Call to artists

SUSSEX COUNTY — The Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council’s annual Skylands exhibit has become a benchmark for quality art shows in the New Jersey highlands. All artists 18 years of age or older are invited to submit entries, and all media are accepted. Last year 84 works of art were selected from over 300 entries by artists in the tri-state area and beyond. This year the cash prizes total over $2,000. The juror is selected by a committee of experienced artists and professionals. This year Marilyn Stevenson, a veteran curator, gallery director, an accomplished art exhibition juror, and professional photographer, will judge the entries. Stevenson is currently the director and curator of The Gallery at The Glen Ridge Community Center and the assistant director of the New Century Artist Gallery in New York City. Her accreditations include being an invited juror for the National Association of Women Artists 122nd Annual Exhibition in New York City, curating over 20 shows for the East End Photographers Group in Riverhead, New York, and chairing annual juried exhibits for Studio Montclair. Among her artistic achievements are numerous solo exhibitions in New York and New Jersey, and group shows in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Graz, Austria. She received a public art commission from the Atlantic Care Regional Medical Center and was a New York State Foundation for the Arts grant winner. Stevenson also worked as an art director, graphic designer, and technical illustrator. The gala opening reception, with champagne/wine, catered hors d'oeuvres and entertainment, will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The reception serves as a major fundraiser for the Council. Awards will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Tickets for the gala are $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the door. Reservations can be made by calling the Council or by going to http://25skylandsjuriedart.eventbrite.com/. The deadline for entries is March 23. Artists interested in entering can download the entry form by going to the Council’s website www.scahc.org, scrolling down and clicking on the link on the right. For more information 973-383-0027 or visit the gallery at 133 Spring Street in Newton. Hours are Tuesday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show continues through June 2 and can be viewed during normal hours. Admission is free.