For Immediate Release

 

Contact:         Maryjane Briant    
                        News and Media Relations Director  
                        Galloway, N.J. 08205       
                        Maryjane.Briant@stockton.edu   
                        (609) 652-4593  
                        www.stockton.edu/media

Galloway, N.J. - High school students, amateur artists and professionals are invited to participate in a community exhibition of their artwork designed to bring attention to the impact of economic inequality in the United States - and potentially earn some money doing it.

“Focus on Economic Inequality,” will be exhibited from Oct. 8-30, 2016 at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, at Fairmount and Mississippi avenues in Atlantic City, N.J.

Cash prizes in the form of gift cards will be awarded, with a $175 top prize and $50 for honorable mention in each of the three artist categories.

“This art exhibit is part of Stockton University’s ongoing initiative on economic inequality,” said Oliver Cooke, associate professor of Economics, who co-chairs the university’s initiative with Carra Leah Hood, assistant provost and associate professor of Writing. “Stockton is one of over 20 colleges and universities across the country seeking to engage college and university campuses and their broader communities in discussing, debating, and exploring the complex causes and consequences of economic inequality,” Cooke said.

“The artists whose work appears in this exhibit will share what they see and understand about economic and other forms of inequality, presenting viewers with visual stories of struggle and survival and love amidst, at times, chaotic odds,” said Hood. “An artist's vision can tease out subtlety of emotion and, in doing so, teach us new ways of seeing and knowing ourselves and others, imagining different -- more just and equitable -- worlds, and acting to change the contours of our communities.”

There will be a panel discussion followed by awards and a reception on Friday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. at the Arts Garage. Panelists will include: artist Larry McKim, an artist from Frenchtown, N.J., who has shown nationally in over 30 group and 10 solo exhibitions; Wendel White, Distinguished Professor of Art at Stockton; Joyce Hagen, executive director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation; and Christina Jackson, assistant professor of Sociology.

All of the events are free and open to the public.

There is no fee to enter.  Download all of the forms at www.stockton.edu/artgallery

All artwork must address a theme related to the causes or consequences of economic inequality, the growing gap between the haves and have-nots. All submissions must have an entry form attached to the back. All 2D artwork must be ready to hang with a wire securely attached. Artist must provide pedestal or stand for 3D work, if needed. Entries are limited to three artistic pieces per person.

The schedule for participating artists is as follows:

• Friday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., drop off art work with entry forms and registration at the Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave. (at Mississippi), Atlantic City, N.J. 609-626-3805.
• Saturday, Oct. 1: Entrants will be notified between 1-2 p.m. by email or phone if their work has been accepted. Others should pick up their work, (bring receipt) between 2- 6 p.m. that day.

The works will be judged by Cooke, Hood and Michael McGarvey, professor of Art, and Kate Nearpass Ogden, professor of Art History.

“This visual arts platform offers the public (ages 14 to adult) the opportunity to participate in the larger conversation of economic inequality, express their point-of-view, exchange ideas and talk about their personal experiences and concerns for their community,” Denise McGarvey, Stockton exhibition coordinator. Those seeking more information may contact her at denise.mcgarvey@stockton.edu or 609-652-4566.

For more information about Stockton’s Economic Inequality Initiative, visit Stockton.edu/ei