New Jersey Artists Wanted for Somerset County’s Hues of History Art Exhibit

New Jersey residents, aged 18 or older, are invited to create their own renditions of over 15 landmarks and historic sites throughout Somerset County for the upcoming Hues of History exhibit. The art exhibit celebrates 25 years of Somerset County’s Historic Preservation Grant Program and is seeking artists to capture the architectural beauty of Somerset County’s historically significant sites. The participating historic sites, which range from the Colonial period to the early 20th century, feature various architectural styles and provide creative flexibility for artists.

“This exhibit is a great opportunity for New Jersey artists to not only create beautiful artwork, but to truly learn about the history that accompanies each of these historic sites,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. “These buildings and structures offer a visual timeline that showcase the progression of architecture, culture, and people in Somerset County.”

Hues of History is a special art project sponsored by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, Somerset County Planning Division, and the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. Made possible with funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Sign Up Information

• New Jersey residents interested in participating must complete an initial Artist Interest Form by August 1, 2025.

• A completed submission package, which consists of two forms found in the program’s Prospectus, and a $25 non-refundable entry fee, are due by August 15, 2025. The collected entry fees will go exclusively towards the prize pool for this program.

Each participating artist will be assigned a historic site to inspire them. Artists will indicate their site preferences in their Artist Interest Form. Artists’ final site assignments, and site-specific information, will be released in September 2025.

An opening reception for the Hues of History exhibit is planned for October 2026. The exhibition, which will be professionally juried, will be on display in the Cultural & Heritage Art Gallery located in the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. The exhibit will run from October 2026 to January 2027. A traveling component may follow, bringing the artwork to select locations throughout the County.

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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