84th Annual Open Juried Exhibition

Overview

The 84th Annual Open Juried Exhibition is held at Middletown Arts Center in Middletown, New Jersey. The exhibition is open to New Jersey residents, 18 years or older, and NJWS Signature members residing in other states. See full prospectus for details.

Key dates

• Submissions open Monday, June 22, 2026
• Entry deadline Monday, August 17, 2026
• Acceptance notifications Monday, August 31, 2026
• Receiving of accepted paintings Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am–12 noon
• Exhibition dates October 4–24, 2026
• Reception and awards presentation Saturday, October 24, 2026, 1–3pm
• Pick up of paintings Saturday, October 24, 2026, 3–4pm

Media & requirements

• No copies, prints, classwork, workshop creations, computer or digital media, oils, water-soluble oils, textural materials, photography, or nude paintings
• Artwork must have been completed in the last four years
• Artwork previously displayed in any NJWS exhibition (in gallery or online) is not eligible
• Minimum size (without mat or frame): 9" × 12"
• Maximum framed size: 48 inches in any direction

Entry fees

• NJWS Members with 2026 dues paid: $40 for 1 painting, $50 for 2 paintings
• Non-Members: $50 for 1 painting, $60 for 2 paintings
• All entry fees are non-refundable

Submission details

Submissions are done online via ShowSubmit. Up to 2 artworks per artist may be entered, but only one may be selected for the exhibition. Images must be cropped to show the image only, in JPG format, at least 1500 pixels on the longest side, 300 dpi, and no larger than 30 MB. No changes may be made to price, title, or information after the entry deadline.

Awards

$8,000 in cash and merchandise. Juror of Selection: Mr. Stan Kurth. Juror of Awards: Ms. Chris Krupinski.

Framing guidelines

All framed artwork must be framed under plexiglass (glass will not be accepted). Mats must be white or off-white in color; a small colored inner mat is acceptable. All framed artwork must be wired and ready for hanging with no sawtooth brackets. Maximum overall size, including frame, must not exceed 48 inches in any direction. For non-traditional mounting, paintings on paper must be firmly adhered to a board or panel and sealed and/or varnished. Wood cradled panels must be at least 1½ inches depth with finished edges. Panels may also be submitted in a floater frame.

Sales & liability

Work may be for sale or designated NFS (not for sale). NJWS will not receive any compensation from sales. Sales tax, shipping, and other expenses are the artist's responsibility. All transactions are between the buyer and the artist or their representative. By submitting work, the entrant agrees to hold harmless NJWS and the Middletown Arts Center from any claims of damage or loss. Permission is granted to reproduce the painting for promotion and educational purposes.

Contact

Michael Berardesco, [email protected]