The Towson Arts Collective will present its Spring Arts in the Park festival Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, at Cromwell Valley Park, rain or shine.

The celebration features artwork by local and regional artisans, plein air painters at work, poetry readings, performances by local musicians and prose readings by the Baltimore Chapter of the Baltimore Writers Association.

In addition, the event will feature the belly dancing troupe, Aubergine, offering demonstrations on both days, as well as a display of classic cars.

"It's the type of event that really offers a sense of community," said Arts Collective president Brian Truax about the Arts in the Park series, which his nonprofit has produced for more than three years.

"Kids play, people buy art, local musicians showcase on stage, old friends reconnect over food and beer, and some people take a little hike in the park. There is just so much to do and see that you could make a whole day of it and not be bored," Truax said.

Held in cooperation with the Cromwell Valley Park Council, the festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The park is located at 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road.

"It's so incredible to see so much local talent in one place. I think this is an amazing representation of different art genres. Every visual artist, musician and poet shows their unique style."

Charcoal Deli will sell food and the Arts Collective will sell Woodhall Wine, Dale's Pale Ale, National Bohemian, and hard apple cider in honor of the park's apple orchard.

Admission is free, but there will be a $5 donation requested for parking, which will go to Cromwell Valley Park.

The mission of the collective is to provide an art education center as well as a venue for artists through its gallery, on the lower level of 406 York Road in Towson.

For further information, including the schedule of performances during the festival, search Facebook for "Arts in the Park Cromwell Valley."