Art exhibit is a family affair The Monmouth Museum is presenting a unique exhibition featuring works by three Waldman family artists: brothers Neil and Bruce and their aunt, Jean Morris. "Moonscape" by Neil Waldman The Waldman Family Exhibition will run through June 22 at the museum, which is located on the campus of Brookdale Community College off Newman Springs Road in Lincroft. The exhibition includes over 70 drawings, paintings and prints representing the creative journey of this talented family.Agallery talk will take place onWednesday, June 18, 7- 8 p.m. The Waldman brothers grew up in the Bronx, N.Y., with a large extended family of artists including their grandfather Meyer, uncle Maurice Meyer and aunt Jean Morris. Nurtured artistically by their family, Neil and Bruce discovered a passion for drawing and painting at an early age and grew up to become artists, writers and teachers. As a young child, Neil Waldman came upon a treasured family book of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and fell in love with the colorful landscapes. His passion for Van Gogh's works inspired Waldman to write and illustrate "The Starry Night." He has written and/or illustrated over 50 books and illustrated the book jackets of seven Newbery Award winners. "Horse and Rider" by Bruce Waldman Growing up, Bruce Waldman enjoyed painting, sketching and sculpting alongside older brother Neil in their own "studio" space. The living room was transformed by theirmother into a workspace and gallery, and she proudly displayed her children's artwork on the studio walls, doors and windows. Waldman is now a printmaker, graphic artist and illustrator and has been teaching at the School of Visual Arts in New York City since 1978. Deemed a prodigy from the early years of her childhood, "Aunt Jean" attended theArt Students League and the Brooklyn Museum Art School. She was the recipient of a silver medal in a national art competition for her oil painting of the tenements of their East Bronx neighborhood. During the summer, Neil and Bruce would escape the city to visit theirAunt Jean in her CatskillMountains retreat. They loved to watch their aunt in her studio in the barn at work on her paintings. "The Glutton" by Jean Morris The artwork of theseWaldman family artists has been exhibited atmuseums and galleries throughout the country, and is included in many permanent and private collections. Hours at the museum are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 1- 5 p.m. Admission is $7;museummembers, Brookdale students and staff with a valid identification and children under age 2 are admitted free. For more information, call the museum at (732) 747-2266 or visit www.monmouthmuseum.org. The 22nd Annual Juried Art Show sponsored by Brookdale Community College's Alumni Association will accept mixed-media entries on Friday, May 16. Entries will be received at the Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) between noon and 8 p.m. Works may be in one category or two. Works are accepted in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, graphic design, sculpting, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, computer graphics and mixed media. Brookdale adjunct professor Len Kleckner will judge the entries. First, second and third prizes plus honorable mentions will be awarded. Proceeds from the show fund a $500 scholarship available to a full-time Brookdale visual arts student. For more information, including a scholarship application, call (732) 224-2705. Vladislav Kovalsky Spotlight Players presents "Cheap Dates," a comic look at the world of dating in today's society, May 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan, Franklin Street and Route 34. Dessert-theater setting. Tickets are $12.50, and reservations are recommended. For more information, call (732) 583-7874 or visit www.spotlightplayers.org. Spotlight Players will hold auditions for "Aladdin & His Wonderful Magical Lamp" May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and May 19, 7 to 9 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Matawan, Route 34 and Franklin Street. Casting ages 8 to adult. Bring sheet music and prepare to sing at least 16 bars. Bring dance shoes for possible dance audition. Performances are Aug. 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10. For information, call (732) 583-7874 or visit www.spotlightplayers.org The Monmouth Symphony Orchestra will present a program of classical music by pianist Vladislav Kovalsky May 18 at 3 p.m. at Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, preceded by a preconcert talk at 2:15 p.m. The all- Beethoven program will include the Overture to "Fidelio," Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, and the Symphony No. 7 in A Major. Kovalsky serves as executive and artistic director of the Monmouth Conservatory, and was honored recently for his achievements in his profession by Steinway. Tickets are $30, $25 for seniors, and $5 for students. For tickets, call box office at (732) 842-9000. For more information, visit www.monsym.org. Celebrate Bob Dylan's 67th birthday at BobFest 2008, featuring Pat Guadagno with Tired Horse on Monday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Two River Theater in Red Bank. The show will be hosted by radio personality Big Joe Henry. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Two River Theater is located at 21 Bridge Ave. For tickets or information, call (732) 345-1400.