The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders is inviting all Monmouth County residents age 60 and over to participate in the 2016 Senior Citizen Art Contest and Exhibition by submitting one piece of original visual art.
Senior artists who have professional or nonprofessional status are welcome. Categories in both divisions are acrylic, craft, computer imagery, drawing, mixed media, oil, pastel, photography, print, sculpture and watercolor, according to a press release.
The 2016 application, rules, eligibility requirements and important dates are available on the county website. Previous participants will be sent information via U.S. mail.
“Monmouth County’s older adults are creative and vibrant, and they have an opportunity to showcase their talents in this popular program,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services.
“Our seniors enjoy the recreation and challenges of art, and take pride in their work. Most of all, we appreciate everyone sharing their talents with us. I look forward to seeing all of the artistic masterpieces for this year that will be on display in the main library in August,” Curley said.
Artwork accepted into the show will be displayed at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Manalapan, from Aug. 5-30. An awards ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 17 at the library headquarters.
“The main branch of the library is very active with visitors from Monmouth County and throughout the state. This venue gives everyone the opportunity to see the abilities our seniors possess and want to share with the public. Art is part of our culture and there isn’t a more appropriate setting than the library to exhibit the expertise of our seniors,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said.
Monmouth County’s Office on Aging is once again working with the Social Community Activities Network (SCAN) to coordinate the logistics of the annual art show. SCAN is handling the application process for this year’s art contest exhibition. Completed 2016 applications must be received by July 8. Participation may be limited.
SCAN will also hold and display all first place winning entries at the SCAN campus in the Monmouth Mall, Eatontown, from Sept. 1-18. There will be an open house at SCAN from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 9 for the general public to view the winners of the 2016 Monmouth County Senior Art Show.