Somerset County Invites Artists 60 And Older To Enter 2026 Senior Art Show

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County is accepting entries for its 2026 Senior Art Show, which invites artists age 60 and older to submit work by July 13.

The annual show is organized by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and will feature selected artwork in a public display at the County Administration Building in Somerville.

The contest includes a wide range of media, including works on paper, watercolors, photography, acrylics, digital art, sculpture, mixed media, crafts, print, oils and pastels.

All selected artwork will be displayed inside the County Administration Building at 20 Grove Street in Somerville from Friday, July 31 to Tuesday, Sept. 8.

"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."

The county highlighted Branchburg artist Leokadia Stanik, who placed first in the professional print category in the Somerset County Senior Art Show in 2025 and 2024.

Stanik also finished first in the 2024 State Show and placed third in the 2025 State Show in the same category.

"I have always been an artist and have participated in many art shows," Stanik said. "In my 70s, 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."

Stanik said printmaking has helped keep her engaged creatively.

"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."

She also encouraged other seniors to enter.

"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!"

First-place winners will advance to the New Jersey State Senior Citizen Art Show.

Their work will be featured online and in person at the Meadow Lakes Senior Center from Monday, Sept. 28 to Wednesday, Nov. 4.

A ceremony for state show winners is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake.

To register for the 2026 Senior Art Show, visit somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/cultural-heritage-gallery/senior-art-show/application-form.

Residents can find eligibility requirements, contest guidelines and registration information on Somerset County’s website.

More information is available from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission at 908-203-6145 or by email at CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov.