Hillsborough, Montgomery Farms Showcased In 'Farm To Frame' Exhibit

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough and Montgomery farms are among the preserved farms in Somerset County showcases in the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission's new "Farm to Frame" exhibit.

The exhibit features artistic representations of preserved farms in Somerset County by more than 30 New Jersey artists.

Participating artists were assigned a farm in March 2022 and had until February 2023 to complete and submit their artwork. A juror selected a first and second place winner for this gallery, as well as an honorable mention. The winners include:

1st Place- Barbara A. Friedman, Freehold
Farm Location: Beechtree Farm, Montgomery

2nd Place– Andrea Gianchiglia, Califon
Farm Location: Derwood Farm, Hillsborough

Honorable Mention– Donna Volpe, Somerville
Farm Location: Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm, Montgomery

The exhibit is on display now from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, at the Cultural & Heritage Gallery, located on the first floor of the County Administration Building at 20 Grove Street in Somerville. The exhibit ends on Monday, May 1.

It also will be displayed at Somerset County libraries and senior centers during the summer. Those who are unable to visit the artwork in person are invited to view the virtual Farm to Frame exhibit on the Cultural & Heritage Commission website.

This exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board.

"This exhibit shows two sides of New Jersey – our vital local farms and our vibrant arts community," said Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the commission. "They did an amazing job finding the diversity and character of Somerset County’s agriculture in a number of media and styles."

"The work over the past year of the Cultural and Heritage Commission, the Ag Board, our farmers, and of course the incredibly talented artists have been a truly cooperative effort on all sides," said Commissioner Paul Drake, liaison to the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board. "But the truth is the partnership that led to today started four decades ago with the launch of Somerset County’s farmland preservation efforts."