Newton -Local artists Roz Hollander, award winning pastel artist; Cynthia Bowles, nationally acclaimed painter and portrait artist; Jim Gwynne, painter; and Jennie Schaeffer, talented young painter, were among the exhibiting artists greeted Feb. 4 at the opening reception for “Arts Desire,” the monthly themed exhibit sponsored by the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council. The well-attended reception, held at the council’s gallery at 9 Moran St. in Newton, also featured original acoustic rock music performed by local musician George Segale. The council’s goal is to foster the arts in Sussex County. It maintains its gallery space in downtown Newton and welcomes artists from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York to display their art and to interpret each monthly theme in their own medium. Each month a different themed exhibit showcases the local talents of painters, sculptors, photographers and artisan crafters. New members are welcome. Next months theme will be” Stormy Weather.” Gallery hours are Tuesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Coming events sponsored by the council include “Youth Art Month,” Feb. 27 through April 5, co-sponsored by the Art Educators of N.J. An annual event, chaired this year by Beth Delaney from Fredon School, Youth Art Month emphasizes the value of art education for all students and encourages support for quality school art programs. The opening reception for the council’s annual Sussex County Garden Tour will be held May 6 at the 9 Moran St. Gallery. The gallery will display works with a garden theme and the reception will include a slide show and lecture on “Italian Gardens” hosted by Marguerite Guarisco. The tour is set for Saturday, June 3, when county residents will open their gardens for the public to tour. A map and booklet are provided by the council, and participants tour at their own speed. A closing reception will be held at the gallery from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The opening champagne reception for the 19th annual “Juried Skylands Art Show and Sale” will be held June 23. Over $3,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including a $1,000 cash award for first place. Deadline for registration is April 28. The exhibit will run from June 23 through July 29. Entry forms are available at the council office or by calling 973-383-0027, or sending e-mail to arts-heritage@mwrcurylink.net.