Since David Wheeler started curating exhibitions at downtown Warren’s Art on Park building, the October show Dark on Park has been a favorite among both artists and attendees.

The ninth edition will open Saturday with a reception from 7 to 10 p.m.

“I’d say it’s the favorite of the particular art community that we attract,” Wheeler said.

“Why is that? I don’t really know why that is. The interest of these artists, I believe, is tied to things like horror films. I know in the book club that I run, a lot of people are often reading horror books and novels. Scary stuff is a common interest. And I definitely think that’s (not the case) in more established arts spaces. You don’t walk into the Butler and see a lot of horror art.”

This year’s show features more than 40 artists: Daniel Hardy, Beth Carson, Jim Young, Rick Maro, George Whitacre, Raven Patrick, Jersee Hogue, Carmen Denno, Will Rex, Stephanie Timko, Kayla Latimer, Seth Robertson, Lindsey Werger, Johnathan Ruple, Jumari Lyons, AnnaMarie Mastrey, Rachel Clifford, Jamie Beasley, Debbie Derrenbacher, Apryle Elizabeth, Josh Kronauer, Lynne Provance, Kimberly Tumblin, Rebecca Bender, Matthew Jefferson, Jennalee Butch, Cheyene Finney, Jessica Mackey, Isaac Mackey, Henry Mackey, Meghan Howard, Omi Black, Amber Howard, James Shuttic, Julia Shuttic, Lilah Shuttic, Ashley Kellar, Talia Kellar, Pixie Kellar, Inika Kellar, Opal Kellar and Leotie Rose.

Much of the work will be for sale, and the artists keep 100% of the purchase price.

The gallery doesn’t take a commission.

Many of this year’s participants are children who participate in Art on Park’s Kids Art Club, particularly the work that will be featured in Dark on Park’s exhibition space for blacklight art.

“It’s a way to give the kids the exhibition experience beyond just taking something home to mom and dad, and I think they love that,” Wheeler said. “They can get a feel for (exhibiting their work), and I think they take pride in it. I’ve seen lots of kids enjoy seeing their works on the wall when they submit.”

Live music will be provided during the reception by Daniel Hardy, one of the participating artists, who incorporates puppetry into his performances.

“He’s going by Luminous Being, and he’s taken a liking to creating puppets and moving them around and performing with them,” Wheeler said. “He does some vocal manipulation with effects processors while he uses the puppets, and then he’ll be making sort of electronic soundscapes on a synthesizer.”

Ashley Kellar, who runs the Kids Art Club, will create an interactive exhibition in the upstairs galley involving secrets, and there will be a costume contest and a potluck reception.

“I like to kind of make this one a party and have lots of things for people to do and lots of reasons for them to stick around,” Wheeler said.

“Not just come and walk through and walk out, but actually hang out and converse. It’s a community-building event secretly. It’s an art show officially, but what I’m really trying to do is foster a creative community.”

If you go …

WHAT: Dark on Park

WHEN: Opening reception from 7 to 10 p..m. Saturday

WHERE: Art on Park, 180 N. Park Ave., Warren

HOW MUCH: Admission is free.