(SOMERVILLE, NJ) -- The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is looking to display the artwork of talented seniors, aged 60 and older, at the 2026 Senior Art Show. The deadline for registration and submission is Monday, July 13, 2026.
"Each year, our Senior Art Show provides senior residents with an opportunity to get creative and showcase their artistic abilities - and I can personally attest that there is an abundance of talent in Somerset County!" said Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Commission. "Almost 60 seniors participated in last year's contest. Sixteen of those artists advanced to the New Jersey State Senior Citizen Art Show, with nine receiving placements in the final show."
In 2025 and 2024, Leokadia Stanik, a senior artist from Branchburg, placed first in the professional print category in the Somerset County Senior Art Show. Stanik also finished first in the 2024 State Show and placed third in the 2025 State Show for the same category.
"I have always been an artist and have participated in many art shows," Stanik said. "In my seventies, I finally realized and accepted that perhaps, I am senior! So, I entered work in the 2023 Senior Art Show. This year will be my fourth submitting work."
The annual contest accepts different mediums of artwork, which include works on paper, watercolors, photography, acrylics, digital art, sculpture, mixed media, crafts, print, oils, and pastels.
Stanik said that self-expression in the form of printmaking has helped to keep her creative muscles active and her mind engaged.
"When we create art, we are forced to constantly make decisions and solve artistic problems," Stanik said. "Printmaking is my medium. I work in etching, silk-screen, relief, and other techniques. Printmaking requires that I think in layers and sometimes backwards. I really enjoy the challenges! Perhaps this problem solving is a key to longevity."
All selected artwork will be publicly displayed inside the County Administration Building, located at 20 Grove Street in Somerville, from Friday, July 31 to Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Stanik encouraged her fellow seniors to get involved and showcase their artistic abilities in this year's show.
"You will be in the company of supportive and creative senior artists," Stanik said with reassurance. "By participating, you may enhance or rekindle your interest in making art or maybe even discover something new that interests you. The value of participating is in experiencing the process and the journey. Do this for yourself!"
The first-place winners will advance to the New Jersey State Senior Citizen Art Show and have their artwork featured online and in-person at the Meadow Lakes Senior Center from Monday, September 28 to Wednesday, November 4, 2026. A ceremony for the winners of the New Jersey State Senior Citizen Art Show will be held at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Residents can learn more about eligibility requirements and contest guidelines here.
To register for the 2026 Senior Art Show, use this form.
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.
The senior art show exhibit is co-sponsored by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services and made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
