The Monmouth Museum continues to move forward as the well-established New Jersey Emerging Artist Series announces an open call to welcome artists to apply to become a NJ Emerging Artist for the 2020-2021 series. Submissions are accepted now through June 15 through Submittable. More information and the link to submit can be found at www.MonmouthMuseum.org under the Artist/Call for Entries tab. A submission fee of $20 is required and includes a portfolio of up to 10 pieces. More information and guidelines are available on the website. Additional updates will be posted on the Museum’s Instagram account @themonmouthmuseum and on the Facebook page @monmouthmuseum.org.

The focus of the Emerging Artists for the next series will be representing the underrepresented in the arts, as it applies to all fields and disciplines. Donna Kessinger, executive director, says, “We look to thoughtfully engage a broad group of artists and prioritize diversity in all areas, including gender, age, background, socioeconomic level, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and the special needs community. The focus is to encourage the artistic expression of those artists underrepresented in the art world, at their point of emerging in their next career level as an artist.”

By creating a platform and providing a voice to these diverse perspectives, the exhibits and their workshops can provide an inclusive and interactive space for artistic exploration and support a collaborative environment for attendees.

The New Jersey Emerging Artists Series consists of annual monthly solo exhibitions to showcase the new work of NJ artists who are emerging into their next phase as artists. The Nilson Gallery in the Monmouth Museum provides an opportunity for these artists to exhibit their work. Selected artists are guided through the exhibition process, provided promotional materials, and give an Artist’s Talk during their exhibition, offering the public insight into their artistic process. All opening receptions & Gallery Talks are free and open to the public. 

There will be a significant virtual component, such as the current virtual exhibit,  www.monmouthmuseum.org/virtualgallery. Should the Museum remain temporarily closed, planned exhibits and their activities will take place online. The artists selected for this series represent the diversity of talent in the state and demonstrate creativity in a wide variety of media.

The selection committee will choose six artists invited from a pool of curators and visual arts professionals who are based in the global and greater New York art markets. The evolving series will include inviting independent curators from diverse backgrounds to help create the exhibitions.

For more information, email artist_liaison@monmouthmuseum.org.