FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2010

County of Union Employees and Their Families Are Invited to Exhibit Artwork

Since 2002, employees of the County of Union and their families have participated in a unique program that gives them the opportunity to display their artistic creations. In its ongoing effort to recognize and encourage creative and artistic accomplishment throughout Union County, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, in partnership with The National Arts Program®, is pleased to announce the ninth annual exhibition of artwork by County of Union workers and their families.

“What a pleasure it is to see the outstanding artwork done by Union County employees and their families,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “Whether it’s people who have exhibited before or new artists, the participants display a wide variety of work that always impresses with its quality.”

Entries will be accepted in the categories of painting, photography, artworks on paper, sculpture and crafts. Recognized artists and art professionals will serve as judges, selecting entrants for cash awards and honorable mention in the exhibition’s five artistic classifications: amateur (little or no experience); intermediate (some experience, art students); professional (serious art training or employed in an art related job); teens 13 to 18 years old; and youths age 12 and under.

“We are happy to extend the invitation to enter the program to Union County College employees and their relatives again this year,” said Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan. “We share the goal of The National Arts Program® to reach as many people as possible of all ages, offering them a chance to display their artistic talents in a public exhibition.”

In the adult classifications, each first-place winner will receive $300; second place will receive $200 each; and third place, $100 each. There is one $300 prize for Best in Show. In each youth classification, $75 will go to first-place winners; $50 to second place; and $25 to third place. The prizes are provided by The National Arts Program®.

The National Arts Program® runs 84 annual programs reaching 450 cities in 44 states. The program was conceived in 1985 by Leonard E.B. Andrews (1925-2009), an art collector, publisher, business executive and journalist, “for the encouragement and development of artistic expression.” The National Arts Program® allows all artists to upload their artwork, free of charge, to their online Interactive Gallery. To learn more about The National Arts Program® and upload your artwork or to see photos from past exhibits, please visit www.nationalartsprogram.org.

Pre-registration is required by April 22. Early registration is encouraged. To request a registration form and further information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550 or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.