(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The Center for the Arts at Monmouth University presents its art and activism exhibit, Artivism, now through Thursday, May 31 at the University’s Pollak Gallery. As a universal language, the arts are heralded as an effective way to address social issues. Artivism or "activist art" is a form of social protest that explores cultural and political concerns. Even more, Artivism is a practice that attempts to raise awareness and inspire positive social change, through visual creations on canvas, in photography, through sculpture, installations, and more.

This juried exhibition features artworks that employ spectacle, symbolism and collective participation to fight for issues of social justice including racial discrimination, gender equality, fair labor practices, human rights and more. 

Works were chosen from a selection of nearly 350 submissions that came in from countries all over the world. In addition to many artists from New Jersey, the exhibit features works by artists from California to Western Europe.

The opening reception will take place on Friday, April 13 from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Pollak Gallery. Many of the exhibiting artists will be in attendance. This reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. 

Participating Artists Include Ellis Angel, Marilyn M. Baldi, Janet Boltax, Merry Brennan, Roberta C. Scott, Beverly Crilly, Patricia Dahlman, Michael Dal Cerro, Isabella DeAnglis, Dawn DiCicco, Mark Dornan, Anne Dushanko Dobek, Shekira Farrell, Nette Forne Thomas, Sophie French, Jessenia Gaviria, Ghazel Ghazi, Emily Gilman Beezley, Indira Govindan, Sandra Gustafson, Stephen Harrison, Jesse Hill, Annie Hogan, Patricia Hutchinson, Julia Justo, Edward Kelley, Louise Krasniewicz, Rashna Madon, Stephen Marc, Alexandra Martin, Bonnie McKee Totora, Irmari Nacht, Chris Revelle, Andrew Ricci, Patrice Robinson, Stuart Robinson, Charles Andrew Seaton, Rosary Solimanto, William Stoehr, Colleen Sweeney Gahrmann, Sandy Taylor, John Taylor-Lehman, Brad Terhune, Hannah Ueno, Joseph Villa, Maryann Vitiello, Terrill Warrenburg, Judy Wukitsch, and Belgin Yucelen.

Monmouth University’s Pollak Gallery is located at 400 Cedar Avenue in West Long Branch, New Jersey.