(SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ) -- A new lineup of artwork, which depicts the open space and landscapes of 12 Somerset County parks, will soon be on display in the Somerset County Administration Building at 20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ. The art exhibit will run from October 17 to December 31, 2025, and features over 30 New Jersey artists who have worked to showcase the vast diversity that exists within the 15,000 acres of preserved open space in Somerset County.
"Every day, countless residents venture into our scenic parks, award-winning gardens, top-notch recreational facilities, and amazing nature trails to escape the stress of life and work," said Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. "The ability to enjoy outdoor amenities and fresh air, regardless of the season, is what makes Somerset County a special place to live, work, and play. That's why we remain committed to reaching our preservation goal of 24,000 acres of open space. By protecting our open space, we can create more opportunities for residents to stay active, lead healthy lives, and express themselves through these creative art projects."
The Open Air / Open Space Art Project celebrates and highlights Somerset County's dedication to the Open Space Preservation Program, which focuses on preserving undeveloped land for recreational purposes and environmental sustainability. This project is the second from a special series of art projects that highlight Somerset County's preservation efforts. The first installment, entitled Farm to Frame, partnered New Jersey artists with preserved farmlands in Somerset County. Artists have also been paired with historic sites in Somerset County to create next year's Hues of History art project.
For this project, artists were given a full calendar year to create artwork that visually represented the natural environment, live events, and other recreational activities that occur during all four seasons throughout the park system. Artists from 14 Somerset County municipalities participated in the project, which also included artists from six different counties across New Jersey.
"By providing a platform for New Jersey artists to create meaningful and impactful work, the projects foster a deeper connection to the local community," said Katie Himics, Program Coordinator for the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. "Through art, this project series provides an accessible entry point for the public into the work that the County does to preserve our farmland, open space, and historic assets."
Over 40 pieces of artwork were made through a Plein Air process, which involves creating art while outdoors to capture the subject in real time. Artists worked in a variety of mediums including pastel, collage, ink, watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic, printmaking, and mixed media. Throughout the year, the artists worked to capture the following parks and open spaces.
* Colonial Park – Franklin.
* Duke Island Park – Bridgewater.
* East County Park – Warren.
* Little Brook Sanctuary – Bernardsville.
* Lord Stirling Park – Bernards.
* Natirar – Peapack/Gladstone, Far Hills, Bedminster.
* North Branch Park – Bridgewater.
* Raritan River Greenway – Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan, Somerville.
* Skillman Park – Montgomery.
* Sourland Mountain Preserve – Hillsborough, Montgomery.
* South Branch Greenway – Branchburg.
* Washington Valley Park – Bridgewater.
Opening Gallery Reception - A special opening reception for the art exhibit will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6:00pm at the Cultural & Heritage Gallery at 20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ. During the reception, the exhibit will be juried, and the winning artists will be announced. In early 2026, the exhibit will travel to various locations throughout the County to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of protecting open space for conservation, recreation, and passive use. To RSVP for the reception, contact the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission at [email protected] or (908) 231-7022.
Open Air / Open Space is sponsored by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, Somerset County Park Commission, Somerset County Open Space Preservation Program, and Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. The program is made possible with funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
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.
