“The student submissions in the 2017 art competition were very impressive and I am sure this year’s show will once again showcase the talents of our students,” Smith said. “We have more than 80 entries from across Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties in the Fourth Congressional District.  The ‘Best-in-Show’ winner will head to the U.S. Capitol Building and be displayed for one year.”

Art work was hung last night, and will be on display through April 12. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 12.

The show, which Smith has sponsored for more than 20 years, is being held at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton).

“We so very much appreciate Robert Wood Johnson University-Hospital for hosting this event at its spectacular Lakefront Tower Gallery in Hamilton,” Smith said. “Hospital employees, patients and visitors have responded so positively to the art, that by popular demand we have extended the show from a three or four day show in past shows to several weeks. Visitors can enjoy the 2018 show though April 12.”

Again this year, the show will display several pieces of artwork by each judge, and RWJ-Hamilton will handle inquiries of purchasing art in its gallery, including students and judges, that are available for purchase.

The RWJ-Hamilton Lakefront Gallery is located on the first floor of the hospital along the mezzanine, directly above the gift shop and café area.  Best access to the gallery can be through the main entrance of the hospital (near the U.S. flag pole), located at One Hamilton Health Place in Hamilton. The artwork will be on display during normal visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through April 12, 2018.

PHOTO: Last year’s Best in Show was “The Carousel” by Tallia Maglione of Wall High School, a work depicting a famous site at the Jersey Shore in the Monmouth County.

The 2018 judges are Debbie Jencsik of Ocean County, N.J.; Jim Inzero, also of Ocean County, N.J., and; Rich Thompson of Mercer County, N.J. Smith gratefully noted the invaluable assistance of Lakefront Gallery curator Sheila Geisler and her fellow members of the Princeton Photography Club which manages shows, and the staff at RWJ-Hamilton. Click here for a summary of the judges’ biographies.

Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school visual art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office. Students submit entries to their Member of Congress’s office, and a panel of district judges select the winners. The Best in Show winners are recognized at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

For more information about the 2018 NJ-04 show or to view recent year winners, click here. News about the 2019 competition will be posted on the same site in February or March 2019.

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