(NEWARK, NJ) -- Gallery Aferro and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers invite New Jersey teens in grades 7–12 to enter their original work to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Youth artists in Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Morris, Sussex, Union, and Warren County are invited to enter the country's longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative students.The deadline to apply in the Northern New Jersey Art region is December 18, 2021.

Gallery Aferro is the new Northern New Jersey Affiliate Partner of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the nonprofit organization that presents the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The exhibit and award ceremony for winners will be held at Gallery Aferro in Spring 2022.

The deadline to apply in the Northern New Jersey Art region is December 18, 2021. To learn more about the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, or to enter, visit www.artandwriting.org  

The Northern New Jersey Art Region’s Scholastic Awards were previously presented by the Montclair Art Museum. After 12 years of service, the Museum is pleased to pass the torch to Gallery Aferro.

“We are so excited to see the Scholastic Awards in northern New Jersey find a new home at Gallery Aferro, founded and run by a passionate team of artists who share our dedication to creative teens and will exemplify our mission to identify and recognize the next generation of great artists and writers,” said Daniel Embree, Director of National Programs at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. 

“There are few things as meaningful and gratifying as being able to connect young artists with resources,” said Emma Wilcox, Executive Director and Co-founder of Gallery Aferro. “We are thrilled to be able to champion the creative excellence of teens from across northern New Jersey, but especially here in our hometown of Newark.”

Gallery Aferro is located at 73 Market Street in Newark, New Jersey.  The gallery is a platform for the exchange of ideas in service of advancing human dignity and beauty, with a focus on visual arts as the vehicle.