"Kids love it," Martin said.
Kim Ray of Greencastle, Pa., and her daughter, Emilie Cookus, 7, stopped by to paint a ceramic dog.
"'Cause I like doggies," Emilie said, while painting the animal's eyes dark green.
Ronald Lytle, founder of the Contemporary School of the Arts and Gallery and of Art in the Park, said this year's event features 10 musical acts, along with vendors and artists, including some specializing in photography, pottery and watercolors.
"We want people to be aware of arts awareness," Lytle said.
Lytle said education in the arts is especially important for children, adding that those skills enhance math and science abilities.
About 50 people were at Art in the Park by early afternoon, and Lytle said the event grows each year.
"It's held around the same time each year because the kids are just out of school," he said. "It's for the children."
Todd Coyle of Charles Town, W.Va., said he coordinated Saturday's music. The acts for the two-day event include blues, gospel, folk and country, he said.
Judith Ferro of Smithsburg, and her friend, David Kerns of Ellicott City, Md., said they were enjoying the music on Saturday.
"We usually come to the park a few times each summer," Ferro said. "I knew there'd be music and people. I'm sorry there's not more people here. This is really nice."
Katrina Coburn of Frostburg, Md., and her friend, Mike Rohrer of Smithsburg, were browsing at a pottery stand. The pair said they were at City Park and stumbled onto the art event.
"We're just here to look," Rohrer said.
The pottery they were looking at was made by Michael McIntyre of Leitersburg, who owns Fire Robin Farm Pottery in Leitersburg.
McIntyre said it was his first time displaying and selling his functional stoneware at Art in the Park, and his pottery did generate some interest.
"It's been nice," he said.
If you go
What: Art in the Park
When: Today, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: City Park in Hagerstown, near the band shell
Free, donations accepted
For information, call 301-791-6191
