popular at these things. I don't know how many I'm going to be able to handle, but we probably will get a few people on the wheel," she said. "I'm sure the other artists feel the same way."