Calling all Keystone State creatives – the State Museum of Pennsylvania, together with the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation, is rolling out the red carpet for local talent. Artists hailing from the land of liberty are invited to throw their hats in the ring for the well-respected Art of the State juried exhibition, now celebrating its 57th anniversary. It’s a golden opportunity for Pennsylvania residents over 18 to dazzle in categories ranging from painting to photography.
Hopefuls have until the stroke of midnight on May 3rd to get their applications to compete for more than $5,000 in cash prizes. According to the official announcement, an online submission is the only way to secure a spot under the scrutinizing eyes of a top-notch jury. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts can mark their calendars for September 8th – the start of what promises to be an exhibition jam-packed with local talent, running clear through to January 5th.
It’s not just about glory but also some cold, hard cash for the victors. Five Benjamins are up for grabs for first-place winners in each category, with lesser amounts for those trailing just a bit behind. To keep things interesting, special awards like the William D. Davis Memorial Award for Drawing and the Art Docents’ Choice Award are also in play.
The State Museum promises a jury that’s anything but mundane. Pros like Marc Jacobson, with his storied career in painting and decades of experience in tertiary art instruction, or Jennifer-Navva Milliken of the Museum for Art in Wood, a virtuoso in weaving contemporary themes into the world of woodcraft. Eric Sung from Providence College brings a fusion of art and academic rigor to the table, with a hefty dose of community engagement on the side. And at the finish line, awaiting to adorn winners with laurels is Jim Toia - an artist, executive director, and curator, not to mention a man with a penchant for environmental exploration and an impressive back catalog of global exhibits.
For the culturally engaged and the patrons of progress alike, this event is a testament to Pennsylvania’s vibrant heritage and the souls who continue to weave its artistic tapestry. The arts are not merely a reflection of who we are, but a relentless quest for what we might become. As winners take their bows in the hallowed halls of The State Museum later this year, remember, there lies America’s tale, not just Pennsylvania’s.
