Art and Bark in the Park returns May 3 with artists, music and on-site pet adoptions

Art and Bark in the Park, a community arts fair that pairs local artists with pet-adoption partners, is returning for its sixth year on Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., organizers said on the Mayor's 'Mondays with the Mayor' program.

Paul Slava, president of the Art Studio, told Mayor Beth Sweeney that the event "is in its sixth year" and has grown each season. He said it will fill the lakeside arts park—known for its sculpture installations—with painters, stained-glass artists, jewelers, ceramicists and other artisans.

The event will include multiple animal-rescue groups. Slava named returning and new partners and said visitors will be able to "start your whole adoption process right there. Meet your next little family member." He said three rescue organizations will participate this year, including a returning group, Swamp Haven, and a new participant, St. John's Pet Center.

Music for the day will be provided through the St. John's Cultural Council; Slava said the Dune Hoppers, a North Florida folk and bluegrass band that has performed locally for about 20 years, will play. Food will be available from vendors including Steph's Eats, which Slava said returns with a range of fair-style options.

Slava also noted a weekend of activities leading up to the Sunday fair: the Art Studio will host an Art Walk on the beach beginning Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., with more events on Saturday and returning to the arts park on Sunday. He said the Art Studio operates at Pier Park in the old city hall building on the oceanfront and invited listeners to visit.

The mayor closed the segment by encouraging residents to attend and enjoy the family-friendly event. There were no formal city actions, votes or policy decisions recorded in the program; the segment served to promote the community event and provide logistical details.

The Art Studio and organizers did not specify permit details, sponsorship or funding breakdowns during the broadcast; those items were "not specified."