ARLINGTON — Live song and dance complemented a dose of spirits and a diverse assortment of regional artistic talent at the Arlington Arts Council’s annual “Art in the Park” at Legion Park Sept. 12-13.

Arts council board member Roberta Baker chaired the event for the eighth year, which included the return of the beer and wine garden that debuted last year, as well as performances by flute player Paul Nyenhuis and the Moon Sirens belly-dancing troupe.

This year also saw the commissioning and delivery of a new bench for Arlington by the council, in honor of Kent Baker, Roberta’s husband, who died of lung cancer in 2012. The metal bench bears a reproduction of one of Kent’s landscape photos.

While Roberta cherishes the event’s opportunities for interaction with artists and the public, council president Sarah Arney noted that its very existence is made possible by community support, from the city to its businesses.

“Arlington’s never had all that many art shows,” Arney said. “We don’t get huge crowds here, but you can enjoy plenty of talent. Plus, we keep our booth prices down, to benefit the artists themselves.”

Stanwood’s Julie Waters has been “dabbling” in landscape art for 30 years, but this marked only the second art show she’s ever done, after this summer’s “Art by the Bay” in her hometown.

“I love scenery,” Waters said. “I want to capture the beauty that God created, with the talent that he gave me.”

Vicki Johnson, in addition to being a council member, has had a booth at “Art in the Park” since it started.

“I’ve worked in pastels for about ten years,” Johnson said. “I’d done oils and acrylics before that, but they’re very tight. Pastels are looser and more messy. They force me to be more impressionistic. I’ve never looked back.”

Johnson has enjoyed awakening the interest of prospective young artists, and appreciates the boost that the art show has given to local talents.

“It’s a great way to get your name out there,” Johnson said. “There’s so much untapped potential here. There are people who have never been seen before this show, who have really gone places since. The best part is that we’ve maintained an intimate, friendly atmosphere. It’s not scary or intimidating. It’s a uniquely community-oriented show, by and for the people.”